EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands, April 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --
Dutch government invests in the pearls of previous research
The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs has granted 2.5 million euros to extend seven promising research projects aimed at medical innovation. The projects, which are focused at debilitating and life-threatening diseases such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and thrombosis, are part of the Dutch CTMM (Center for Translational Molecular Medicine) research programme. CTMM's mission is to accelerate the introduction of medical innovations to patients via public-private partnerships collaborations. The companies and academic institutions involved in the seven projects will jointly contribute a matching 2.5 million euros, making a total of 5 million euros available over the next two years.
"Medical innovation takes a long time. We are delighted that the Dutch government is investing in these research pearls," says Peter Luijten, CTMM Chief Scientific Officer. "Through their support, we can take the last step needed to translate the research results achieved over the last five years into concrete medical applications. This is very good news for patients as well as an important economic boost for the Netherlands."
All seven research projects are in line with the roadmap of the Dutch Top Sector 'Life Sciences & Health' (LSH), one of nine sectors defined by the Dutch government to boost innovation. They are all extensions of previous high-quality research programmes started in 2008 within the CTMM institute.
"In 2008, the Dutch government, along with industry and universities, invested heavily in innovative medical research with the aid of revenue from the Dutch natural gas reserves," says Luijten. "With today's additional funding, the government is giving a positive signal that it recognizes the need for long-term investment to capitalize scientific knowledge into medical applications and benefit the whole society."
About CTMM
The CTMM (Center for Translational Molecular Medicine) is a Netherlands-based public-private partnership. It is dedicated to the development of technologies in molecular medicine that enable early diagnosis and personalized treatment for the main areas of disease causing mortality and diminished quality of life in the western world. Its focus lies on oncology, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and infectious/auto-immune disease. CTMM operates by inviting, assessing and funding multidisciplinary projects that involve active participation by Netherlands-based academia and industry. All CTMM projects are judged by an independent International Advisory Board and approved by a Supervisory Board based on their significant potential to translate research knowledge into clinical practice. The CTMM is funded by the Dutch government (50%), academia (25%) and industry (25%). Additional funding is provided by supporting foundations on behalf of patients.
Key figures CTMM: 133 partners, M€ 321 allocated budget, 32 projects/consortia. As of January 1, 2016, CTMM will be merged with TI Pharma.
SOURCE CTMM
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