Second phase of Innovative Medicines Initiative begins
Will fund research in areas of unmet need, initially focusing on diabetes and eye disease
The European Union’s (EU) Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) second phase has now started operation with the launch of a call for proposed research projects that could receive funding from an initial budget of €24.63m.
The ambitious private-public research scheme will spend €3.3bn until 2024, with the goal of fast-tracking the development of the next generation of medicines, especially in areas of unmet need. It is a partnership between the European Union (EU) and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA).
The focus of the initial call for proposals is research and innovation projects on diabetes and eye disease.
Studies receiving IMI funding will help improve understanding of the diabetes, 'so that patients can be diagnosed earlier and receive more personalised treatments,' the European Commission said.
As regards eye diseases, the Commission highlighted the need for research into retinal disease, which is 'a leading cause of blindness and there are few effective treatments'. Notably, the call will look to fund treatments for age-related macular degeneration (in which the central area of the retina deteriorates) and diabetic retinopathy (where retinal damage is a complication of diabetes).
Commenting, EU research Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, said: 'One of the biggest challenges we face is to provide Europeans with better medicines and treatments, and at the same time ease the burden on our healthcare systems. Close co-operation between public and private factors in the life science sectors can help us towards this goal.'
Researchers have until 12 November to apply for funding.
An information day explaining IMI 2 is being held in Brussels on 30 September. The day will include an overview of IMI 2’s funding and intellectual property rules, and tips on applying for funding. The IMI said small-and-medium-sized enterprises, academic teams and the mainstream pharma industry should take part.
