In recent decades, the European Commission (EC) has prioritized research and innovation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), breast cancer (BC), and prostate cancer (PC) due to their significant impact on national health systems and economies. The EC has increased funding and support for research in these areas, resulting in various breakthroughs and advancements. However, the outcomes have been mixed, with oncology research achieving more success compared to dementia drug development.
Trends in EC Funding and Research Outputs
Over the past twenty years, the EC has consistently augmented both the number of funded proposals and the financial resources allocated to AD, BC, and PC research. This trend has persisted through four consecutive science funding cycles, including FP5, FP6, FP7, and Horizon 2020 (H2020). A retrospective assessment of the outputs and outcomes from 1999 to 2019 was conducted using selected indicators. These indicators provided a comprehensive view of causal relationships and long-term trends in clinical, epidemiological, and public health spheres, while also considering the broader socioeconomic impacts.
The analysis revealed that public-private partnerships involving large industries and university-based consortia played a crucial role in funding impactful proposals. This collaborative approach has led to significant advancements, especially in BC and PC research, where new pharmaceuticals, small molecules, and monoclonal antibodies have extended patients’ survival and improved their quality of life. In contrast, dementia drug development has faced challenges, with only minor improvements in supportive care and diagnostics, and no groundbreaking disease-modifying treatments.
Innovations and Challenges
Significant progress in imaging diagnostics and nanotechnology has been driven by multinational medical device companies’ participation. EC-funded clinical trials have led to the development of new drug molecules with novel mechanisms of action, showcasing Europe’s capacity for cutting-edge technological innovation in biomedicine. However, the less productive areas of research, particularly in dementia care, highlight the need for reevaluation of priorities in future science funding programs.
Key Inferences
Key takeaways from this analysis include:
- Public-private partnerships are essential for impactful research funding.
- Oncology research has achieved more success compared to dementia research.
- Significant advancements have been made in imaging diagnostics and nanotechnology.
- There’s a need to reassess less productive research areas for future funding priorities.
The European Commission’s efforts have resulted in notable scientific advancements, especially in cancer research. However, the challenges faced in dementia drug development call for a strategic reassessment to ensure future funding programs address these gaps effectively.
Original Article: Cost Eff Resour Alloc. 2024 Jun 16;22(1):51. doi: 10.1186/s12962-024-00540-5.
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