MTI Issue 29

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Issue 29 June/Juy 2016

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New life for Photonics Expo 2017 26-27 April Ricoh Arena, Coventry UK

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Med-Tech Innovation Contents

contents ¦ June/July 2016 hOw TO cOnTacT ThE TEaM director – Publishing colin Martin T: +44 (0)1293 710 042

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content Editor adrian lunney T: +44 (0)1293 710 043

27 nEw blOOd dESIgnS New products on show from BD UK

E: Adrian.lunney@medtechcomms.com

design www.rohdeconsulting.co.uk

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Meadow Court Faygate Lane Faygate West Sussex RH12 4SJ UK

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30 wEarIng IT wEll The Fraunhofer Institute develops revolutionary and intelligent fabric for healthcare monitoring needs

37 aT ThE ZEnITh Taking care of protocols and data within the med-tech manufacturing future 38 3d MagnIfIcaTIOn Preclinical research gets a timely boost with this technology 39 hOUSIng MEd-TEch Leicester University’s Centre hints at the med-tech building of the future

Subscription: Med-Tech Innovation is free to qualified readers in the UK and Ireland. Register to receive copies at www.med-techinnovation.com or e-mail: circulation@med-techinnovation.com

Med-Tech Innovation does not verify any claims or other information appearing in the advertisements contained in the publication and cannot take any responsibility for any losses or other damages incurred by readers in reliance on such content.

28 InnOvaTIOnS On TEESIdE A project that promises upcoming relief for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers

33 hEalIng wITh lIghT The UK’s Photonics Centre for Healthcare takes another step towards opening

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The Publisher endeavours to collect and include complete and current information in Med-Tech Innovation, but does not warrant that any or all such information is complete, correct or current. The Publisher does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person or entity for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions of any kind, whether resulting from negligence accident or any other cause.

MTI EXPO 2016 Key highlights and celebrations from the UK’s only med-tech event

23 MarkETIng TO ThE USa How the UK’s ABHI is building bridges with the med-tech and healthcare industries in Texas, USA

E: colin.martin@medtechcomms.com

Send editorial contributions to E: editorial@med-techinnovation.com

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40 ScalP cOOlIng SySTEM Paxman products bring relief to cancer sufferers

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All submissions are handled with care. Every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy, but the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information herein or for any opinion expressed. MedTech Communications Ltd. No part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the prior permission of the Publisher. ISSN 2046-5424

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June/July 2016 ¦ 03


Med-Tech Innovation Med-Tech Innovation Expo

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

REVIEW

Steady growth and evolution Colin Martin, MTI EXPO founder and director reviews the latest edition of the exhibition.

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nother year and another cycle is just finished in the evolution of MTI EXPO, which continues to make friends and forge connections throughout the med-tech world. The four main facets of our MTI EXPO event remain 100% focused on engineering and manufacturing requirements in the medical technology sector – research, development, design and manufacturing. Connectivity remains key. Not only are we grateful for the existing partnerships, such as those forged with the Medilink UK network, we look forward to deepening and widening our own connections and partnerships in the coming year before MTI EXPO 2017. Meantime we have new media products and opportunities to help strengthen and

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www.med-techinnovation.com


ANN_SP_105x297_70TH_en.qxp_MedTech Innovation 2016 04.04.16 10:26 Page1

Med-Tech Innovation

THE ORIGINAL Med-Tech Innovation Expo MEDICAL PUSH-PULL CONNECTOR

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

REVIEW

build the sector. Anyone who attended the MTI EXPO 2016 conference programme will know that there are many critical issues still on the table for the industry and we hope to play our part to the full in catalyzing these in the service of growth and business. Walking the floor at MTI EXPO 2016 it is clear to me that we have a continuing mission to introduce this evolving sector to itself and the players to one another. It is more than a simple matter of buyers and sellers. There are specifiers and standards experts, med-tech product designers; there are the users of the devices, the supply side ranges from OEM brands to fledgling SMEs, all mediated by the actions of Government agencies and organisations. There remains much work to do in helping engineers and manufacturers create the synergies that make our med-tech supply chain stronger. Better engineered medtech products hold the key to out future progress and the health of our sector generally. For our part, we intend that MTI EXPO, our magazine, website and all our resources continue to provide helpful topics and resources to manufacturers on the plethora of important subjects within med-tech; for example, internationalization and exporting, NHS adoption, supply chain management, finance, skills and training; working with AHSNs and many other topics. We look forward to working with you in taking MTI EXPO and the sector from strength to strength.

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Med-Tech Innovation

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

Med-Tech Innovation Expo

REVIEW

Growth continues at Boddingtons Award-winning injection moulder Boddingtons took time out from its new factory build in Marden, Kent to once again exhibit at MTI EXPO.

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he Boddingtons business is on a clear upward trajectory and its new manufacturing facility is set to become a world-class destination for med-tech moulding. Managing Director Andy Tibbs says that ‘an overall investment of £4.6 million was secured for our vision and we fully expect the new facility to be fully operational from July 1st 2016.’ The new factory keeps the Boddingtons commercial ambitions on track by effectively doubling the company’s manufacturing footprint.

Andy Tibbs (right) welcomes a visitor to the Boddingtons stand at MTI EXPO 2016

The two facilities – old and new - will work in parallel, separated by just 100 yards and thus offering full ‘risk mitigation for our most demanding customers in technical and medical sectors.’ Tibbs told MTI Magazine that ‘expansion and growth demanded this new business initiative from us. We’re using the opportunity for the good of all our stakeholders and for the operating environment. We intend to have a formal launch of the new space in mid-September. The new factory will include; an exceptionally advanced moulding environment; expandable Class 7 cleanrooms, reduced bio-burdens and particulates; white room(s) with less fibres and contaminants, disaster recovery safeguards and many other customer med-tech benefits.’ The new Boddingtons building will also offer improved disabled access, new canteen and meeting facilities, customised computer, communications and server facilities, hardware and software, daylight lighting, ergonomic systems of building control and energy efficiency plus many other features.’ ‘The initiative’, says Tibbs, ‘is integral to the aim to have moulding turnover grow to £28million by 2020 from its current base of £18 million. We intend our new facility to be a showcase and a moulding destination for the best customers in the world.’

EU finance still strong Money for Med-Tech columnist, Dr Gugs Lushai, was once again exhibiting LifeSciences Healthcare at MTI EXPO 2016.

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espite the uncertainty over Britain’s EU referendum, Gugs is upbeat about the prospect of med-tech trade and innovation within Europe’s borders – particularly for Small to Medium Sized (SME) enterprises. The latest Horizon 2020 statistics show that the UK ranks third in the takeup (behind Italy and Spain) for project funds. The UK is perceived to be strong in the following areas. • Precision medicine: capturing value in the UK in therapeutic, diagnostics, algorithm and data companies and demonstrators with the NHS • Advanced therapies (cell, gene and other therapies); capturing value from therapeutics development and manufacturing • Preclinical technologies: addressing pharmaceutical preclinical productivity challenges, including capturing more value for UK contract research organisations by validation of potential technologies. 6 : June/July 2016

‘Future challenges’, says Gugs, ‘will include riding out some economic turbulence at the year end as well as negotiating the raft of EU schemes available, taking advantage of the Government enhanced network of Catapult centres and expertise and also, not least, finding good companies in Europe to partner up with.’ Gugs’s tip on the last point is currently Italy, the leading applicant for SME funding under Horizon 2020. ‘The regions of Tuscany and Emilia Romagna’, he says, ‘are exciting examples of coordinated investment. In Tuscany, public and private stakeholders, including over 190 companies, are engaged in the Life Science Cluster. In Emilia Romagna, the Life Science Platform specialises in regenerative medicine, pharmaceutical development, bioengineering and precision medicine. To me, this shows a clear alignment with UK interests and that Italy could be a good source of EU partnerships.’ www.med-techinnovation.com


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Med-Tech Innovation

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

Med-Tech Innovation Expo

REVIEW

Knowledge is power Once again the MTI EXPO Conference pulled in an audience that was eager to share the insights and the information of the leading lights in the med-tech industries.

The MTI EXPO 2016 Conference attendance was the highest yet

Gary Stapleton, chair of Medilink UK, got 1st day proceedings underway

Nicole Mather of the Office of Life Science addressed a packed venue on the topic of med tech and the accelerated access

Dr Amir Babaei-Mahani of Johnson & Johnson gave the keynote opening presentation on the topic of Creating Value Through Innovation

8 : June/July 2016

For all further details of MTI EXPO conference presentations please use the following link http://www.mtiexpo-uk.com/WhereWhen/ConferenceprogrammeDay1

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Med-Tech Innovation

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Med-Tech Innovation

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

Med-Tech Innovation Expo

REVIEW

Medical Engineers at EXPO MTI Magazine contributor and EXPO exhibitor Samantha Blythe-Moore reports how her company Medical Engineers fared in Coventry.

