 NMP-2007-4.0-4 Substantial innovation in the European medical industry: development of nanotechnology-based systems for in-vivo diagnosis and therapy (in coordination with topic HEALTH-2007-2.4.1-7 and HEALTH-2007-1.2-3 in Theme 1 "Health")
Technical content / scope: Within the objective of reinforcing the competitiveness of European industry addressing healthcare and/or medical equipment, proposals are called for with the aim of developing nanotechnology-based targeted delivery systems for in-vivo diagnosis and/or therapy for cardiovascular diseases or neurodegenerative conditions or cancer. They should demonstrate high specificity, efficacy, biocompatibility, and the capacity to cross biological barriers if needed. Where meaningful, research on the combination of diagnosis and therapy (theranostics) in multi purpose systems is encouraged. This call addresses only human healthcare.
Activities should include tests of the in vitro and in vivo behaviour and the fate of the systems (including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion analysis, toxicity, allergic or inflammatory induced response, and biocompatibility), to fundamentally understand the behaviour and pharmacokinetics. Linked animal testing should be kept to the minimum needed and should be replaced by in vitro testing wherever possible. Strong industrial participation is encouraged.
Funding scheme: Large scale integrating collaborative projects.
Specific features: In line with the objectives of this topic, adequate industrial participation is recommended. Activities others than research could be included as appropriate, such as specific education modules, pre- and co-normative activities, or the analysis of existing and required regulations. Gender issues should be considered, where appropriate.
Expected impact: (i) Better and more reliable diagnostics and/or therapy; (ii) delivery of improved health care to citizens and/or livestock; (iii) increased competitiveness of European industry in this high value added and fast growing field.
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