Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
on knowledge management and effi cacy areas with the effi cacy projects being
focused on oncology, infl ammation, and infectious diseases. As with the fi rst
call there were a large number (124) of expressions of interest and the winning
applicant consortia have submitted full project proposals. The third-call priori-
ties have also been announced and include projects in safety, effi cacy, and
education and training.
4.2.1.3 IP Policy The IMI has a clear, published (http://imi.europa.eu) IP
policy that is distinct from the IP policy in other Framework VII-funded pro-
grams. The IP policy was designed to be aligned with objectives of the IMI as
a whole but to retain the fl exibility to be tailored to the needs of each indi-
vidual project. It was put together by a highly experienced group of experts
and will be monitored by a working group of IP experts and representatives
of the IMI founding members (EFPIA and the European Commission) and
the member states group. The initial policy together with a clarifi cation note
issued by the working group (http://imi.europa.eu) very clearly state, what is
meant by background, foreground, and sideground IP and is a good model for
other PPP to use.
Although each project has clear objectives as stated above, there are shorter
term, broader benefi ts that the IMI might be expected to deliver. One of the
more immediate benefi ts should be a shared understanding across all stake-
holders of the challenges and opportunities in drug discovery and develop-
ment. For example, a number of regulators are involved in IMI projects
including the EMA and the agencies of the United Kingdom (MHRA),
Denmark (DKMA), Spain (AEMPS), Switzerland (SwissMedic), and France
(AFSSAPS).
There is also a growing involvement of SMEs in ongoing projects—24
companies received €13.9 million in the fi rst calls. Initially SMEs, especially
those developing biomarkers, viewed the IMI with suspicion, but the positive
experiences of those involved in the fi rst call will hopefully encourage further
SME involvement in subsequent calls. Patient groups are also involved in a
number of these fi rst calls, including Asthma UK, European Lung Foundation,
International Alliances of Patients Organisations, and Alzheimer's Europe.
The voice of the patient will become more important as the industry and
health care providers move further toward a personalized medicine agenda.
4.2.1.4 Learnings from the IMI The size and scope of the project were
such that initially many academics and industry people did not believe it would
be workable to bring so many partners together. However, as can be seen
above, this has been achieved and projects have commenced. The enthusiasm
and commitment of scientists from both industry and academia is something
that the IMI offi ce has commented on at various meetings. It will be important
going forward that this level of involvement, enthusiasm, and commitment is
maintained, and incentivized, by participating companies. The need for the
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