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or us at Medical Engineers, the overriding theme of this year’s EXPO show was that the medical device industry is desperately short of good software engineering skills. Now this is not a new situation; it has been building steadily for at least the last 5 years, and is only set to become more so, with the increasing digital health market. In a recent survey, software engineers were cited as the (engineering) graduates, who would earn the most money – but sadly not within med-tech. Exceptional software graduates are lured away by game developers and internet developers, such as Google. How do we Samantha welcomes a vistor to the company stand

entice these clever individuals into our industry? Firstly, we need to make med-tech more attractive and really maximise the appeal of writing software, which will transform and even save patients’ lives. There is a quiet revolution underway in the healthcare industry and software is at the heart of how practitioners and patients will interact in the future. Digital healthcare has been growing steadily over the last few years and the demand for software engineering skills include; embedded software engineers, embedded systems & software, software development engineers, electronic engineers, electronic systems engineers and lab technicians, with software quality and validation skills at a premium. The choices for candidates are plentiful within this discipline. Employing companies of all sizes are having to work hard to secure talent for their businesses. Developing safety critical software is particularly important. Enticing crossover from other industries such as automotive and aerospace will be key to the continued growth of our industry. Searching for these skills will also require focused and strategic searches across Europe and sometimes globally, depending upon the level of seniority or specialist skills required.

Getting the interface right MTI Magazine columnist Richard Hall says that his design agency Pd-m enjoyed exhibiting at this year’s Med Tech EXPO. The show environment prompted a few thoughts about the design/manufacturing interface… ‘Spending two days at the event was effective for many reasons; we caught with existing clients, attended the excellent seminars, learned about new technologies and met prospective clients. It is clear that the medical industry is buoyant in the UK and there was a real buzz. We look forward to 2017. Creating product innovations and migrating them to a successful commercial solution is very complex. This is even more difficult in the medical industry and there are many reasons for this: market opportunity, intellectual property, technical complexity, budget constraints and the team behind it. The timescales for the development of a medical device is more protracted than other industries and there is a good reason for this. The regulatory requirement for medical products is very strict. As such, medical device innovation in relative terms requires a lot of investment 10 : June/July 2016

and there is only one shot to get it right first time. Correctly engaging with manufacturers, communicating the design narrative and then fostering good working relationships is very important. There is always a ‘sweet spot’ whereby the design needs the input of the manufacturers in order to work through the design for manufacture requirements of the Pd-m Director Richard Hall product. In fact, designers and manufacturers must collaborate in order to optimise the product so that it meets the needs of the client and end user. Finding and working with the right manufacturer can take time – including med-tech experience, right skill-set, right location, optimum size of business of company; the right chemistry, basically. www.med-techinnovation.com


MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

REVIEW

Silicones and micro from Raumedic

Innovation SWISS Med-Tech CONTRACT Products MANUFACTURING

FROM STOCK TUBING IN STAINLESS STEEL

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aumedic presented a number of med-tech items from its product portfolio from multilayer tubing, micro tubing with X-ray tubing, multilumen tubing and thin-walled tubing, through moulded components made from hard and soft polymers, also in combination with over-moulded tubing and metal cannulas, to system components and catheter products, individually packaged and sterilized. The company also highlighted its precision injection moulding capabilities. Micro moulded parts are made from high temperature materials such as PEEK, PSU and PPSU in clean room conditions for many medical technology and pharmaceutical applications. Raumedic is well known for its expertise in micro extrusion, and the micro-injection moulding technology completes a portfolio of the single source supplier. Raumedic also brought its silicone expertise to the fore in Coventry, offering multilumen, braided, co-extruded and micro tubing. The surface of this tubing can be treated and enhanced with, for example, a low tack surface which facilitates further assembly steps. The company also showed how its production environment - especially equipped for the requirements of silicone injection moulding - permits highly automated production using multi-cavity moulds with short cycle times and very low scrap rates. The entire value-added process occurs according to GMP guidelines under clean room conditions according to ISO class 7. Raumedic processes liquid silicone rubber (LSR) as well as high consistency silicone rubber (HCR). The smallest parts start with a weight per piece of 0.008 g and very tight tolerances. Connectors and fixing elements as well as pressure sensors and bubble detection areas can be integrated without any additional parts or further processing steps. A combination of silicone and thermoplastic parts in one system is also possible.

Lemo UK shows true innovation

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emo (UK) made a splash at the show with a new addition to its lightweight REDEL plastic Push-Pull connector series. The SP connector has the patented internal push-pull latching system embedded in the shell, offering increased durability and very high contact density. The company also highlighted its BioCompaticŽ cable, a durable approved alternative to a silicone-jacket cable. While BioCompatic retains the advantages of traditional silicone jacketing, such as biocompatibility and sterilization resistance, it is not limited to medical usage. Lemo UK talked to MTI Magazine at the exhibition, explaining that core offerings include a full range of medically approved off-the-shelf push-pull connector/cable assemblies, specifically designed and developed for patient monitoring applications. The company’s use of high-grade materials to further improve the resistance to sterilisation cycles is a fundamental factor for the medical market. The Worthing based UK subsidiary shares the same style and branding established by the Swiss parent company some years ago - right down to the identical building designs around the world. The accent on is a modernist appeal that expresses design and manufacture without compromise. Lemo UK expects to see strong annual growth in the UK market and is encouraging a greater interaction and involvement by the industry with hospitals and health trusts promoting all that the industry can offer in terms of technological services. www.med-techinnovation.com

medical devices needles and probes

Unimed SA Lausanne, Switzerland phone +41 21 624 21 51 fax +41 21 624 53 32 www.unimed.ch 2016 : 11 e-mail:June/July info@unimed.ch


Med-Tech Innovation Med-Tech Innovation Expo

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

REVIEW

The best event yet! By Kevin Kiely, CEO Medilink Y&H, CEO Medilink NW and International Executive, Medilink UK

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edilink UK is the largest representative body for UK Med-Tech companies and therefore a formal partnership with the UK’s premier UK Med-Tech show, the Med-Tech Innovation EXPO, is perhaps an obvious step. This was the second year that Medilink UK and MTI partnered to produce an integrated product offering for Med-Tech companies, providing in one venue (the iconic Ricoh Arena), the UK Med-Tech Innovation Conference, the Medilink UK Business Awards & Gala Dinner, and of course the Med-Tech Innovation EXPO exhibition. Medilink, itself a partnership between the Life Science industry, the NHS and academia, has developed close working relationships with key government agencies such as BIS, the Office of Life Science, UKTI, NHS England, Innovate UK, NIHR, MHRA and others. This is in order to leverage maximum support for Life Science companies. We were delighted to have senior representatives from these agencies present on developments in regulation, fast tracking technology adoption, the new funding landscape, and international support. Delegates at the UK Med-Tech Innovation Conference (organised by the team at Medilink East Midlands) were able to hear of

12 : June/July 2016

“The partnership we are forging with the MTI EXPO means we can all achieve more effective outcomes.” emerging trends in health and social care, decentralised diagnostics, digital health/ eHealth, the emergence of key enabling technologies and on the challenges and opportunities in defence medicine. And on the first evening of the show, national presenter, former doctor, and acclaimed stand-up comedian, Paul Sinha, presented the Medilink UK Awards & Gala Dinner and gave guests a very entertaining evening. Medilink UK member organisations operate regionally, as this is where they can work closely and develop relationships with companies, to drive innovation, internationalisation, competitiveness and profitability. Regional connectivity is therefore key, but national reach and engagement is also an essential component of the Medilink model. Therefore the opportunity to partner with Med-Tech Innovation Expo to create a stimulating environment whereby our regional members can, on an annual basis, exhibit, network, learn, socialise and celebrate achievement, is important to us. The Medilink UK Chairman, Gary Stapleton, who opened the conference and the Medilink UK awards later the same evening, said that ‘the partnership we are forging with the MTI EXPO, to better deliver our national offering and provide members with an enhanced networking experience, reflects an important message, namely, that we can all - companies, NHS organisations and universities - achieve better and more effective outcomes through partnership. Comments from members at the show, confirm my personal view that this was the best, most informative and enjoyable event we have staged to date.’ www.med-techinnovation.com


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Med-Tech Innovation Med-Tech Innovation Expo

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

REVIEW

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Exhibitor Darren Vine (left) of XL Precision Technologies talks with Colin Martin, MTI EXPO founder and director

14 : June/July 2016

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Med-Tech Innovation

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

Med-Tech Innovation Expo

REVIEW

Steripack is now part of Bemis Company, Inc. The announcement was made on the 1st day of MTI EXPO 2016.

