Clinical R&D

DUTCH STEM CELL BIOTECH NEUROPLAST SECURES ¤10 MILLION (US$ 11.5 MILLION) IN SERIES B FUNDING TO FURTHER ADVANCE ITS TRANSFORMATIVE STEM CELL THERAPY FOR TRAUMATIC SPINAL CORD INJURY

Dutch clinical phase biotech Neuroplast raised a total of ¤10 million (US$ 11.5 million) in funding from investors Lumana Invest, Brightlands Venture Partners, LIOF, and from the Innovation Credit from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, to further advance the clinical development of a transformative treatment for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI). Neuroplast will use this Series B funding to obtain conditional EMA market approval for its Neuro-Cells® stem cell therapy. Annually, approximately 29,000 people across Europe and the USA suffer from acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI), for which effective treatment is currently unavailable. Patients usually experience life-long disability and dependence, with a negative impact on quality of life. Furthermore, associated costs for society at large are estimated at over ¤11.4 billion ($13 billion) per year. With the aim of giving back perspective to people that suffer from primarily inflammation-driven neurological disorders, Neuroplast has developed Neuro-Cells®, a treatment that uses the patient's own stem cells to prevent (further) loss of function during the acute phase after sustaining damage to the spinal cord, to save mobility and independence.

Marcel Kloosterman, Managing Partner at Brightlands Venture Partners (BVP), states, "The science behind Neuroplast's technology platform is truly groundbreaking. A future in which patients can make smart use of their own cells to put a stop to further neurological damages and improve potential regeneration is getting closer and closer. For BVP it is a thrill to be part of that fascinating journey." Neuroplast acquired a GMP[1] license and received a European Orphan Designation[2] that allows fast-track development. Furthermore, it has already successfully completed a clinical Phase I trial, in collaboration with Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos in Spain, that confirmed safety and tolerability, without productrelated adverse events. The Dutch Limburg-based biotech is currently preparing for an international multi-center randomized placebocontrolled Phase II study. and safety of vamorolone compared to placebo and prednisone (active control) in the treatment of DMD [1, 2]. In the first 24-weeks (period 1), 121 ambulant boys aged 4 to <7 years were randomized to receive vamorolone (2 or 6 mg/kg/day) or prednisone (0.75 mg/kg/day) or placebo. 114 subjects continued for another 24 weeks (period 2), where those on vamorolone 2 and 6 mg/kg/day continued to end of study on these doses, and those on prednisone and placebo had been previously randomized to receive vamorolone 2 or 6 mg/kg/day after a 4-week tapering period. 112 subjects completed the study.

SANOFI REITERATES CONFIDENCE IN STRONG GROWTH OUTLOOK AND SHOWCASES PIPELINE OF INNOVATIVE VACCINE CANDIDATES

Sanofi has hosted a hybrid Vaccines Investor Event with key members of the Vaccines leadership team to discuss how the company applies the global Play to Win strategy to pursue growth opportunities and to build an industry-leading vaccines pipeline. Sanofi confirms its mid-term sales guidance announced at the 2019 Capital Markets Day of mid-tohigh single-digit growth1 for its Vaccines business. Sustained growth will be driven by four core franchises of influenza, meningitis, PPH3 & Boosters, as well as the planned launch of nirsevimab, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody for all infant protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus. These core franchises are well positioned to capture market growth, such as in the global influenza market which Sanofi expects to exceed ¤15 billion by 2030. Sanofi has made significant progress in the field of mRNA technology with the recently established Center of Excellence and the integration of Translate Bio. Results from a first influenza mRNA clinical trial will be shared as well as initial successes in mRNA technology improvements. Of the 10 new vaccine candidates planned to enter the clinic by 2025, six will use mRNA technologies to target diseases with high unmet needs and disease burden such as chlamydia and acne. Sanofi will present the following assets in its growing R&D pipeline: • A pneumococcal vaccine candidate covering 21 serotypes, with Phase 1/2 clinical trials underway in three target populations; results are expected by end of 2022. • A combination of MenQuadfi and a new meningitis B vaccine candidate to create a best-in-class pentavalent meningococcal vaccine with broader strain coverage;

Phase 2 meningitis B read-out is expected by H2 2022 and the initiation of a Phase 1 trial for the pentavalent candidate is planned in 2023. • RSV vaccine candidates for toddlers and older adults to address a high unmet disease burden; Phase 1/2 trial results in toddlers are anticipated in 2022; in parallel, an mRNA vaccine candidate for older adults is planned to enter a

