This article was written by Chiara Messina, Penta Foundation Head of Programme Operations, Italy. It is taken from Penta’s 2024 Annual Social Report.
A key highlight of 2024 was Penta’s commitment to build a coordinated preparedness action in response to future pandemics. This resulted in key initiatives participation such as CoMeCT and BE READY NOW, aiming at improving coordination across Europe for clinical research in infectious diseases. Penta’s commitment is to ensure the prioritisation of underserved populations, such as pregnant individuals and children, within this initiative. As coordinator, Penta spearheaded the PIPELINE project, set to launch in 2025. This initiative will establish a pan-European network of pregnancy and infancy sites, enabling prompt responses to emerging new infection threats through site preparation for clinical studies and a master protocol adaptable for these populations.
Penta’s efforts in Africa have also been noteworthy in 2024, particularly with the successful conclusion of the PEDICAP trial for the improvement of outcomes for children hospitalized with pneumonia, which provided evidence for reducing the burden on patients, families and healthcare systems. This achievement marks another significant milestone in Penta’s commitment to reducing antimicrobial resistance in children.
In the area of HIV, 2024 marked also the conclusion of the innovative EPIICAL project, an eight-year initiative that provided invaluable insights into virological and immunological dynamics, particularly in relation to early antiretroviral treatment response and discontinuation. The groundwork by EPIICAL has paved the way for the new ENABLE project, which expands research into innovative HIV treatments for children living with HIV. This transition ensures continuity in Penta’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by HIV-affected families.
In 2024 significant efforts were also devoted to the registration of new paediatric formulations. Penta prepared and coordinated the submission to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the modelling and simulation data to support the dossier for the approval of a child-friendly, fixed-dose combination of Darunavir/Ritonavir for the treatment of HIV in children, along with CHAI. This effort reflects our commitment to ensure that medications are tailored with the correct dosage and formulation specifically for children, adopting state of the art methodology to advance paediatric HIV treatment options.
In support of all the above and the work to come, the Penta Research Environment (PRE) continued to be an essential resource, facilitating data sharing across various research initiatives and allowing researchers to analyze data seamlessly, fostering collaboration and accelerating evidence generation.
Penta’s activities in 2024 reflected our dedication to innovative research, collaborative efforts, and meaningful partnerships. As the organisation continues to evolve, we reinforce our contribution to advancements in pregnancy and child health.