Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health is one of seven major thematic priorities of the European Union´s Sixth FrameWork Programme (FP6). The objective is to help Europe exploit, in this post-genomic era, the unprecedented opportunities for generating new knowledge and translating it into applications that enhance human health. To this end both fundamental and applied research will be supported, with an emphasis on integrated, multidisciplinary, and coordinated efforts that address the present fragmentation of European research and increase the competitiveness of the European biotechnology industry.

The indicative budget is EUR 2514 million for the period 2002-2006, including up to EUR 475 million for cancer-related research.

EU project finds gene causing childhood asthma
[Date: 2007-08-21]

An EU-funded project has identified a previously unknown gene that increases the risk of children developing asthma.

Until now, scientists had only been able to come up with treatments for the symptoms of the condition. But new developments in genomics and bioinformatics have allowed the team to compare genetic markers in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children. The discovery of the gene ORMDL3 could lead to improved prevention and diagnosis of asthma, and possibly a new therapy.

The GABRIEL project is funded under the 'Lifesciences, genomics and biotechnology for health' section of the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). It involves over 150 scientists from 14 European countries.

'Asthma is the major chronic childhood illness in Europe, costing the European Community more than €3 billion each year...