Phase 1/2 study in H2 2022. • Next generation influenza programs to deliver differentiated flu vaccines that set a new standard of care; the influenza mRNA QIV program will enter Phase 1/2 trial in 2022 and a Phase 3 trial is planned to start in 2023;

Sanofi also deploys proprietary machine-learning to explore the potential for better strain selection in the future. • Opening new growth areas: o Chlamydia: Sanofi has initiated a program to prevent chlamydia infection, a silent cause of infertility in women; a Phase 1 trial of an mRNAbased candidate is planned to start in 2023. o Acne: Sanofi strives to leverage its vaccine technology to develop the first immunotherapy against acne and to enter the clinic in 2023.

SANTHERA AND REVERAGEN ANNOUNCE POSITIVE TOPLINE RESULTS WITH VAMOROLONE

Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) and ReveraGen BioPharma, Inc (US: private) have announced new topline results after completion of the VISION-DMD study at week 48. As previously reported, the FDA considered the safety and efficacy data of vamorolone at 24 weeks (period 1) sufficient for an NDA filing. Efficacy assessments at the now reported completion at week 48 (period 2) included Time to Stand (TTSTAND) velocity, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Time to Run/ Walk 10 meters (TTRW) velocity, and North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA). Vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day showed maintenance of efficacy across all parameters until end of study at week 48, and was statistically superior to 2 mg/kg/day for TTSTAND velocity and 6MWT but not for TTRW velocity or NSAA. For subjects who continued on the same dose of vamorolone throughout the study, the safety profile was consistent between periods with no increase in frequency or severity of adverse events being observed over time. Subjects switching from 24-week treatment with prednisone to vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day showed no loss of efficacy through to the end of the study. In addition, vamorolone treatment at both doses reversed the growth impairment seen during prednisone treatment and was associated with fewer adverse events, including those associated with corticosteroid use.

VISION-DMD was a pivotal double-blind Phase 2b study designed to demonstrate efficacy

Efficacy of vamorolone established at 24 weeks was maintained over 48-week treatment period

Efficacy at week 48 was assessed for measures including TTSTAND velocity, 6MWT, TTRW velocity and NSAA. The size of effect (change from baseline) observed at the primary endpoint at week 24 for vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day was maintained at week 48 for TTSTAND velocity (0.052 vs 0.045 rises/s), NSAA (3.4 vs 3.5 points), TTRW velocity (0.29 vs 0.23 m/s) and improved for 6MWT (37 vs 48 meters). Vamorolone 2 mg/kg/day showed clinically relevant and robust efficacy at week 24 for the predefined hierarchical endpoints of TTSTAND velocity and 6MWT, as well as NSAA which was an exploratory endpoint. At week 48, vamorolone 6mg/kg/day was statistically superior to vamorolone 2 mg/kg/day in TTSTAND velocity (p=0.010) and 6MWT (p=0.047) but not for TTRW velocity (p=0.37) and NSAA (p=0.60). The efficacy benefit seen with prednisone in period 1 was maintained when subjects were switched to vamorolone 6 mg/kg/ day during period 2: TTSTAND velocity (0.28 vs 0.27 rises/s), 6MWT distance (407 vs 408 meters), TTRW velocity (2.20 vs 2.20 m/s) and NSAA (25.6 vs 26.2 points), all absolute values.

Vamorolone at both doses was generally safe and well tolerated

Of the 114 subjects who entered into period 2, two subjects discontinued treatment (one adverse event, one withdrawn consent). Three serious adverse events thought to be unrelated to study drug were reported during vamorolone treatment.

For subjects who continued on the same dose of vamorolone throughout the study, the safety profile was consistent at week 48 compared to the results previously reported at week 24.

Growth velocity was preserved at both vamorolone doses. Body mass index (BMI) was stable for subjects continuing on vamorolone 2 and 6 mg/kg/day between assessments at week 24 and week 48 (mean z-score 1.15 vs 1.25 for 6 mg/kg/day; 0.76 vs 0.91 for 2 mg/kg/day where a z-score of 0 would represent the median value of an age-matched general population).