Arash Ghadar presents the new-look Datalink exhibition booth

Dublin-based Dolmen Design brought its award-winning expertise to the show

The Golden Jubilee Research Institute exhibited for the first time - the med-tech industry’s gateway to NHS Scotland Axon’ Cable - one of MTI EXPO’s leading exhibitors

The keynote conference speaker - Dr Amir Babaei-Mahani of Johnson & Johnson - got down to some new product testing on the MTI EXPO floor

www.med-techinnovation.com

June/July 2016 : 15


Med-Tech Innovation

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

Med-Tech Innovation Expo

REVIEW

Making it in plastics The fledging network stepped out to MTI EXPO for the second year running

Leading PVC Compounder, Dugdale Ltd, made many new connections at the show

Tex Plastics exhibited its expertise in injection moulding for med-tech

Wittmann Battenfeld UK hopes to exhibit its custom medical moulding machines at MTI EXPO 2017

Hot runner specialist Thermoplay showed for the 2nd year running

16 : June/July 2016

www.med-techinnovation.com


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Med-Tech Innovation Med-Tech Innovation Expo

Med-Tech innovaTion exPo 2016

RevieW

First time rewards First time exhibitors Nexus-IE and Innomech used this year’s MTI EXPO as an opportunity to make new contacts within the industry, as well as to promote the link between the two companies. The event was so successful in generating new enquiries that both parties are already planning to sign up for next year.

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exus-IE offers a service to build and support specialist equipment that has been developed by companies in the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors and provides the manufacturing flexibility they need, particularly when they are gearing up to produce early batches for field trials or developing plans for small-scale production. The Cambridgeshire-based company has an in-house engineering team that is experienced in the assembly and testing of complex equipment for use in regulated environments, with a track record in supporting clients as they realise their designs. Julie Dean, managing director of Nexus-IE, explained that several visitors to the company’s MTI EXPO stand were from product development consultancies and specifically wanted to know how the company’s approach differed from more traditional contract equipment manufacturers. ‘Nexus-IE specialises in building low volumes of complex electromechanical products during the phase when designs are still being optimised for higher volume production.’ Julie adds, ‘The Nexus-IE team works alongside clients to help identify and resolve any manufacturing issues that might arise as those first systems are assembled, before going on to consistently build batches of products. We also supply full traceability and build documentation, so that once the equipment has been installed and is operating, any issues can be quickly and easily resolved.’ Recent projects include the build-and-test of 50 refrigerated product dispensing systems, shipping them directly to target customers for use in European field trials. The project was typical of the work Nexus-IE is involved in, except the systems needed to be – and were – completed and delivered within two months of the company receiving design details of the last assemblies, as agreed with the client. Sister company at MTI EXPO, Innomech, is an automation consultancy with 25 years’ experience in providing sophisticated automated equipment to meet the specific demands of the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. The company designs and develops bespoke automated systems to help improve productivity, profitability, quality and compliance, and is often appointed by manufacturers to help re-purpose existing equipment to improve efficiency or to integrate new functions.

18 : June/July 2016

The event gave Innomech and Nexus-IE the opportunity to make some promising new business contacts

The company’s latest med-tech sector projects include the development of end-of-line test equipment for Molecular Products, manufacturing equipment for Rayner Intraocular Lenses, and batch-test equipment for autoinjector products for Owen Mumford. ‘MTI EXPO was a great event for putting Innomech in touch with early-stage companies who are bringing innovative new medical devices or technologies to market and who need an automation supplier that understands the issues of working within regulated production environments,’ said Tim Mead, Managing Director of Innomech. ‘The event gave Innomech and Nexus-IE the opportunity to make some promising new business contacts and to talk directly about the specific manufacturing challenges they face. We hope some of those leads will develop into new projects - and that we will be back at MTI EXPO 2017 to report on progress!’ For further information see www.nexus-ie.co.uk or www.innomech.co.uk www.med-techinnovation.com


Med-Tech Innovation

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

Med-Tech Innovation Expo

REVIEW

Primasil products to the fore Show regular Primasil Silicones had plenty of rubber innovation to exhibit at MTI EXPO 2016.

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n-bus technology specialist Mobile Onboard, for example, recently turned to Primasil to collaborate in creating the proof-of-concept prototypes of ViBus, a wristband device which vibrates and flashes to tell visually or hearing impaired passengers when their stop is approaching. Although the concept is simple, to make the wristband practical and commercially viable Primasil had to meet challenging timescales and budget constraints, as well as design imperatives ensuring the band is discreet, compact, a good fit, and ergonomically easy to put on and remove. It was also essential that the silicone membrane should be sufficiently transparent to transmit the device’s LED lights. The proof-of-concept prototype has now been successfully trialled in Nottingham and the next steps include a few minor adaptations. Primasil’s Managing Director Steve Wheeler says that ‘as Mobile Onboard has discovered, silicone rubber offers businesses a whole new world of opportunity. We have been delighted to work with Mobile Onboard on such a worthwhile project and we look forward to seeing how this device makes a difference to people’s lives.’ One of Primasil’s key missions this year is to help medtech customers understand when to choose Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) versus High Consistency Rubber (HCR) . Primasil believe that many medical device technology professionals are so used to using LSR, that at times

they do so by default. However, the company says that both types of material have advantages and are suited to different applications. Primasil used MTI EXPO 2016 to communicate its experience in silicone rubber for the medical sector. Through the years the company has supplied a large variety of quality medical sector products such as tubing, tourniquets, liver slings, mats and inserts for surgical trays, duckbills and conical seals. ‘It’s incredible how one material can have so many properties,’ says Caroline Herdman, Medical Division Manager, Primasil Silicones. ‘We are here to help guide medical device designers to discover its potential for their business – whether it’s a more cost effective application or a new product development.’ www.primasil.com

New MaPS from Cogent Contract Electronics Manufacturer Cogent Technology used EXPO to tell the industry about the new way the company does business. Following 2 years of development, beginning with a detailed E2E process mapping exercise, MaPS has been created by the company. As an ISO 9001, 13485 and 14001 certified CEM based in Suffolk, Cogent has been trading for over 30 years. In 2014 the management team took a step back and performed an end- to-end review of the business. What started out as a way of ‘knitting’ other systems together quickly developed into a fully centralised, integrated monitoring and planning system branded MaPS. This is now completely embedded into the organisation and central to the business. MaPS interfaces with an off-the-shelf CRM and MRP system, runs the length and breadth of the organisation www.med-techinnovation.com

and allows total visibility of performance, from quote turnarounds to on-time delivery performance and key performance indicators. The visibility extends to displays throughout the factory for everyone to see, empowering individuals to take action. Since being Powered by MaPS Cogent Technology has witnessed: • >97% overall on time delivery performance • >99%on time delivery for series production • Increased productivity • No non-conformances or observations raised from the last 4 audits • Zero customer complaints in 18 months http://www.cogent-technology.co.uk/maps/ June/July 2016 : 19


Medilink UK is a national Health Technology and related Life Sciences support organisation which works with academics, clinicians and industry to help them reach their full potential through sector-leading services.

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Our PR team delivers bespoke communication solutions to strategically support your organisation’s growth regionally, nationally and internationally through traditional, digital and social media channels.

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Sector leading skills provision to support the growth and development of your organisation. Courses include areas such as Innovation, Commercial Development, Social Media and PR & Marketing.


Med-Tech Innovation

Med-Tech innovaTion exPo 2016

Med-Tech Innovation Expo

RevieW

SBRI Healthcare in fine fettle MTI EXPO regular SBRI Healthcare followed its showing in Coventry by announcing £1.1M investment for Innovative Healthcare Technologies

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he Small Business Research Initiative for Healthcare (SBRI Healthcare) is an NHS England initiative, championed by the Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs), whose role is to promote UK economic growth by spreading innovation and best practice across the NHS. The SBRI Healthcare competitions are launched on a biannual basis and result in fully-funded development contracts between the awarded company and NHS England to meet known healthcare need. Generally taking a three-phased development approach, projects start with a 6 month feasibility phase and can then move on to more detailed product development. Phase 1 contracts for feasibility testing are valued at up to £100,000 and last for six months. Phase 2 contracts for prototype development are worth up to £1 million over one year. Phase 3 contracts are intended to accelerate product adoption, with up to a further £1 million over 12 months, providing the opportunity for validation in NHS settings. Up to 12 small businesses could now benefit from £100,000 Phase 1 product development funding. In this latest round, SBRI Healthcare will look to award a total of £1.1 million for healthcare innovations that address challenges in the high-need areas of ‘Managing patient flow in acute care’ and ‘Self-care and independence for children with long-term conditions’. Commenting on the competition for self-care and independence for children with long-term conditions, Philippa Hedley-Takhar, Head of Investment and Partnerships for Yorkshire and Humber AHSN, said: ‘We know that disability in children can have a permanent effect on their life skills in adulthood. With 6% of children in the UK living with disability, there is a high need for innovations that address their health and care needs, so they can live life to the full. Such innovation will not only enhance wellbeing and confidence but, over the longer term, will enable them to take advantage of greater opportunities as they move towards and through adulthood.’ Commenting on the competition for managing patient flow in acute care, Anna King, Commercial Director of Health Innovation Network, said: ‘When a person’s health needs are complex they often need to interact with different departments and different care processes which can feel like they are bouncing around the system. www.med-techinnovation.com

