EMEA unveils medical research priorities for 2010
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has announced its 2010 drug safety research priorities for the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), choosing to focus on adverse drug reactions, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has announced its 2010 drug safety research priorities for the European Commission's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), choosing to focus on adverse drug reactions, particularly for vulnerable groups.
EMEA has identified six specific priority areas regarding this topic, focusing on groups such as youths with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), pregnant women and patients with depression and dementia.
Successful proposals, which will be submitted to the European Commission for approval in November, will receive funding in 2010 as part of the FP7's fourth call for research projects.
Detailed topics for which EMEA is encouraging proposals include assessments on the adverse affects of the common ADHD treatment methylphenidate on children and youths.
The agency also wants further studies on neurological treatments, such as the influence of antipsychotics and antidepressants on suicidal behaviour, or the safety considerations for treating depression in patients with dementia.
In addition, EMEA wants more research work on the long-term skeletal effects of biophosphonates, drugs that work to stop bone density loss, as well as the long-term effects of immunomodulators, which can boost or weaken the immune system. Proposal submissions are due on 19 November 2009. Euro 333.5m has been earmarked from the 2010 budget to fund the projects.