ETPN calls for open innovation in H2020
A European nanomedicine technology body has called for the development of an industry supply chain and ecosystem in Europe to assist the development of new medical solutions and products.
The European Technology Platform on Nanomedicine (ETPN) made the call as it published its white paper recommendations on nanomedicine in Horizon 2020. The organisation said such a move would help revitalise the industry in Europe.
In the white paper, it calls for the creation of a ‘Translation Advisory Board’ to help encourage the development and marketing of new technologies. The body has also outlined the need for new research infrastructures to help cross the ‘valley of death’, including a European Nano-Characterisation Laboratory for “physical, chemical and biological characterisation of nanomaterials intended for medical use’, and a European Pilot line for the manufacturing of batches for clinical trials, which would “assist academic groups and SMEs” to develop their nanomedical materials for validation in clinical trials.
The white paper also outlines the need for strong links with existing European clinical networks or organisations “to help transfer and provide efficient early clinical trials in nanomedicine” and the creation of a NanoMed SME instrument to help fund new projects and innovative SMEs.
Nanotechnology will receive the majority of its funding under the Industrial Leadership pillar of Horizon 2020, though according to ETPN, nanomedicine will be able to contribute to all three sectors.
