It is well known that gaps exist in health research and innovation, both in Europe and in the world. Treatments for many diseases do not exist, are not effective, or do not count with appropriate delivery mechanisms for the target population. Horizon 2020, an initiative that will coordinate all innovation efforts in Europe, may provide an opportunity to address these challenges. But this can only occur if priorities in health innovation are clearly defined.
This is why the WHO produced a document entitled, “Priority Medicines for Europe and the World: 2013 Update”, which surveys the most important pharmaceutical gaps and identifies opportunities for the EU to address them. The document, produced at the behest of the EC, was published in early July this year.
The report is a follow-up to a document produced in 2004 that also sought to identify the most pressing problems in health innovation. This document played a key role in guiding the current Framework Programs Now, the 2013 report is likely to play a vital role in shaping the health policies of Horizon 2020. The report made several important findings and recommendations to guide the EU and a series of background papers will be produced to provide guidance on more specific topics in public health. They will play a crucial role in developing Horizon 2020, which will commence in 2014.
Patricio Elizondo
