Why does IMI exist?
The European Union and the pharmaceutical industry are working together via the IMI scheme to make the drug discovery and development process in Europe more efficient and to enhance Europe’s competitiveness in the pharmaceutical sector.
The improvements to the drug development process will benefit patients and society by generating faster access to better medicines. Research focuses on finding better methods for predicting the safety and efficacy of new medicines, while some projects aim specifically to improve knowledge management or education and training in biopharmaceutical research.
IMI aims to boost investments in European pharmaceutical R&D and to create an environment that will facilitate innovative approaches to drug development and healthcare in general.
IMI projects will be implemented by the pharmaceutical industry working together with other stakeholders including universities, hospitals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), patient organisations and public authorities (including regulators).