On January 26, the Innovative Health Initiative held an event to mark the launch of a new European partnership for health. The event was divided into two sessions: the first dedicated to IHI officials explaining the structure of thew new public-private partnership (PPP) and how stakeholders can get involved; the second featured a panel of institutional and industrial partners, including EuropaBio.

''IHI is perfect for EuropaBio members. They represent many SMEs, and this will give them to opportunity to be at the core of research with IHI. The valuable traits of agility and ambition can be harnessed at the core of the project. From a biotech perspective, this could lead to advances in all therapeutic areas, which can only be beneficial for patients. This new structure will bring the full benefits of a European approach. EuropaBio's contribution will be biotech-based, including on digital health, and bringing the dynamism of their members to the table.'', said Dr Claire Skentelbery, Director General of EuropaBio.

The core goals of IHI are to translate health research and innovation into tangible benefits for patients and society, and ensure that Europe remains at the cutting edge of interdisciplinary, sustainable, patient-centric health research. Health research and care increasingly involves diverse sectors. By supporting projects that bring these sectors together, IHI will pave the way for a more integrated approach to healthcare, covering prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and disease management.

By supporting projects that bring together these industries as well as universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), patients, regulators and others, IHI aims to pioneer a new, more integrated approach to health research.

The Innovative Health Initiative is a partnership between the European Union and industry associations. EuropaBio is delighted to be among five industry associations, representing the healthcare sector (COCIR, EFPIA,MedTech Europe and Vaccines Europe).