CONVERIS Research database:

TEDDY - TASK-FORCE IN EUROPE FOR DRUG DEVELOPMENT FOR THE YOUNG

Time period:	2005-06-01 - 2010-05-31
Instrument:	Network of Excellence (NOE)
Call:	FP6-2003-LIFESCIHEALTH-I

The knowledge generated by the sequencing of the human genome will enable the development of more effective strategies for preventing, diagnosing and treating human diseases, and consequently decrease morbidity and mortality. One can therefore anticipate that children should benefit from advances of the genome era. Application of advances in genomics, biotechnology and therapeutics to provide children with more efficacious and safer medicines will require the development of a new research matrix that integrates scientific domains, assesses impact of findings and implements policies. Furthermore, any attempt to integrate genetic information into medical practice ought to consider human development and maturation, from the prenatal period through adolescence. TEDDY project is aimed at optimising the paediatric use of current drugs and promoting the development of new drugs, by incorporating pharmacogenetic applications and implementing guidance/tools to perform paediatric research. Special attention will be paid to variability in response, particularly, the role of gender factors and time-dependencies associated with the development from prenatal period to adolescence. A framework will be developed to characterise adverse drug reactions and optimise dosing regimens, including research projects on pharmacogenetic variants. Harmonised databases and guidelines will be created for marketed medicines. Training programmes on ethics, scientific and clinical skills will be set up to increase research capacity and promote social awareness. The proposed network will include stakeholders in drug development and paediatric clinical practice. European academics, scientists, healthcare specialists and ethics experts will work together with pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies and patients associations to implement a common mission. A strong link with existing European networks running clinical trials in children, such as PENTA and PRINTO, will be established.

Scientific co-ordinator:
Adriana Ceci (CONSORZIO PER VALUTAZIONI BIOLOGICHE E FARMACOLOGICHE)

Other principal investigators:
Carlo Giaquinto (AZIENDA OSPEDALIERA DI PADOVA)