By Olga Timutsa.
The EUPATI 2013 Conference: A Vision For 2020 took place in Rome in April 19, 2013.
The Rome conference, held just 14 months after the launch of EUPATI (European Patient’s Academy on Therapeutic Innovation). More than 180 delegates from 28 countries were there to hear about the plans under way for three clear areas of training and education:
1/ A certificate level course that by 2017 will produce 100 patient experts drawn from across Europe
2/ less detailed online education for 10,000 patient representatives
3/ An Internet library with information for anyone with an interest in medicines R&D
The main goal of the conference was to develop the national plans and strategies on the rare diseases, clinical trials connected to the medicine R&D. The key problem for all the participating countries and for all rare diseases is protecting patients` interests in medicine R&D. Progress is only possible if a strong partnership consortium of academic institutes, public organizations, mass media and practical medicine is established.
The risk that too few properly trained patients at the tables where clinical trials are designed and scrutinised, and where decisions on access will be made is high. So the Patients’ Academy is crucial and urgent.
The conference was split into three sessions:
Session 1 (Patient involvement in medicines R&D Process in 2020)
Session 2 (Building Knowledge & Competences for Patients’ Involvement in Medicines R&D)
Session 3 (Public awareness about new medicines development in 2020)
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