A multiple myeloma research proposal in which they participate symbolically research centers Greece and Europe and coordinates Athens University, received the highest score in a highly competitive funding application context. The project budget is 10 million euros.

“This is a significant success for the scientific community of our country,” reported “K” yesterday rector of EKPA Thanos Dimopouloswho is coordinating the project. “To be able to achieve something like this, you have to be known internationally, they have to know that you are reliable. An action is being funded that is likely to give tangible results in the fight against the disease, ”he added. Multiple myeloma accounts for 1% of all malignancies, 10% of hematological malignancies, and is responsible for 20% of hematological malignant deaths. According to the SEEP registry (Surveillance, Epidemiology End Results), in the US, the incidence is 32,000 new cases per year and 13,000 deaths per year. In Europe, the annual incidence is 23,000 new cases per year, with the frequency increasing with age. Worldwide, there are 180,000 new cases and 117,000 deaths every year.

The multiple myeloma research proposal will receive funding of 10 million euros from the European Commission.

In particular, the ELMUMY (Elucidation of Risk Factors and Health Determinants Associated with the Progression of Monoclonal Gammopathy to Multiple Myeloma) research proposal submitted under the Horizon competition was qualified for funding by the European Commission with the highest score of all proposals (14.5/15). “For the implementation of the ELMUMY project, a multinational consortium of 13 participating organizations (research institutes, universities and innovative biotechnology companies) was created that promotes interdisciplinary communication by bringing together clinicians and researchers with expertise in multiple myeloma, epidemiology, mouse models, omics, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence methods. The goal of the project is to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease, as well as to find innovative therapeutic regimens tailored to the specific characteristics of each patient,” EKPA reports.

In addition to Mr. Dimopoulos, the EKPA steering group includes Mr. Evangelos Terpos and Mr. Efstatios Kastritis. The National Research Foundation (Dr. Vassilis Souliotis and Dr. Dimitris Stellas) took over the coordination of research related to molecular biology and in vivo models. The Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (Dr. Antonia Vlahu and Hieronymus Zoydakis) took over the coordination of research related to proteomics. The consortium also includes numerous myeloma reference centers and universities from many European countries. Also important is the participation of innovative companies that will help complete the project.