There has been a high level of participation in the second AIFA call for proposals for independent research for 2025, dedicated to two strategic areas for the National Health Service: antimicrobial resistance and precision medicine. Over 100 projects have been submitted, for a total funding of €20 million. Specifically, 32 study proposals concern the fight against superbugs and 75 concern precision medicine. 

The projects come mainly from hospitals, local health authorities and university polyclinics (44), universities (27) and IRCCS (26). Northern Italy is the most represented area, with Lombardy in the lead, followed by Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Veneto, Campania, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Piedmont, Sicily, Puglia, Abruzzo, Liguria, Molise, Trentino-Alto Adige and Umbria.

 “In a global context where scientific research increasingly depends on private funding, the Italian Medicines Agency wants to send a clear signal in support of independent research”, says AIFA President Robert Nisticò. “This call for proposals, like the one dedicated to rare diseases, has also achieved good results: we received 107 proposals, confirming the interest, enthusiasm and expertise of the Italian scientific community on two issues of primary importance: the fight against antimicrobial resistance and the development of precision medicine. For both areas, in addition to promoting innovative strategies and approaches, the aim is to promote the appropriate and effective use of medicines, starting with antibiotics. This will help to combat the phenomenon of resistance, rationalise prescriptions, improve patients' quality of life and ensure the sustainability of the National Health Service”.

Most of the studies presented on precision medicine focus on tools and strategies to improve prescriptions, precision oncology and neurology, personalised therapies, digital health and artificial intelligence. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how genetics influence response to medicines, in order to optimise their benefits and reduce adverse effects, to the benefit of patients, especially those taking multiple medications. The development and adoption of strategies for the appropriate use of antimicrobials, including within stewardship programmes, to improve the effectiveness of these drugs and limit the spread of resistant bacteria are the most common lines of investigation in research projects concerning antimicrobial resistance.

The 107 study proposals will undergo a validation phase by the AIFA Independent Research Office to verify compliance with the requirements of the Call for Proposals. A Commission will then be set up to evaluate the candidate projects.