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Am J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2013;3(2):166-174
Review Article
EATRIS, a European initiative to boost translational biomedical research
Guus AMS van Dongen, Anton E Ussi, Frank H de Man, Giovanni Migliaccio
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of 
Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; EATRIS Coordination and Support, 
EATRIS C&S, Hoog-bouw 2H6, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Received December 19, 2012; Accepted January 5, 2013; Epub March 8, 2013; Published March 18, 2013
Abstract: Recent advances in molecular and cellular biology have facilitated the discovery of the key molecular drivers of major 
diseases. This knowledge raised some optimism in the beginning of this century, yet its impact on disease prevention, diagnosis 
and targeted intervention remains low. At the same time the pharmaceutical industry is facing the dual challenges of a dwindling 
drug pipeline and ever increasing cost of drug development. It is against this background that a number of European countries 
decided to establish EATRIS, the European Advanced Translational Research InfraStructure in Medicine. EATRIS aims for faster and 
more efficient translation of basic research into innovative products, by providing academia and industry access to the state-of-the-art 
expertise and highly capital-intensive facilities residing in Europe’s top translational research centers and hospitals. To this end, 
EATRIS formed product groups that provide translational services in the fields of development and supply of (1) molecular imaging 
and tracing, (2) vaccines, (3) biomarkers, (4) small molecules and (5) advanced therapeutic medicinal products. Herein we describe 
the background, goals, functions and structure of EATRIS. As an example, it will be described how EATRIS centers involved in 
imaging and tracing might contribute to more efficient drug development and personalized medicine. (ajnmmi1301007)
Keywords: Drug development, european advanced translational research infrastructure (EATRIS), immuno-positron emission 
tomography, molecular imaging, personalized medicine, tyrosine kinase inhibitor-positron emission tomography, translational 
research
Address correspondence to: Dr. Guus AMS van Dongen, Dept. of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and Dept. of Nuclear 
Medicine and PET research, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Tel: +31 (0)
20-4440953; Fax: +31 (0)20-4443688; Email: gams.vandongen@vumc.nl