IMI Grant Preparation
The Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) is a new effort under the Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) program. The IMI seeks to overcome drug development bottlenecks through consortia that are comprised of both industry and academia. IMI is a new program with a call expected early in 2008. It is a joint effort between the European commission and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). The IMI has a budget of 2 billion euros from 2008 -2017 and thereby has substantial funding. BioSci Consulting is currently working with a consortium that is forming for the expected IMI call.
We have currently gained many insights into the IMI and hope to expand our IMI expertise and involvement in the future. Many of the same elements required for FP7 grant preparation are required for IMI grant preparation. Unlike the FP7, there are no published manuals for IMI grant preparation. It will undoubtedly be of the highest importance to assemble a cohesive consortium, with tangible deliverables that address the IMI strategic research agenda which focuses on three pillars:
- safety and pharmacovigilance
- efficacy research
- education and training.
For 2008 the IMI call topics are broken down into categories as follows:
- 5 on safety prediction
- 1 on pharmacovigilance
- 2 on diabetes
- 3 on brain disorders
- 2 on respiratory diseases
- 5 on education and training.
As for FP7 grants the successful IMI grant will require coordination of multiple partners, attention to implementation and dissemination. Involvement of BioSci Consulting will work to make sure your grant stands out not only in science but also in implementation. We will also use our approach to work planning and coordination in the writing of the IMI grant proposal as well as building it into the implementation plan. This will include the development of a specific timeline for the completion of the 30 or more steps necessary to put a grant proposal together.
