Through independent research into child health operating on global scale, Penta is one of the most prominent scientific organizations dedicated to children’s health.

We are a non-profit Foundation with a remarkable expertise in coordinating projects, optimizing their financial and administrative management, disseminating scientific results and delivering training programs. The Foundation is sponsor of clinical trials according to the GCP guidelines and new relevant European Directives. We have recently entered into a number of framework collaboration agreements with world-leading paediatric research institutions.

We are an operational network, that brings together key stakeholders in paediatric infectious disease, including researchers, clinicians, regulatory bodies, the pharmaceutical industry and patients and their families, to plan and carry out high quality clinical research and training.

The network was established in 1991 as a collaboration between paediatric HIV centres in Europe. The primary aim of the network was to undertake independent clinical trials to address questions about antiretroviral therapies in HIV infected children, where answers could not be extrapolated from trials in adults. In 2011 the Penta network officially evolved into PENTA-ID (Infectious Diseases), extending its research to other paediatric infectious diseases. As such, we have been involved in several non HIV-related projects: where the main research focus is on adults, Penta represents a gateway for paediatric expertise thanks to its very well established network of paediatric hospitals. The Network now spans over 100 clinical sites in 28 countries, providing the access to paediatric patients necessary to perform clinical research.

In addition to coordinating and participating in trials and cohort studies, the Network develops treatment guidelines and training programmes for health care professionals thus contributing to European and global efforts to improve research infrastructure and harmonize and streamline research methods.

Currently the Penta Foundation and its network are involved in research projects in various developing countries that operate along 5 main lines of intervention: HIV and other viruses, Antimicrobials, Network building and Training.

In 2016 a spin off company (Penta ID Innovation) was set up by the Foundation in order to provide services to companies and invest directly in specific projects.

We look forward to building on our existing partnerships and seeking out potential new collaborations. Together, we are continually striving to improve the quality of life of children and their families.