The European Science Foundation today announced the conclusions of its wide-ranging Forward Look study on Nanomedicine, calling for a clear strategy and investment plan to ensure Europe does not miss out on the benefits. The report concludes that nanomedicine is about to deliver a healthcare paradigm shift in which it will be possible to monitor people on the basis of known genetic predispositions, diagnose disease before there are any symptoms, administer drugs that are precisely targeted, and use non invasive imaging tools to demonstrate that the treatment was effective. The ESF report notes that Europe is particularly strong in many areas of nanotechnology needed for advances in nanomedicine and that several European companies are at the cutting-edge of research in this area. Another positive note is that funding in Europe for nanotechnology research is rapidly growing. However, the report also warns that Europe’s ability to lead and benefit will be compromised unless a series of key recommendations are followed.
