Defining personalised medicine

The study 'International forum for European life sciences funders and performers' (EUROBIOFORUM II) is a four-year project focused on personalised medicine. A primary goal is to build a platform of partnerships across Europe so that key players in the field are informed about the current initiatives, agree on the goals of the field, and can stimulate progress that meets the needs of scientists and funders.

At this stage, the project has met many of its collaborative goals. EUROBIOFORUM II implemented a communication strategy through the Web and social media, enhancing online communication. The project also developed a Personalised Medicine Observatory, allowing those in different locations to learn about and gain insight into the personalised medicine initiatives.

In addition, stakeholder meetings and annual conferences for policymakers and funders have been held, allowing participants to discuss the direction of the field. A more focused satellite meeting on trans-regional collaboration was held, specifying future projects. Finally, those involved in the project studied the biomarkers and additional means to disseminate information.

To date, project results have led to a European network of stakeholders in personalised medicine. More countries have developed policies, strategies and research to implement personalised medicine in their health systems, and awareness about the field in general has increased.

Down the road, the project hopes to develop an active network so that members can follow developments in the field; enhance coordination between researchers, policymakers, funders and stakeholders; and improve coordination among players. These outcomes have the potential to position Europe as the world's capital of personalised medicine, delivering on the promise of the field in an efficient and coordinated way.