Busy activity on the SBRi healthcare stand

This isn’t good for patients and it isn’t efficient for the NHS, as it often results in duplication, waste and other inefficiencies. So we are looking for companies with innovations that can help us to improve efficiencies through better use of resources, reduced wastage and delays, and improved processes. This will save money for the NHS but, crucially, will improve the experience and outcomes for patients.’ The Small Business Research Initiative for Healthcare (SBRI Healthcare) works with Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) to identify priority areas where technology can be applied to address major clinical challenges. The programme focuses on clearly identified NHS needs, bringing clinicians and business together at an early stage to harness the expertise of SMEs to develop effective solutions. In the last year, SBRI Healthcare has launched 11 new clinically-led competitions and awarded £19.5 million to 67 companies to develop products focused on specific NHS unmet need. The latest competition closes at 12 noon on Thursday 28 July with winners announced in October. Briefing events for businesses to learn about the competition will take place on 21 June in London and 22 June in Leeds. To find out more visit www.sbrihealthcare.co.uk June/July 2016 : 21


Med-Tech Innovation Trade Mission

Med-tech opportunities in Texas – with ABHI The US State of Texas played host last month to its first ever delegation of innovative medical technology companies from the United Kingdom.

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t is recognised that the UK has a world-leading reputation in life sciences. Its £18bn ($26.3) medical technology sector employs over 88,000 people and has changed the lives of millions across the globe. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FOC), its trade investment body (UKTI) and the UK’s medical technology industry body, the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI), accordingly brought a select delegation of medical technology pioneers to Austin, San Antonio and Houston. This was the first trip of an 18-month long programme. After eight months of planning with medical centres, university hospitals and the United States Armed Forces, the British visitors met with Texan hospitals and life sciences organisations. The objective is to foster new relationships to develop and adopt cutting-edge medical technologies in the state. For Texan-based companies, it has given them an important opportunity to learn about and engage with the UK’s health system and understand how the market works. Peter Ellingworth, ABHI’s Chief Executive Officer, says that ‘we are very excited to be strengthening relationships for the medical technology sector between the UK and this great state. I know there is a huge amount we can learn from one another. We are honoured to be hosted by the state of

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Texas. The state is working hard to become a world leader in health and life sciences.’ The UK delegation members come from companies whose products and services are truly life changing. Paxman, for example, makes a scalp cooler that stops patients from losing their hair during chemotherapy. Pulse Flow Technologies make wearable technology for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Snap40 make wearable tech that allows patients to stay at home and yet be monitored for vital signs and risk. Programme organiser, the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) is the industry association for the medical technology sector in the UK. The ABHI’s mission is to champion the benefits and use of safe and effective medical technologies to deliver high quality patient outcomes. With over 240 members, the ABHI leads the advocacy of the industry in order to advance access to medical technology. Their membership includes some of the leading multinational businesses in the sector in the UK, right the way through to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Each year, the ABHI organises the UK Pavilions at leading medical technology exhibitions including MEDICA and Arab Health. The core ABHI aim is to promote the rapid adoption of medical technologies to ensure optimum patient outcomes throughout the UK and in key global markets. ABHI membership is open to manufacturers as well as service companies involved in the sector, such as distributors, professional groups, and lawyers. The ABHI was formed in 1989 to address the industry’s need to engage with the fast moving regulatory landscape and to support UK companies in exporting their products around the world. The www.med-techinnovation.com


Med-Tech Innovation Trade Mission

ABHI Delegation members to Texas – May 2016 De Soutter Medical Ltd – a leading European manufacturer of surgical power tools. Griffiths and Nielson Ltd – the UK market leader in DVT prevention. MedaPhor Ltd – a global provider of advanced ultrasound training simulators for medical professionals. Paxman – a pioneering scalp cooling company that is preventing chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) in 25 global markets. Pulse Flow Technologies – wearable technology for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Sensium Healthcare – a global pioneer in wireless monitoring of vital signs. Sitekit – providing digital software solutions to improve health and care delivery. Snap40 – offering solutions that allow health services to safely keep patients at home, continuously monitored. Timesco Healthcare Ltd – a manufacturer of medical devices for anaesthesia, surgery, podiatry and primary care. The Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) – the UK’s medical technology industry body.

organisation has since grown and now deploys a number of teams focusing on UK market affairs; international policy; communications and public affairs; technical and regulatory issues; and events and exhibitions. UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is also heavily involved in the 18 month programme, with USA support on the ground coming from the British Consultate General offices in Houston Texas where Melissa Steinmetz, Vice-Consul, Trade and Investment and Autumn Waska, Business Development Associate are leading the work. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the UK government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in an increasingly global economy, providing knowledge, advice, and practical support. UK Trade & Investment also helps overseas companies bring high quality investment to the UK’s economy – giving support and advice to investors at all stages of their business decision-making. UK Trade & Investment offers expertise and contacts through a network of international specialists throughout the UK and in British Embassies and other diplomatic posts around the world. It can assist at all stages of the business planning cycle, from inception to completion. For further information visit: www.abhi.org.uk

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) – The FCO promotes the United Kingdom’s interests overseas, supporting our citizens and businesses around the globe. UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) – UKTI works with UK based businesses to ensure their success in international markets through

Book your Texas Med-Tech trip for October A second ABHI mission to Texas will take place this October 15-21, 2016, organised by ABHI, in conjunction with UKTI, and taking in Austin, San Antonio and Houston. The key purpose of the mission is to unlock the significant opportunity in Texas and create demand for UK products. The mission’s objectives are to help UK companies reduce the time to profit and to enhance growth and return on investment in the USA. The mission will target senior leaders across many of the main hospital systems and offer unprecedented access to key decision makers and key opinion leaders. • Pre-Mission support from ABHI and UKTI • Programme of meetings with Hospital System leaders, GPO’s, Distributors, Clinical Leaders & Procurement teams as well as introductions to a range of supporting organisations, including academic, and investor communities and professional service providers • On the ground support from a dedicated and knowledgeable mission team (ABHI, UKTI, FCO, AHSN’s)

www.med-techinnovation.com

• Networking & Partnering Receptions with the opportunities to promote your company • In market travel to and from pre-set meetings and between cities • Opportunity to meet local experts and stakeholders • Time to pursue meetings with contacts established before and during the mission • Mission brochure, mission marketing and PR • An opportunity to network and share experiences with fellow leading UK SME’s Not included in the programme are all matters of travel accommodation, subsistence, insurance or other expenses. All further details and application forms are available from the ABHI direct. – www.abhi.org.uk

June/July 2016 : 23


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Med-Tech Innovation Diagnostics

In vitro med-tech new from BBI BBI Solutions continues to launch new products for the in-vitro diagnostics market.

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wo new BBI antigens have the potential to help with the early diagnosis of sepsis and the diagnosis of heart failure. Galectin-3 is a high purity, multi-purpose marker for cardiac failure, as well as a range of cancer types. In normal human hearts the expression of Galectin-3 is low. However, research has suggested that as the disease progresses Galectin-3 becomes rapidly and significantly up-regulated. Routine Galectin-3 measurements in patients with heart failure could potentially be used to indicate disease progression and identify those patients at highest risk. According to the World Health Organisation, over 17.3 million deaths per year are due to cardiovascular diseases. In conjunction with clinical evaluation, BBI says that Galectin-3 can be used as a biomarker to aid in assessing the prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure. It can also be easily diluted to create different concentrations for use in cardiac risk assessments (heart failure, inflammation and fibrosis). Procalcitonin (PCT), is a BBI marker for early sepsis diagnosis and the management of bacterial infections. Sepsis arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. In the developed world, it is reported that sepsis has been dramatically increasing by an annual rate of between 8-13% over the last decade, and now claims more lives than bowel and breast cancer combined. PCT blood levels in healthy patients are very low. However, they can increase within 3-6 hours of systemic infections or inflammation caused by bacterial infections. The half-life of PCT is approximately 24 hours, making it an ideal marker for early sepsis diagnosis. Therefore, it can be used to monitor the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. A third BBI product launch in Q2 2016 sees the company bringing NGAL Antibodies to the markeplace. This in order to help in the fight against Acute Kidney Injury. AKI is reported to be a major global healthcare challenge with an estimated 13.3 million cases every year. The problem is particularly high in developing countries, where the AKI incidences are thought to be roughly 85% of the global cases. Approximately one in eight of the global AKI instances will then result in fatalities, with the majority (over 82%) of www.med-techinnovation.com

