IMI diabetes project

11.07.10 Brussels – The Innovative Medicines Initiative launched a EUR26m diabetes research project in mid-June. IMIDIA will focus on the factors that contribute to the functioning and survival of insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells. The project, which is being coordinated by French Sanofi-Aventis, brings together eight pharma firms, the bio­tech Endocells SARL, and 12 academic groups to deliver in vivo beta cell imaging, diagnostic and prognostic bio­markers, as well as identification of disease-associated pathways. The researchers hope to establish predictive disease models. The EU Commission is contributing to the funding with EUR7m. The IMI is a joint initiative of the member firms of the European pharma association EFPIA and the European Commission.