The EU invests 8.85 million EUR in rapid diagnostics to combat antimicrobial resistance.

The European Commission finances the development of a rapid diagnostic device that can identify bacteria and effective treatment in less than an hour, to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

Brussels, December 15, 2025 – The European Union invests 8.85 million EUR in the development of a new rapid diagnostic device, aimed at helping doctors determine in less than an hour whether an infection is bacterial in nature and which antibiotic is effective. The initiative aims to combat antimicrobial resistance, which causes thousands of deaths annually in the EU and generates costs of approximately 11 billion EUR for health systems.

In short

Funding of 8.85 million EUR for a rapid diagnostic device.

Results in under an hour, directly in the office, hospital, or pharmacy.

Support for a consortium made up of five companies and European institutions.

Funding through the EU4Health program.

AMR generates estimated costs of 11 billion EUR per year.

Commissioner Lahbib warns of the risk of excessive antibiotic use.

The European Commission allocates 8.85 million EUR for the development of an innovative rapid diagnostic device, capable of determining the presence of bacteria, their type, and antibiotic sensitivity in less than an hour. The new tool aims to address the delays in current procedures, where tests are performed in specialized laboratories and do not provide immediate results. This situation leads doctors to prescribe antibiotics "out of caution," contributing to the acceleration of antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance remains one of the most serious health risks in the EU, causing thousands of deaths annually and costing health systems approximately 11 billion EUR each year. According to the Commission, the device will be usable in medical offices, emergency rooms, or pharmacies, requiring a low level of training for staff.

The EU-supported consortium brings together five European partners: ShanX MedTech B.V. (Netherlands), Aidian Oy (Finland), Biosurfit S.A. (Portugal), Unitron B.V. (Netherlands), and the Biomedical Research Foundation of Ramón y Cajal University Hospital (Spain). The project will run for a period of four years and is funded through the EU4Health program.

"Antimicrobial resistance is already costing lives and putting real pressure on health systems in Europe. Too often, doctors have to prescribe antibiotics without having access to a rapid and accurate diagnosis. By investing in rapid tests, we provide them with the means to treat accurately, not out of caution. If we misuse antibiotics today, we disarm medicine for tomorrow," said Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/ue-investeste-885-milioane-eur-in-diagnostice-rapide-pentru-a-combate-rezistenta-antimicrobiana