European and international experts prepare for the evaluation of future nano-medicines

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) hosted the first international scientific workshop on nano-medicines on September 2-3. Some 200 European and international participants from 27 countries including Australia, Canada, India, Japan and the USA discussed benefits and challenges arising from the application of nanotechnologies to medicines. Participants included representatives from patients' organizations, health care professionals' organisations, academia, regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical industry.

The participants of the workshop shared experience, reviewed existing and emerging nano-medicines and discussed a number of specific aspects, including characterisation, biodistribution and interactions of nano-medicines with biological systems, to identify gaps in scientific knowledge and to prepare for the evaluation of future nano-medicines, the EMEA said in a press statement.

"Preparedness is essential for enabling timely introduction of safe and efficacious nano-medicines of a high quality, as nanotechnologies bring not only opportunities to improve current treatments but also the potential to change the way we approach healthcare and diseases", said Patrick Le Courtois, Head of Unit Human Medicines and Development at the EMEA.