Analytical assessment of protein purity using Coomassie stained SDS Polyacryamide gel electrophoresis

In-process sample testing from a culture expressing recombinant protein using BBI’s ‘stateof-the-art’ 30L fermentor

these occurring in low and middle-income countries. Levels of NGAL rise rapidly after renal injury and can be seen before kidney injury reaches a critical stage. Therefore, NGAL can be used to monitor patients and identify those at highest risk. Dr James Steggles, BBI’s Commercial Manager for Antibodies says that ‘BBI’s NGAL antibodies can be used in Point of Care ELISA and Lateral Flow assays to test and monitor patients for AKI. The broad dynamic range of detection (1-3000 ng/ml) of our NGAL antibodies means that they can be used to predict and monitor the disease stage. This range can identify patients with a normal level of NGAL compared to patients at higher risk, enabling physicians to take action on patients and potentially save lives.’ NGAL has already been used in a variety of clinical situations including intensive care, emergency medicine, renal transplantation and procedures involving the use of intravenous contrast media and other nephrotoxic agents. Studies have indicated that this marker has the potential to predict and monitor acute renal injury following cardiac surgery. All products from BBI Solutions are manufactured at an ISO 9001 accredited site in Sittingbourne, UK. June/July 2016 : 25


T E C H N O LO G Y


Med-Tech Innovation Diagnostics

Product innovation thrives at BD UK BD UK has seen further significant new product launches through Q2 2016.

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D ( Becton, Dickinson and Company) UK has obtained the CE mark in the UK and Europe for a next-generation blood separation technology that is designed to enhance sample quality, improve laboratory efficiency and reduce laboratory turnaround time. BD Vacutainer® Barricor™ tube is manufactured at the company’s Plymouth site and is a single-use, plastic evacuated tube used to collect, separate, transport and process venous blood specimens to obtain high-quality plasma for in-vitro diagnostic use. The design complements BD Vacutainer® evacuated blood collection tubes, and continues the BD heritage of ensuring best practice in the collection, transportation and processing of blood samples. BD Barricor™ tubes are optimised to deliver a high quality plasma sample by reducing cellular content (vs. plasma gel tubes), as a result of the mechanical separator remaining open throughout the centrifugation cycle. It eliminates gel artefacts which can lead to instrument downtime. These factors, together with longer sample stability, can significantly improve the sample and laboratory workflow. According to the American Journal of Clinical Pathology, with 60 to 70 percent of the required information on a patient’s chart coming from laboratory test results, there is a high demand for rapid test turnaround time among clinicians. BD Barricor tubes therefore deliver a faster time-toresult for patients; with no clotting time required and a reduction in centrifugation time of up to 7 minutes, an overall saving in turnaround time of 37 minutes is possible. The new BD Vacutainer Barricor Plasma Blood Collection tube has a new separator technology, providing a cleaner plasma sample with less cellular contamination, meaning the sample is more stable and allows a longer window to conduct testing when compared to existing blood separation tubes. The company has also launched the BD Vacutainer® UltraTouch™ Push Button Blood Collection Set in the UK, after achieving European CE marking. The BD Vacutainer® UltraTouch™ Push Button Blood Collection Set employs patented PentaPoint™ Comfort 5-bevel needle technology, which helps enhance the patient experience during the blood collection procedure. The PentaPoint™ technology has previously been used www.med-techinnovation.com

in the BD Pen insulin injection needles. Studies have shown that this design helps reduce the chance of a painful injection by creating a flatter, thinner surface to help penetrate the skin with significantly greater ease. In addition, the device uses BD RightGauge™ ultrathin wall technology, which increases the needle’s inner diameter without impacting the strength of the needle. This enables clinicians to select a smaller gauge needle to enhance the patient experience and aid in difficult venous access, without sacrificing sample quality or tube-fill time. The new BD system has been shown to decrease penetration forces by up to 32 percent when compared to alternatives. Thank to the split-second in-vein retractable safety feature, the BD device also delivers protection to healthcare professionals who are able to perform blood draw procedures free from needle stick injuries, ‘Phlebotomy is often one of the first procedures hospital patients undergo and it can set the tone for their entire experience,’ says Mike Fairbourn, Vice President and General Manager, UK and Ireland at BD. ‘The combination of BD’s latest technology will both reduce patient pain and improve clinicians’ ability to access difficult veins, enhancing the experience for all involved. With the BD Vacutainer® UltraTouch™ Push Button Blood Collection Set, clinicians can select the gauge that is most appropriate for their patients, without compromising sample quality, testing accuracy or their own efficiency.’ June/July 2016 : 27


Med-Tech Innovation 3D Printing

University expertise helps young cystic fibrosis sufferers Teesside University has helped a specialist medical equipment company develop a new product which will assist children suffering from Cystic Fibrosis.

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he University has used its 3D printing expertise to enable new company, Niche Medical Ltd to produce a prototype for a device which will enable young Cystic Fibrosis sufferers to administer their drugs more easily. The product in development is a specialised handle which attaches to a nebuliser used to inhale drugs directly into the lungs. The handle makes it easier for the youngsters to use the nebuliser themselves reducing the burden of parental supervision. Niche specialises in the development, manufacturing and marketing of medical products. It licensed the design of the product from South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with the aim of using the expertise of the company’s two founders to bring it to market. Founded by clinician Professor Andrew Owens and Jake Tompkins, Managing Director of Modus Seabed Intervention Ltd, the company exploits Jake’s expertise in business, engineering and disruptive innovation combined with Andrew’s medical knowledge and research insights. Niche wanted to re-evaluate the new design with end users, clarifying important aspects of usability such as the ability for it to be cleaned effectively to avoid contamination.

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Professor Andrew Owens and Professor Zulf Ali with the prototype handle

Professor Owens said that ‘the 3D printing support from Teesside University was an ideal method to obtain suitable prototypes for a number of reasons. The high resolution enabled an accurate rendition of the final moulded product that has highlighted the need for subtle design modifications to eliminate potential moistureretaining cavities. In addition, the ability to print with a compound that has similar physical characteristics to polypropylene was also important as this enables the prototypes to have the same flexibility as the proposed final product and therefore a full assessment of the functionality of the end design.’ The 3D printed prototypes are currently undergoing end-user assessment and feedback. On the basis of this, the mould design will be finalised and the product launched in partnership with the NHS. Professor Zulf Ali, Dean of Teesside University’s Graduate Research School, said: “People with cystic fibrosis often have to undergo a rigorous daily regime of treatments to stay healthy. ‘Anything that can make things easier for young people suffering from the disease will have a major impact on quality of life for both them and their carers. We are delighted to have been able to help Niche develop this product and look forward to seeing it released onto the market.’ www.med-techinnovation.com


Med-Tech Innovation Additive Manufacturing

Medical and Dental to the fore for AM Medical and Dental applications for additive manufacturing (AM) took centre stage at Germany’s Rapid.Tech, exhibition and conference, June 14-16, 2016 Messe Erfurt, Germany. The tone of the trade forums showed the current focus shifting to issues of process and quality control and risk management.

