Abstract

ETP Nanomedicine and NANOMED2020: Towards a New Nanomedicine Horizon

Olivier Fontaine, European Technology Platform on Nanomedicine Representative, Nanobiotix

The European Technology Platform on Nanomedicine (ETPN) is an initiative set-up in 2005 to define the strategic research priorities to be funded in the field, led by industry and officially recognized by the European Commission (EC) as part of the external advice and societal engagement needed to implement the coming Framework Program called Horizon 2020. The ETPN is addressing the application of nanotechnology to achieve breakthroughs in healthcare and conducted in the last year under the NANOMED2020 EU project several analyses, studies and interviews to map all actors in Nanomedicine in Europe and to define the needs for the successful translation of outstanding research into innovative products. As a result of this undertaking, the ETPN published last June a White Paper on “Nanomedicine Contribution to Horizon 2020” that can be downloaded on: www.etp-nanomedicine.eu/etpn-white-paper-2013. The pivotal feature of the White Paper is the Nanomedicine Translation Hub, which will provide services and support to European project leaders to help them bringing their innovation to clinical trials and/or to industry for commercialisation. Included in this Hub are several sub-initiatives that will contribute to the effective translation of nanomedical products such as: 1. The establishment of a European  Nano-characterisation Laboratory dedicated to nanomaterials for medical applications 2. The creation of GMP pilot lines for the production of batches required for clinical trials 3. The early selection and showcase of nanomedical projects with real translational potential to hospitals and industries 4. The allocation of specific funding for nanomedical SMEs 5. The creation of a network of clinical investigation centres The Nanomedicine Map, the Nanomedicine Award 2013 (http://nanomedicine-award.com/), the annual pan-European event Nano World