EC to launch IMI 2 with EUR 3.5B
The European Commission expects to launch the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 next January with a budget of about EUR 3.5 billion ($4.4 billion) through 2024. The EU will contribute EUR 1.7 billion ($2.2 billion) from Horizon 2020, the new EU research and innovation program for 2014-20. The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) will commit up to EUR 1.5 billion ($1.9 billion) in kind, while other life science industries that may join as associated partners or members will commit up to EUR 225 million ($288.5 million). IMI 2 funding decisions will continue to be made by a governing board comprising an equal number of representatives from the EC and EFPIA. The EC's Didier Gambier said representatives from small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs) might join the governing board once IMI 2 launches, and added that small biotech and SMEs are part of a group being consulted on strategic planning for IMI 2 projects. ...