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n fields from orthopaedics to implantology and dental technology, the huge amount of design and manufacturing freedom provided by additive Manufacturing (AM) and industrial 3D Printing processes enables products to be customised for individual patients. So it is perhaps no wonder that the medical and dental technology sectors are two of the areas in which AM has already become widely established. As it grows, aspects such as process and quality controls, licensing and risk management are starting to come more to the forefront. These topics were discussed as part of the Medical Technology and Dental Technology trade forums at the show. Because every person’s body is unique, custommanufacturing implants, orthopaedic technologies and dental care products for individual patients can present a very challenging process. The current need is for perfectly tailored individual or small batch products that are costefficient and quick to manufacture, and that fulfil the highest quality demands, both in terms of materials and of processing methods. Clearly, Additive Manufacturing meets the demand and is becoming increasingly widespread in the medical and dental technology sectors. ‘In recent years, the various industrial 3D Printing processes for manufacturing implants have been become increasingly popular. Now the discussion is more about topics such as risk management and process and quality control,” said Ralf Schumacher, Head of the Medical Additive Manufacturing Laboratory at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland,

www.med-techinnovation.com

and chairman of the Medical Technology trade forum at the Rapid.Tech June 15 session. One of the forum presentations reviewed was the 200 or so risks that have to be managed in the manufacture of metallic implants using laser melting processes, including repeat accuracy and contamination. Options for cleaning and mechanically testing titanium mesh structures were discussed in another of the presentations. The influence of structural orientation on the mechanical properties of open-pore, selective lasermelted structures made from the titanium alloy TiAl6V4 - often used to replace bone – was also included. Another topic presented at the forum looked at the development of patient-specific orbital floor implants using industrial 3D Printing processes. The forum additionally provided insights into new applications, with talks on the use of Additive Manufacturing for customerspecific lenses and customisable feet for prostheses. Dental technology also proved popular with the Erfurt delegates. ‘Most of the processes within the field of dental technology have already been digitised. However, there is still the challenge of quality control to contend with,’ said Antonius Köster, CEO of Antonius Köster GmbH & Co. KG and program chairman of the Dental Technology trade forum on the 16 June session. June/July 2016 : 29


Med-Tech Innovation Wearables

Bet your shirt on it Wearable med-tech is here to stay. But whole lines of clothing? A novel transparent sensor material developed by the prestigious Fraunhofer Institute, Germany, now enables movement measuring sensors to be printed onto textiles. The innovative material was presented at IDTechEX Europe at booth F16 in the Estrel Berlin on 27 and 28 April 2016.

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he essence of the technology is that smartprinted sensors monitor the wearer’s movement sequences. Wearable technology has caught on in order to progress health and fitness. Simply worn on the body, smart garments can, for instance, track activity. Sensors in functional clothing could also help optimize exercises by monitoring movement sequences. Accessories like smart bracelets or smart watches are currently trending, prompting the wearer to monitor sufficient sleep and activity or a healthy diet. Sensor-embedded textile solutions are a far more challenging and also more expensive approach. Often, function will override appearance. The new materials developed by Fraunhofer ISC might offer a cost-efficient alternative with the extra benefit of more adjustable appearance options. In cooperation with Fraunhofer ISIT and with support of the project partners from industry, the new sensor technology is set to be incorporated into a prototype shirt. The new shirt will feature a number of functions but is foremost designed to monitor movement sequences: in a first step, Fraunhofer ISC has developed novel piezoelectric polymer-sensor printing pastes free from toxic solvents, while Fraunhofer ISIT has provided the evaluation electronics. The next development steps are planned in close dialogue with the industry partners. They will include field tests on several types of textiles and applications, the further optimization of the electronics, as well as wear and washability tests. The sensor materials coming into use are flexible, transparent and are suitable for various applications as well as smart textiles, registering pressure and deformation and thus serving as touch or motion sensors. Their sensitivity to temperature deviations further enables monitoring of temperature changes or noncontact interaction, e.g. as proximity sensors. A simple screen-printing process is all it takes to apply the sensor pastes onto textile fabrics or plastic films. Manufacturing will encompass two main steps: firstly, the pattern is printed; then, the sensors are subjected to an electric field, making the piezolectric polymers align, in order to adopt the targeted pressure sensitivity. The fact that screen-printing is used is a definite and cost-effective plus when it comes to industrial use – being 30 : June/July 2016

The images show contrast between the transparent and non-transparent printed sensors.

key to mass production of printed sensors on textiles. Thanks to its transparency and flexibility, the new sensor material offers freedom of design in color and form for textiles and garments. The sensors themselves are much thinner than a human hair and are applicable in any form. The wearer will therefore hardly notice them embedded in a garment. Moreover, the sensors do not require any power source like a battery. Instead, they harvest energy. Smart textiles like this could be employed in health care or assisted living. In eldercare, everyday life movement sequences could be monitored and failure noticed. Additionally, it would be possible to monitor body signals of in-patients, such as temperature or breathing. This feature could be especially beneficial for bedridden patients or babies and the possibility of heart-rate surveillance via this means may eventually be possible. Last but not least, functional sensor clothing could achieve cost reductions in health care systems. In addition to patient monitoring functions it could be used in preventative health care. www.med-techinnovation.com


28 SEPT - 29 SEPT 2016

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Med-Tech Innovation Start-ups

Fast track with MediCity Scotland Med-tech start-up PhysioWizard has become the first MediCity Scotland DEVELOP Accelerator Programme winner, giving the company 6 months’ free tenancy, one-to-one business coaching and access to a UK and international life sciences mentoring network.

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he unique hands-on 12 week programme is delivered by MediCity Scotland through a partnership approach with the Glasgow City Region – City Deal, North Lanarkshire Council, Scottish Enterprise and BioCity Scotland Limited. It provides companies in the med-tech, digital health and wellbeing sectors with intensive support from a network of expert coaches from industry and the wider ecosystem. The coaches work closely with participants to challenge and thoroughly test the ideas for new products, services and business areas, helping them to identify and test their hypotheses and assumptions before designing a business model, which then has a greater chance of success – especially before raising investment. PhysioWizard, founded by chartered physiotherapist Kirsten Lord in Edinburgh, is the world’s first clinically validated and CE-marked online self-assessment platform that treats people with back pain. To win the MediCity programme, the company pitched against six other companies, including academic spin-outs and industry entrepreneurs who also successfully completed the programme. Kirsten says that ‘lower back pain is the biggest cause of ill health in the world and the PhysioWizard collects data from the patient and uses a series of sophisticated software algorithms to triage the patient’s condition in order to give advice and treatment. I was thrilled to be recognised by the independent and distinguished judges at the end of the DEVELOP programme against fellow cohort participants who proved to be extremely stiff competition.’ Toby Reid, Managing Director of BioCity said: ‘Our DEVELOP programme is highly practical – there is nothing else like it in the life science sector in Scotland. Our goal is to help participants discover a scalable business model that will allow them to build a successful company with substantially less money and in a shorter amount of time than using traditional methods. Everyone who has completed the programme also then has the scope to be considered for further oneto-one coaching, tenancy to the MediCity Scotland incubator, an investment-readiness programme and access to our extensive Life Science Mentor Network.’ 32 : June/July 2016

The programme uses a process of hypothesis testing that will be familiar to any scientist or clinician. Companies on the programme use an approach called ‘customer discovery’ and ‘customer development’ to test their ideas. Over the course of the 12-week programme, they get out of their labs and aim to talk to 100 customers, partners, regulators and competitors, testing their ideas about clinical utility, partners, intellectual property, regulatory issues, product features, pricing and distribution channels.’

Also featured… Entrepreneurs that took part in the latest DEVELOP programme, alongside winners PhysioWizard were: • Ahoi.Life – a long-term approach to positive behavioural changes leading to healthier lives • Soapurity – providing an alternative to treating various skin conditions • Clinspec (University of Strathclyde) – serum diagnostics for cancer • Precision Tooling (University of Strathclyde) – 3D ultra-precision machine solutions • Crucible MedTech – market-focused product development • ClydeScope Health (University of Strathclyde) – automating drug delivery to prevent hypos www.med-techinnovation.com


Med-Tech Innovation Photonics

UK Photonics Centre takes the spotlight The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) has established an industry-led advisory board for the National Centre for Healthcare Photonics which is set to open in 2018 at NETPark, Co. Durham.

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he new centre will provide open access innovation infrastructure and capabilities to help companies of all sizes to develop their photonics-based technologies for healthcare. The board brings together expertise in the areas of photonics technologies, healthcare innovation and in bringing new medical technology products to market. The board will be responsible for steering the centre’s strategic development and offering, in line with key market drivers. One of the most interesting and fastest developing areas in healthcare is the use of light to diagnose and

The Healthcare Photonics Board comprises of: Paul Goodwin, Science Director, GE Healthcare Life Sciences Richard Kirk, CEO, Polyphotonix Ltd

treat medical conditions and illnesses, collectively known as Healthcare Photonics. The area offers huge potential for the UK and the global healthcare sector in a range of healthcare applications including novel therapies, diagnostics, imaging and surgical interventions. This is an exciting and rapidly growing area globally, as the demand for non-invasive, cost-effective, rapid and/or personalised care and treatment rises. Applications are wide ranging - from monitoring of physiological parameters to wound, skin and cancer care and other applications in neurology and ophthalmology. Speaking on the confirmation of the advisory board, Dr Arun Harish, Head of Development for Healthcare Photonics at CPI, said that ‘we are delighted to be able to attract a very high quality, industry-led advisory board for our new centre. Each member brings very significant experience and

