EC biomedical and health research programme

This area covers the harmonization of methodologies and protocols in epidemiological, biological, clinical and technological research. The key targets are : Precompetitive drug testing with a view to improved harmonization of norms and parameters and research into the monitoring and surveillance of drug prescribing practices, patient compliance and the incidence of adverse drug reactions will be carried out. Research into risk factors, especially in the context of occupational medicine, will be stepped up. There will be studies of the management of screening systems and its cost effectiveness. Enhancement and application of biomedical technology in medical and health care will be directed towards the development of coherent systems and procedures for diagnosis, therapy, prevention, care and rehabilitation. Coordination of basic research (modelling) in biomedical technology will be aimed at gaining fundamental insights into failing human functions and the characteristics of biomaterials. Applied technological research will be <timed at artificial systems to restore failing human functions and alleviate handicaps as completely as possible.