We are proud to announce the addition of Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory (Genos) to the Penta led PIPELINE project, a European research collaboration to ensure the inclusion of pregnant individuals and infants in pandemic response efforts through a dedicated clinical trial platform.  

Through the European Union’s Hop-on facility, an initiative designed to widen participation in Horizon Europe projects, Genos joins the consortium as a key partner, bringing leading expertise in the complex science of glycans, the complex biological sugars that are essential for immune function. 

While most people know that antibodies help fight infections, fewer realise that these antibodies are coated in glycans. Glycans determine how well an antibody functions and how effectively it protects the body. 

Genos, based in Croatia, is a global leader in glycomics, the study of these sugar structures. By joining PIPELINE, Genos brings the capability to analyse thousands of blood samples to see not just how many antibodies are transferred from mother to infant, but how effective those antibodies are at neutralising viruses like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Through their analysis, PIPELINE RSV-International will be able to determine how different vaccination strategies affect the sugar coating of antibodies, directly influencing how well infants are protected against severe respiratory infections.  

The ultimate winner in this collaboration is Europe’s smallest citizens. RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation for infants across Europe. By understanding the specific biological markers that lead to better protection, researchers can optimise how vaccines and treatments are designed and developed. 

Furthermore, this collaboration strengthens Europe’s readiness for future health emergencies. The high-throughput methods used by Genos are adaptable, meaning the network can pivot quickly to analyse immunity against new pathogens in future pandemics, ensuring that pregnant individuals and infants are not left behind.