Adam Christie, CEO, Calcivis Ltd Ian Radley, CTO, Kromek Ltd Anke Lohmann, Head of Photonics and Quantum Technologies, the Knowledge Transfer Network John Girkin, Director of the Biophysical Sciences Institute, Durham University Jonathan Belsey, Health Economist and Founder JB Medical Nicola Wesley, Innovation Director, Academic Health Science Network for the North East and North Cumbria Peter Jarritt, Deputy Director, NIHR Brain Injury Healthcare Technology Cooperative John Lincoln, Chief Executive, UK Photonics Leadership Group

www.med-techinnovation.com

expertise in the broad area of healthcare photonics as well as in the innovation and commercialisation of medical technologies. The board will help us develop the scope for the centre in the initial phases. Once established, the board members will provide strategic guidance and direction.’ The UK has world-class research capability in this area and the establishment of a National Centre for Healthcare Photonics is intended to reduce the barriers that are preventing early research and inventions from moving beyond the laboratory and into innovative healthcare solutions for patients. The new centre will also address the major obstacles present in the commercialisation of healthcare photonics, by providing access to clinicians and medical specialists alongside expertise in health economics and regulatory matters. June/July 2016 : 33


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Med-Tech Innovation Queens Award

Queens Awards for med-tech trail blazers Two leading UK med-tech lights have been honoured in the latest round of the Queens awards

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irmginham-based Binding Site received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of ‘International

Trade’. For over 30 years the company has specialised in producing highly sensitive and specific antibodies for the detection of certain cancers and other serious disorders, which are manufactured and delivered as invitro diagnostic test kits to hospitals and clinical laboratories globally. The company dates back to the early 1970s when a group of researchers within the Medical School of Birmingham University first started looking at innovative ways of producing antibodies. They founded a private company to take the research forward and utilise any potential commercial benefits. That company has evolved into Binding Site and is now one of the largest independent providers of in vitro diagnostic tests and equipment in the UK and the World leader in special protein testing. Binding Site now claims world leaderership in this area of clinical testing, and exports approximately 90% of the products manufactured at its Birmingham head office. It has seen its international trade more than double in value from 2010 to 2015, with total worldwide group revenues last year exceeding £80million. ‘I am very proud to be able to announce this award as it recognises not only the combined efforts of all our staff and partners here and overseas, but also demonstrates the very real value of our products - which is seen by physicians using them daily around the globe,’ said Charles de Rohan Charles de Rohan, CEO. The company now employs over 700 people, 500 of whom are in the UK, and continues to develop new products for the markets it serves, keeping in its sights the ultimate beneficiary – the patient. It wins the Queen’s Award for International Trade for continuous growth in overseas earnings of 103% over the last six years. www.med-techinnovation.com

Binding Site filling line

Work in progress at Morgan IAT

etersfield-based Morgan Innovation & Technology Ltd (Morgan IAT) celebrates winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2016 for the second time. Morgan IAT designs, develops and manufactures new products in both medical and commercial industries. In addition to developing its own ideas, the company offers a unique funding approach for complete ‘ideato-manufacture’ service to individuals, companies, universities and hospitals, bringing to market products with global potential. Nigel Clarke, CEO says that ‘we are looking forward to the boost that we know this award will give to our business. We want to expand in order to handle more high value, low volume commercial and medical goods.’ Morgan IAT also announces today a new contract starting in April 2016 to finalise, design and manufacture the mOm baby incubator on behalf of inventor, James Roberts, global winner of the 2014 James Dyson award for innovation. Other current med-tech projects include the Salurate pre-screening test for pre-eclampsia, and an antisnoring device project with partner, King’s College, London. Sue Clarke, managing director of Morgan IAT, who set up the company with her engineer husband, Howard Clarke in 1987 was recently successfully treated by the company’s own Neurotherm product for a back procedure. She said that ‘it certainly showed my faith in our product, but we are fortunate to have an exceptional team around us. I am delighted to say that nearly 30% of them are women, showing that, at last, women are realising that there are jobs in engineering that are interesting, satisfying, as well as challenging - and not out of their reach!’ Morgan Innovation & Technology Ltd takes an open, modern approach to staff management and runs a four-day working week. It has an award-winning apprenticeship and graduate scheme, training more than 11 apprentices and graduates over the past three years. June/July 2016 : 35


Med-Tech Innovation Advertorial

Ask eg

What are the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating a Smartphone into a Medical Device? Just as advances in the electronics industry have enabled trends in medical diagnostics towards point-of-care devices, wearables and home monitoring, the Smartphone is giving rise to an increasing number of connected devices providing remote monitoring in telemedicine and personalised care.

Why might I include a Smartphone? As the global trend towards data harvesting and big data analysis gathers momentum, the uses of data for anthropomorphic and geographic trending contributes to our continued understanding of disease and patient behaviour. Furthermore, the growth of personalised medicine, with tailored diagnostics and solutions, can be facilitated by individual communications interfaces. Smartphones provide a powerful resource for diagnostic products, with built-in processing power, user interface and wireless connectivity all packaged into a convenient, portable product. The processing power is sufficient to process data into reportable results, even if the data acquisition must be achieved using a separate device. The advantages are obvious; cost, size, familiar user interface, remote monitoring etc. Smartphones increasingly include rapidly-improving technologies that can be used as the primary data acquisition tool. Take CFT’s microcapillary technology for instance, which can be read using the capabilities of a Smartphone camera. Spirocall and ResApp both use over-the-phone analysis of breath sounds to diagnose respiratory functionality. Why should I think twice before incorporating a Smartphone? A Smartphone is only relevant when the target market for the diagnostic

includes users (patients or healthcare workers) with access to a Smartphone and where there is reliable provision of 3rd party connectivity services. Furthermore, there are concerns around security and privacy. Over 750,000 smartphones get stolen in the UK every year. Applications that transfer Protected Healthcare Information (PHI) to, or share data with, healthcare providers must be HIPAA compliant in the USA. However, the EU is still in the process of realising the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The clinical sensitivity of a Smartphone medical device can be limited by the on-board hardware. Image capture is limited to visible spectrum data and the accuracy of gyroscopic or sound input data is determined by the user’s preferred model of Smartphone rather than the desired requirements of the medical device. It’s important to be sure that the Smartphone offers sufficient capability for the market, even if this isn’t the optimum that the diagnostic system is capable of. The choice of Smartphone will be governed by the target market and the operating system selection will have knock-on effects both in development and post-launch support. If a device is stand-alone, it is immune from updates to a Smartphone’s operating system and won’t require 3rd party authorisation of an App, the costs and timescales of which vary between providers (Windows, Android, iOS). If the Smartphone doesn’t offer enough advantages, it may be more cost effective to make the device stand-alone.

What is the impact on development? Incorporating a Smartphone means there is already a vision of what the final product might look like. To some extent, the developmental end point is determined and there may be fewer variables within the development process. Alternatively, pre-determining the inclusion of the Smartphone might limit the potential of a technology. A decision to use a Smartphone requires decisions about operating systems and applications early in the development cycle. It may eliminate some of the hardware development steps in the process but introduces additional software development activities, including verification by Apple/Microsoft/Google, with the associated timescales and fees. Whilst the use of a Smartphone may reduce timescales to the production of a prototype or demonstrator, App authorisation and the on-going support costs associated with supporting the latest smartphones and operating system releases will almost certainly increase costs and timescales later in the process. Are there regulatory issues? Aside from the data protection issues, any device that is only a Smartphone + App may be viewed as a class II device by the MHRA. If in doubt, seek advice early in the development process. For help incorporating a Smartphone into a Medical Device development contact eg technology Ltd. www.egtechnology.co.uk

eg technology Ltd, Fairfield House, Albert Road, Stow-cum-Quy, Cambridge, CB25 9AR, UK tel: +44 (0)1223 813184 www.egtechnology.co.uk Email your question to: expert@egtechnology.co.uk

36 ¦ June/July 2016

www.med-techinnovation.com


Med-Tech Innovation Life Science

New horizons for Zenith Irish life science technology firm has announced the appointment of Joe Haugh to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the company’s strategic direction and operations, driving forward plans to strengthen its partner network, further invest in teams and infrastructure, and increase its global presence.

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e talked to him about the upcoming shift in med-tech manufacturing practices and the increasing need for management of all related processes and device data.

Congratulations on your new role Joe. Could you summarise for us where Zenith Technologies sits in relation to the med-tech industries? Thank you. The medical device industry has the same pressures regarding costs and compliance as other parts of the life science industry. There is an increasing requirement for regulatory documentation relating to any invasive treatment, whether this be a drug or a physical component being introduced to the patient. At the same time the supply side of the industry has been under pressure to reduce overall costs, including both capital and operational total cost of ownership. Zenith Technologies sees main areas where we can help, namely: • The use of cloud-based manufacturing execution system (MES) technology to provide regulatory compliant Device History Records (DHR) in a cost effective manner • Adaptation of the managed service model to support an increasingly complex technology landscape Zenith Technologies has developed an understanding of how manufacturing systems can deliver consistent quality Device History Records. Using an established integration methodology can save manufacturers a lot of time and can also ensure great data integrity, a factor that the regulatory bodies are demanding more and more.