Safety and tolerability of switching from prednisone to vamorolone

Comparison of the safety outcome parameters of prednisone at week 24, following cross-over to vamorolone 2 or 6 mg/kg/day, showed an improved safety profile. In subjects, who were switched from prednisone to vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day, the number of total adverse events was reduced by 37% (70 vs 44) and the number of adverse events typically associated with corticosteroids was reduced by 60% (40 vs 16). Of particular interest, the number of adverse events reported as behavioral changes decreased by 60% (15 vs 6). Stunting of growth observed with prednisone was reversed during treatment with vamorolone 6 mg/ kg/day in period 2 (mean z-score -0.38 vs -0.12 where a z-score of 0 would represent a normal growth trajectory). An increase of BMI was observed with prednisone in period 1 (mean z-score from 0.94 to 1.40) but stabilized in period 2 with vamorolone 6 mg/kg/day (mean z-score 1.32). Similar effects for safety and tolerability were observed with the switch from prednisone to vamorolone 2 mg/kg/day.

DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN HAVE THREE TIMES RATE OF SOCIOEMOTIONAL DIFFICULTY

The rate of socio-emotional difficulties amongst deaf and hard of hearing children is over three times that of the typical hearing population, a new report shows. The study found that nearly half (42%) have clinically significant socio-emotional problems – which have an impact on home life, classroom learning and the ability to get on with others. Only 14% of these, however, are currently receiving mental health or counselling supports. It finds that the area of greatest difference for deaf and hard of hearing children is in peer difficulties, an area other studies have shown results in an increased lifetime risk of self-harm.

The report, ‘Socio-emotional Development in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children’ is the first of its kind carried out in Ireland and was commissioned by Chime, the national charity for deafness and hearing loss. It has warned that an approach which has involved urgent cases requiring specialist attention being seen by a psychiatrist in the UK at parents’ expense, is unsustainable, and that quicker intervention is required. “Peer problems have been shown to increase the risk of self-harm over a lifetime, so the report findings in this area are very concerning,” said Chime CEO, Mark Byrne. “There are no specialised supports for deaf and hard of hearing children in the socio-emotional area, and a lack of specialist competency in Ireland. “Deafness in and of itself is not the cause of these difficulties. Rather, a host of factors often outside their control leave deaf and hard of hearing children more vulnerable to socio-emotional difficulties.

“Issues which can lead to greater risk of socio-emotional difficulties include delayed diagnosis and appropriate intervention, lack of access to sign language and stigma towards deafness and the stresses associated with that. “Mainstream services struggle to assess and meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing children with socio-emotional difficulties.”

Mr Byrne said the HSE acknowledged in 2017 the need for specialist screening and intervention services for deaf and hard of hearing children with complex needs. In countries such as Sweden, where there is specialist early intervention, scores for deaf and hard of hearing children were similar, if not lower, than the typically hearing population, report author Dr Elizabeth S. Mathews of DCU pointed out. The research used the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) used internationally and also on a large sample of the Irish child population in the Growing Up In Ireland study.

LEO PHARMA PRESENTS NEW ADTRALZA®

(TRALOKINUMAB) DATA

LEO Pharma A/S, a global leader in medical dermatology, has announced results showing that after two years of continuous treatment with Adtralza, adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis maintained improvements in signs and symptoms, itch severity and sleep interference.1 Findings were shared as an oral presentation during the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2021. The interim analysis investigated continued treatment with Adtralza as well as the ability to regain response after pausing and reinitiating Adtralza.1 Long-term efficacy outcomes were assessed in patients (n=345) who had received two years of treatment with Adtralza, including the full 52 weeks in the pivotal Phase 3 parent trials (ECZTRA 1 and 2) and 56 weeks in the ECZTEND trial.1 Patients were split into three cohorts based on the length of time between their last dose of Adtralza in the parent trial and their first dose in ECZTEND. Continuous treatment was defined as ≤5 weeks between the last dose in the parent trial and the first dose in ECZTEND (n=126), interrupted treatment was defined as 6-15 weeks (n=133), and >15 weeks (n=86) was considered a full washout of treatment.1

Brother and sister Lexi (8) and Mason (9) Noone from Kilnamanagh, Dublin, with Dr Elizabeth Mathews of the School of Inclusive and Special Education, Dublin City University Patients who received continuous treatment with Adtralza over two years reported a high level of long-term control in atopic dermatitis signs and symptoms, as demonstrated by a median Eczema Area and Severity Index score (EASI) improvement from parent trial baseline of 92.7%.1

Maintenance of improvements in patient-reported outcomes, including pruritus (itch) severity and sleep interference, were demonstrated at two years as well. Itch severity and sleep interference were reported using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) of 0-10. Patients who received continuous treatment reported improvements in itch severity, with worst weekly NRS score for median pruritus, shifting from severe itch (8.1 out of 10) at parent trial baseline to mild itch (3 out of 10) following two years of treatment.1 These patients also reported improvement in median sleep interference, from severe sleep interference (7.3 out of 10) at parent trial baseline to mild sleep interference (1 out of 10) in ECZTEND.1 During the parent trials, patients recorded their daily itch and sleep interference, and weekly averages of scores were used. During ECZTEND, worst itch severity and sleep interference of the previous week were reported.

