Brussels, 02/07/2004 (Agence Europe) - In a press release issued on 28 June, the Commission announced the launch of a new centre of excellence project, the “Vigilance against Viral Resistance” (VIRGIL). . VIRGIL, coordinated by Lyon's INSERM research centre (established in May 2004) will start by addressing drug resistance in viral hepatitis and influenza, but will broaden its scope to other viruses. One platform will monitor, test and improve the management of antiviral drug resistance in patients while another will show how resistance occurs and help understand patient-related (immune/genetic) factors causing viral resistance. Other platforms for drugs and pharmacology and for innovation and technology will allow anticipation of ways to rapidly overcome drug resistance. The EU is contributing EUR 9 million from FP6 to the project, which will gather 55 key European field experts from 12 countries, including 7 partners from industry.