Societal participation in the development of orphan drugs: a systematic review

The development of orphan drugs (ODs) remains constrained by structural barriers, including limited scientific knowledge, high clinical uncertainty, and fragile commercial incentives. In parallel, an alternative ecosystem has emerged in which non-commercial societal actors (patients, advocacy groups, and philanthropic entities) contribute to the design, evaluation, and dissemination of therapies for rare diseases. This systematic review provides the first structured synthesis of empirical evidence on societal participation in OD development, with a specific focus on neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders. Twenty-one peer-reviewed studies were included, spanning a range of designs from case reports to stakeholder surveys.

Michel Goldman: A Teacher Until the End

In a quiet Brussels morning, we sat down with Dr. Michel Goldman, 70, a world-renowned immunologist, the founding president of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation in Healthcare (I3h), and former executive director of the €2 billion Innovative Medicines Initiative. But his story is not just one of science and leadership; it is also personal. Goldman is a lymphoma patient. A scientist who spent decades studying lymphocytes, cells that one day had turned against him.

https://cancerworld.net/michel-goldman-a-teacher-until-the-end/

TMex (Translational Medicine explained) 2025 course announcement

By EATRIS

Want to learn how your research is translated into patients benefit?
Join EATRIS in Barcelona for the Translational Medicine Explained Tmex 2025 course!

Dates: 11-14 November 2025
Place: Barcelona, Spain

Turn science into solutions
The translation of biomedical discoveries into products which provide patient benefit requires a truly multidisciplinary effort. Along the development path, academic / clinical researchers, lawyers, business developers, funders, regulators and patients need to work hand-in hand to allow for a fast and cost-effective process. Many researchers, however, do not have the opportunity to examine the process in more detail and may as a result be missing out on opportunities to take their work further, or work in a less efficient manner.

TMex is an interactive 4-day course, taught by experts who focus on different aspects of the translational path. The course aims to provide hands-on learning, where participants have the opportunity to apply key knowledge and skills to real-life scenarios as they learn them. Open to anyone with an interest in learning more about Translational research and applying it to their own work and research, the course is further enhanced by a series of short e-learning modules which are completed at your own pace prior to attending the face-to-face course.

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
· Describe the key steps and questions to be addressed in translating scientific discoveries into medical products
· Define the multidisciplinary stakeholders involved in translation and the importance of strong partnerships in improving the pathway
· Recognise the importance of interacting with patients from their viewpoint and demonstrate strategies for engagement
· Examine key translational medicine bottlenecks and opportunities

Additionally, the course will provide participants with the chance to develop their individual professional skills. These will include opportunities to develop their teamwork and communication skills during interactive workshop sessions, through to building their network across all course members and learning more about career options open to them in Translational research.

“The TMex course has given me essential insights about my current research projects, the direction I need to take the research in and also about my future career. I would definitely recommend this course for anyone interested in Translational Medicine!” Rebecca Andersson, IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain

Bridging science, business & innovation

The Advanced Master in Biotech & MedTech Ventures is where leadership meets life science innovation. Whether you come from a science, engineering, or business background, this programme equips you with venture creation skills, market strategy expertise, and deep industry insights to assume a C-suite position at an early-stage Biotech or MedTech company.

Work on real challenges, connect with industry leaders and take the next step in shaping the future of life sciences.

Applications are open – start your journey today! https://bit.ly/3XWBl33

Competition-friendly industrial policy

By Philippe Aghion, Mathias Dewatripont & Patrick Legros

Industrial policy, essential for addressing market failures, encounters concerns regarding protecting inefficient firms. We advocate for competition-friendly industrial policies, underscoring the complementary relationship between industrial and competition policies and the benefits of targeted sector-specific subsidies. We emphasize the significance of market competitiveness for sustainable industrial development, drawing from theoretical models and empirical evidence from China.

Implementing an integrative oncology pathway in a comprehensive cancer center: expert insights and perspectives

Integrative oncology (IO) has evolved into an evidence-informed discipline endorsed by major oncology organizations. However, integrating IO into standard oncology care remains a challenge, often dependent on institutional culture and provider attitudes. This exploratory pilot study aimed to assess healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) knowledge, communication practices, perceived needs, and perspectives regarding IO in a Belgian Comprehensive Cancer Center with no preexisting IO pathway.

Donner voix aux patients en oncologie

Florence Horicks of I3h talks about patient advocacy in Esprit Libre

Réflexions sur l’avenir de la médecine inspirées par la pandémie de COVID-19

Comment la pandémie de Covid-19 a-t-elle permis et propulsé des avancés majeures en médecine ? Quelques pistes sur l’évolution de la recherche et des technologies
médicales…

Mathias Dewatripont’s presentation at Collège de France

Mathias Dewatripont presented at an event of the Collège de France in Paris on November 13 on the Future of European Competitiveness, organised by Philippe Aghion, with the presence of Mario Draghi and President Emmanuel Macron.