A decline in the median EASI percentage was observed in the washout cohort within the period without treatment. After one year of treatment in the parent trial, results showed a median EASI percent improvement of 86.9% compared to baseline. Following the washout of treatment (>15 weeks), median EASI percent improvement (vs. parent trial baseline) declined to 68.6%. A median EASI percent improvement equivalent to response at one year in the parent trials was regained within 12 weeks from treatment re-initiation with tralokinumab in ECZTEND.1

The safety of Adtralza treatment was also assessed in this interim analysis and results were consistent with the initial placebocontrolled treatment periods of the parent trials.1

Additionally, LEO Pharma is presenting a post-hoc analysis that evaluated predictors of maintained response with Adtralza dosing every four weeks as a late-breaking oral presentation.2 An interim analysis of COVID-19 cases and SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations during treatment with Adtralza in patients with moderateto-severe atopic dermatitis enrolled in the ECZTEND trial will also be presented as an e-poster.3

PIERRE FABRE LAUNCHES THE GREEN IMPACT INDEX

The Pierre Fabre Group is innovating with the launch of the Green Impact Index, a tool which enables the measurement and transparent communication of the environmental and societal impact of cosmetic and family health products. With the Green Impact Index, consumers will be informed of the eco-societal performance of the Group's products, through a simple letter (A, B, C or D). A grade of A or B means that the product is eco-socio-designed to the extent that it meets a sufficient number of environmental and societal performance criteria in line with internationally recognized benchmarks.

In addition to informing consumers, the Green Impact Index will enable Pierre Fabre to improve the eco-societal profile of its products, in harmony with the objective of ensuring that half of its portfolio is eco-sociodesigned by 2023. The tool has already been used internally for the past two years to ensure the eco-socio-design of products in the development stages (grade A or B).

The Green Impact Index was designed and developed by Green Mission Pierre Fabre, the Group entity that drives and brings together its environmental awareness and sustainable development initiatives. This work is based in particular on the 3,000 Life-Cycle Analyses (LCAs) that the Group has conducted for over 10 years in order to develop a methodology based on the evaluation of 20 criteria:

• 14 environmental impact criteria, divided among the eco-design of the packaging, the eco-design of the formula, the impact of the manufacturing of the product and the transportation of raw materials.

These 14 criteria represent two thirds of the final score.

• Six societal impact criteria, including Made in France,

Bio, Fair Trade, Origine

France Garantie and Vegan certifications or labeling, as well as the brand’s corporate social responsibility programs. These 6 criteria represent one third of the final score.

The reliability and validity of the methodology have been assessed and endorsed by AFNOR Certification, an independent third-party organization. AFNOR Certification will conduct an annual audit to verify and guarantee the reliability of the ratings carried out by Pierre Fabre on its products.

The Green Impact Index will be deployed progressively. The grades of the first products rated from the brands Avène, A-Derma, Ducray, Klorane, René Furterer, Naturactive, Elgydium and Arthrodont have already been published on the Group’s corporate website (link). These initial ratings cover a wide variety of categories (shampoos, dry shampoos, shower gels, face and body creams, acne treatments, toothpastes, essential oils, dietary supplements, etc.) in order to demonstrate the ability of the Green Impact Index to adapt to all types of cosmetic and family health products. New products will be rated and listed monthly and grades will be posted directly on brand websites by the end of the year.

"The Green Impact Index is a response to the growing distrust on the part of consumers and patients when it comes to brands and their ability to respect the environment, demonstrate corporate social responsibility and communicate information on these subjects in a transparent and verifiable manner. At Pierre Fabre, we have always been dedicated to our work in these fields, and the Green Impact Index that we are launching today confirms this. For the first time, consumers will be able to choose a cosmetic or family health product with full knowledge of its eco-societal impact and with the assurance of reliable and detailed information, in a simple and straightforward manner," says Eric Ducournau, CEO of the Pierre Fabre Group.

