Recommendations for the development of nanomedicine in Europe till 202021 June 2013 The European Technology Platform on Nanomedicine (ETPN) and the NANOMED2020 project have published a White Paper on the Contribution of Nanomedicine to Horizon 2020 research funding programme. [1] Horizon 2020 is the next European framework programme for funding research and innovation till 2020. The document provides a set of recommendations for the European Commission and the EU Member States to create a favourable ecosystem for the successful deployment of Nanomedicine in Europe. Based on an indepth analysis of the main bottlenecks in the translation of nanomedicine to the market, ie the inefficient selection process of translatable projects and the lack of technical infrastructures, such as pharmacology and toxicology facilities, the White Paper strives for the creation of an strong SME-based supply chain for innovative therapeutics and diagnostics as a profitable industrial sector. This will support innovation, competitiveness and keep production and high tech jobs in Europe for the benefit of both the European economy and European patients. The pivotal proposition of the White Paper is the establishment of a Nanomedicine Translation Hub designed as an umbrella for a set of complementary actions and initiatives such as:
Nano-concepts for a macro-impact on EU economy The implementation of these recommendations in Horizon 2020 represents a unique opportunity for Europe to foster innovation in healthcare and to push for the emergence of a leading nanomedicine sector. With an estimated total budget of €800m, it will therefore actively contribute to the re-localisation of pharmaceutical research and to the re-industrialisation of Europe, being thereby a significant factor for growth and for job creation. With nearly 250 “nano”-products used or tested in humans worldwide, representing about 10% of pharma sales and a $130.9 billion market by 2016, nanomedicine is meant to have a real impact on the European economy. The European Commission has the potential to play a major role in this process through its framework programme Horizon 2020. In coordination with Member States and by funding the research of cutting-edge technologies for the future of Medicine, by de-risking innovation in SMEs and by facilitating the dialogue with regulatory authorities and large industrial partners, the European Commission can actively support the nanomedical sector for the benefit of the patients. Further information 1. The White Paper “Contribution of Nanomedicine to Horizon 2020” is available for download on the ETP Nanomedicine website under: http://www.etp-nanomedicine.eu/etpn-white-paper-2013 About NANOMED2020
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