Stakeholders launch target validation initiative

NIH launched the Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) to identify and validate disease targets, with an initial focus on Alzheimer's disease, Type II diabetes and the autoimmune diseases rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A group of 10 biotechs and pharmas are participating in the initiative along with eight not-for-profits, including the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and foundations like the Alzheimer's Association. Over a five-year period, NIH will provide $118.9 million and industry will provide $110.6 million in funding and in-kind contributions for the pilot projects.

The parties will share expertise and resources. The projects will be led by steering committees comprised of representatives from NIH, FDA, industry and patient advocacy groups. The not-for-profit Foundation for NIH (FNIH) will manage the initiative and data and analyses will be made publicly available. ...