MSD IRELAND PUBLISH NEW RESEARCH

New research from Ipsos MRBI and healthcare company MSD Ireland launched today has revealed fresh insights into Irish public perceptions of healthcare, now and into the future, following the global Covid-19 pandemic. 41% are more vigilant about their personal health now than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, concerns exist around the future of healthcare in Ireland, including how our health services are structured, financed and administered.

The research report 'Covid-19 & My Health: Freedom or Fallout?', explores and examines public expectations of healthcare delivery in a post-pandemic Ireland, under the lens of four core pillars of investigation, which includes: My Personal Health, My Health Service, My Access, and My Digital Health.

Looking more closely at the pandemic, Covid-19 has caused a re-appraisal of our own personal health. However, the unexpected length of the pandemic has led to a sense of fatigue among the public, with the positive behavioural changes that were improving our health now starting to wane. Personal health remains the top priority and the Irish public want to be involved in how it is managed:

* 41% think about their personal health more now than they did before the Covid-19 pandemic.

* 91% are willing to be involved in the decision-making process around their treatment plan.

* 92% are willing to ask questions if they are unsure of what a doctor or nurse is telling them.

Among the key findings, the report has identified a public divide in public optimism versus pessimism for the future of Ireland's healthcare service and confidence levels in the public's healthcare needs being adequately addressed. Looking beyond the pandemic, but factoring in its impact over these last two years, the report highlights varying levels of optimism about our future care:

* 40% are optimistic about the

Irish healthcare service in the future.

* 39% are pessimistic about the

Irish healthcare service in the future.

* 20% are unsure - neither optimistic nor pessimistic.

At the launch of the report, Mairead McCaul, Managing Director, MSD Ireland (Human Health), said, "This report is intended to continue the important conversations, not just about how Covid-19 will shape how we think about our health into the future, but how we will all collectively think about our healthcare system.

"The research clearly highlights the important roles that individual healthcare professionals have in driving trust, confidence, and optimism in Ireland's system. It is important to acknowledge the extraordinary role frontline staff have played in Ireland's response to the various waves of Covid-19, which targeted some of our most vulnerable. On behalf of MSD Ireland, I would like to say a special thank you to all frontline workers and all those that we rely on to keep society healthy through an immensely difficult period."

Among the points of criticism observed, respondents called out systemic problems in the Irish health service, including concerns around finance, infrastructure, administration, and a sense of bureaucracy. The potential cost associated with the Covid-19 pandemic is a significant concern, with many believing that healthcare was already in a fragile position prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Furthermore, focus groups conducted as part of the research highlighted worries that Covid-19 will exacerbate current waiting lists and cause further delays for Irish patients. However, optimism exists for healthcare, with many having faith that healthcare in Ireland is improving over time and will eventually get to a point where it needs to be.

The Irish public reserved significant praise for those working on the front line of Irish healthcare, including GPs. Trust in GPs remains strong and, in a shift from hospital settings, the majority of the public (88%) said that they are willing to consider using community-based services in future, such as GPs and pharmacists, rather than hospitalbased services. Furthermore, 85% are willing to consider using alternatives to GPs, such as their local pharmacist, when they require nonurgent healthcare services in the community.

The research was released as part of MSD Ireland's ' My Healthcare, My Future' series of research reports and follows a study into the general public's vision for healthcare provision in Ireland in 2016, and trust in online healthcare information in 2019.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF INTENTION TO FLOAT ON EURONEXT GROWTH

HealthBeacon Limited (in the process of changing its name to HealthBeacon plc) ("HealthBeacon" or the "Company" and together with its subsidiary undertakings, the "Group"), has announced its intention to (i) raise up to ¤25 million of gross proceeds by placing new Ordinary Shares (the "Placing") and (ii) seek admission of all of its Ordinary Shares to trading on the Euronext Growth market of Euronext Dublin ("Admission"). HealthBeacon Highlights • HealthBeacon is an Irish digital therapeutics company that develops products for managing injectable medications for patients in the home. The Company’s mission is to become the world’s leading digital therapeutics platform for injectable medications. The Company is expecting approximately 10x increase in the number of patients using its system from the end of 2021 to the end of 2023.

• The HealthBeacon injection care management system (the “HB System”) is the world’s first FDA cleared smart sharps bin that tracks adherence and persistence with medication schedules through the provision of medication management reminders, safe and sustainable sharps disposal devices, educational tools and AI driven data analytics. • Over 550,000 injections have been monitored by the HB System and peer reviewed evidence supports a 19% improvement in therapy persistence by patients, which improves clinical outcomes and significantly improves efficiency in health systems. HealthBeacon has over 30 design and utility patents and several more pending. • The global digital health market is anticipated to be greater than $500bn by 2027 and growth is expected to increase by 37.1% in 2021 (Source: Research and Markets, 2020). In USA, Canada, UK and Europe there are over 30 million people on subcutaneous self-injections and HealthBeacon’s annual target market has the potential to generate c. $10 billion of recurring revenue. • HealthBeacon has successfully grown its customer base to 18 blue chip customers, among them some of the leading global pharmaceutical companies, and operates in 17 countries. The Company has grown the number of therapeutic areas it caters for from four in 2014 to eight in 2021 and is actively looking to expand into further therapeutic areas, with the goal of serving all patients taking at home subcutaneous injectable medication irrespective of the type of injection or frequency of administration. In 2021, HealthBeacon signed a transformational commercial contract with Hamilton Beach Brands Inc. (“Hamilton Beach”) and is in the process of signing a commercial contract with a speciality pharmacy customer: o Hamilton Beach is HealthBeacon’s exclusive DTC partner in North America. This partnership provides a gateway to the millions of patients in the US and Canada currently on injectable medication. HealthBeacon is anticipating deployment of c. 15k - 25k units in 2022 to this customer.

o The speciality pharmacy customer is a full-service pharmacy benefit management and specialty managed care company serving clients throughout North America with access to c. five million patient in the US. HealthBeacon is anticipating deployment of c. 9k -15k units in 2022 to this customer.

Reasons for Placing, Admission and Use of Funds The Company is seeking to raise up to ¤25 million through the Placing. The net proceeds of the Placing will be used by the Group to: • Scale its team to support growth across sales and marketing, customer support and operations, finance and product development; • Invest in inventory and working capital to support product roll out; and • Further develop its platform in respect of technology development, research and development and develop a pipeline of future products. In seeking Admission to Euronext Growth, the Directors believe that Admission will allow the Company access to a wide investor audience and establish a recognised platform for access to capital as well as providing shareholders with a liquid market for their shares. Admission will also provide the Group with greater ability to incentivise team members through share incentive schemes, which will assist it in continuing to attract, retain and motivate high calibre team members.

TIME TO GET TOUGH SAYS IRISH HEART FOUNDATION

The Irish Heart Foundation has called on the Government to implement stronger air quality regulations immediately, following a report revealing that air pollution remains responsible for an estimated 1,300 premature deaths a year.

The charity criticised political resistance to more stringent rules – despite toxic air accounting for almost ten times the 2020 road death toll of 149.

The grim findings are contained in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Air Quality in Ireland 2020 report.

With fine particulate matter from the burning of smoky, solid fuels such as coal, turf and wood remaining the biggest contributor to poor and health harming air quality in Ireland, the health charity wants the forthcoming solid fuel regulations rolled out sooner than planned for the benefit of public health.

“Unfortunately, we have seen no reduction from 2019 in the number of lives being lost prematurely to the dangers of air pollution arising from the burning of solid fuels,” said Dr Tim Collins, CEO of the Irish Heart Foundation.

“Despite overwhelming evidence showing that there is no safe level of exposure to air pollution, we continue to have resistance from some within Government and on the opposition benches to stronger solid fuel and air quality regulations that are proven to save lives.” The report outlines how Ireland was above WHO air quality guidelines for particulate matter and other toxic pollutants at 52 monitoring sites across the country – mainly as a result of the burning of solid fuels in villages, towns and smaller cities.

“It is crucial that this Government brings in a new Clean Air Act and immediately adopts the WHO air quality guidelines,” said Dr Collins.

“Not only will it save lives and clean our air, but it will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and help create a healthier, greener society for our children, who are most vulnerable to the dangers of air pollution.

“It’s shocking that in spite of the massively reduced traffic volumes due to the pandemic, we’ve squandered the opportunity to seriously tackle air pollution to the extent that not a single extra life has been saved.

“We now need decisive action to implement a Clean Air Act that adopts more stringent WHO air quality guidelines.”

The Irish Heart Foundation says air pollution harms nearly every organ in the body, with the impact most damaging on the cardiovascular system.

However, it says persistent delays and resistance to stronger regulations means that countless lives continue to be needlessly lost.

Irish Heart Foundation CEO Tim Collins