Is it a case of not trying to reinvent the wheel – but aiming to us e proven methods? Yes. To date, many Device History Record solutions have been difficult to implement and cost-prohibitive to many medical device companies, who often do not have the resources enjoyed by the larger pharma and biotech businesses. But here at Zenith we are aiming to bring effective MES to all. We have therefore worked closely with our vendor partners to develop MES solutions that can be implemented by medical device manufacturers cost effectively, while delivering compliant DHRs. Clearly, the use of cloud-based solutions and clear methodologies are also minimising the cost of ownership. It can be a daunting task. For larger companies, for example, with multiple line or site roll-outs, the challenge of controlling, implementing, handling and sustaining the www.med-techinnovation.com

Joe’s promotion sees former CEO and Zenith Technologies founder Brendan O’Regan (left) become Executive Chairman. Headquartered in Cork and with 14 offices globally, Zenith Technologies delivers manufacturing and operational support solutions that help life science businesses to be compliant and competitive.

application lifecycle after go-live is not easy.

What about the cost of adapting to these regulatory needs? With regards to cost of ownership and the need to sustain benefits through the lifecycle of manufacturing systems, Zenith Technologies has brought its already successful managed service model to the medical device market. With some early adopters, the model has already been shown to reduce potential risks brought about by implementing new MES technologies and to also build frameworks and processes that focus on driving out unnecessary ownership costs.

How do you see this technology growing? We anticipate that the MES market in the medical device sector will increase steadily over the coming years. Other vendors will enter the market as they try to catch up with the small number of innovators currently here. Manufacturers will increasingly rely on outsourced consultancy service providers to ensure best practise implementation, integration and ongoing use of these systems.

How do you see the market itself evolving over the short and medium term? In the short term the market will be focused on the adoption of technology. The industry is still learning about the benefits of MES solutions and growth will be steady, certainly for the next 5 years. We would expect some of the larger technology providers to initiate global programs to address DHR and data integrity. The way these programs are delivered will have to be simplified if MES is finally going to deliver on its long awaited promise to improve performance and efficiencies in the medical device sector. June/July 2016 : 37


Med-Tech Innovation 3D Magnification

3D (1000 X) magnification for preclinical research MR Solutions’ new 3D in vivo confocal microscope for use in preclinical research provides a magnification range of up to 1000 times, allowing researchers to examine cellular details within a live small animal eliminating the need for a surgical biopsy – saving time and substantially reducing costs.

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uildford headquartered MR Solutions has partnered with Australian company Optiscan in order to introduce CellLiveTM, a second generation endomicroscopy platform to the preclinical market. The handheld Optiscan probe which is less than 3.6 mm in diameter delivers micron – smaller than a millionth of a metre - resolution. The system uses a fluorescence and confocal imaging system to achieve this level of detailed imaging. Optiscan has developed and patented miniaturised confocal microscopes. Confocal microscopy is an optical imaging technique for increasing optical resolution and contrast of a micrograph by means of adding a spatial pinhole placed at the confocal plane of the lens to eliminate out-of-focus light. It enables the reconstruction of three-dimensional structures from the obtained images. This new scanning technique will be particularly valuable to researchers tackling the complexities of translational medicine – taking science to the bedside - and drug development in diverse areas including cancer, tissue engineering, inflammation, vascular disease and neuroscience. While conventional fluorescence microscopy enjoys widespread use in all of these applications, CellLIVE can be used where bench microscopes are too cumbersome - taking the microscope to the tissue. In this context, fluorescence is defined as the emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light or other electromagnetic radiation. In most cases, the emitted light has a longer wavelength, and therefore lower

38 : June/July 2016

energy, than the absorbed radiation. The most striking examples of fluorescence occur when the absorbed radiation is in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum, and thus invisible to the human eye, and the emitted light is in the visible region. The new development is expected to find a number of applications. For example, in regenerative medicine research, MR says that it is possible with CellLIVE to track the migration of stem cells and cellular interactions during implantation. In cancer research, it is possible to track the cellular interactions of candidate therapeutic interaction. And, in the study of inflammation, the migration of inflammatory cells in living systems can be directly observed. MR Solutions has traded for over 30 years and has in excess of 1000 installations across the world. The introduction of CellLiveTM brings new uses for existing technologies. Dr David Taylor, company CEO says that ‘researchers don’t want to put in old technology and have to live with that for years to come. They want new cutting edge technologies which offer better results, take up less space and usually cost a lot less. We are dedicated to providing the most advanced capabilities in preclinical scanning. This includes MRI where we lead the world, and through partnership in optical solutions. This new technology from Optiscan fits exactly into our mission – powerful and accessible.’ In 2012, MR Solutions was the first company to develop a commercial preclinical scanner that could dispense with the usual liquid helium cooling system in its new bench top MRI systems. This was achieved using a revolutionary magnet design incorporating new superconducting wire, enabling the use of a standard low temperature fridge in order to cool the magnet to the required 4 degrees Kelvin (minus 269 degrees C). The company then developed a commercial cryogen-free 3T range of preclinical bench top MRI scanners in 2012, followed by the more powerful 7T range in 2014 and a 4.7T model in 2015. www.med-techinnovation.com


Med-Tech Innovation University News

Leicester innovates with teaching space The University of Leicester’s cutting-edge new Centre for Medicine building, built by contractor Willmott Dixon and designed by Associated Architects, has officially received Passivhaus Certification – officially making it the largest Passivhaus building in the UK.

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he Centre for Medicine is the largest investment in medical teaching and applied research by a UK university in the last decade. The University has invested £32 million into the project and has launched the ambitious Centre for Medicine Appeal to raise an additional £10 million to complete the project. The Centre will help to meet the demand for more capable and caring doctors and house applied research that will be at the forefront of improved patient safety and the fight against chronic disease. Ave Vinick, Director of Development (acting) said: ‘We are grateful to our generous and committed philanthropic supporters who have helped raise more than £8 million towards our target. The appeal will continue well into 2017 and we will work closely with our alumni and local stakeholders to generate the support needed to complete and equip this ground-breaking facility.’ Developed in Germany in the early 1990s, Passivhaus is the fastest-growing energy performance standard in the world and is set to reduce the University’s energy bill for its new teaching and research facility by six times, due to the excellent thermal performance of the building. A key facet of Passivhaus is a ‘fabric first’ approach to construction and as such the building is incredibly well insulated and air tight to prevent heat leakage through the windows, walls, floor and roof. Comfort for staff, students and visitors from the local community and beyond will

www.med-techinnovation.com

be maintained by a state-of-the-art heating, cooling and ventilation system. The Centre for Medicine will record a ‘-2’ energy performance asset rating, placing it in the ‘A+’ category and will also have its own green wall and roof, representing the University’s commitment to the environment. The green wall and roof will have a planting regime specifically designed to attract insects and birds which will help pollination and to promote bio-diversity. External planting will also help to reduce the overall temperature of the building. Dave Vernon, Project Manager at the University of Leicester added: ‘Users from the College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology have been heavily involved in the design of the building and through our soft landing process are fully engaged in learning how to work in such an innovative building. Many of the myths surrounding Passivhaus buildings have been dispelled and users are now energised and excited about the imminent move.’ James Elliment, operations manager at construction company Willmott Dixon, said: ‘This is a hugely significant project not only for the University and the region, but also the UK as a whole. The building boasts many intelligent energy efficiencies including a ground-to-air heat exchange system, active solar shading and embedded soffit cooling which aids in the reduction of energy used within the building. June/July 2016 : 39


Med-Tech Innovation Med-Tech Innovation Expo

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

REVIEW

Steady growth and evolution Colin Martin, MTI EXPO founder and director reviews the latest edition of the exhibition.

A

nother year and another cycle is just finished in the evolution of MTI EXPO, which continues to make friends and forge connections throughout the med-tech world. The four main facets of our MTI EXPO event remain 100% focused on engineering and manufacturing requirements in the medical technology sector – research, development, design and manufacturing. Connectivity remains key. Not only are we grateful for the existing partnerships, such as those forged with the Medilink UK network, we look forward to deepening and widening our own connections and partnerships in the coming year before MTI EXPO 2017. Meantime we have new media products and opportunities to help strengthen and

4 : June/July 2016

www.med-techinnovation.com


ANN_SP_105x297_70TH_en.qxp_MedTech Innovation 2016 04.04.16 10:26 Page1

Med-Tech Innovation

THE ORIGINAL Med-Tech Innovation Expo MEDICAL PUSH-PULL CONNECTOR

MED-TECH INNOVATION EXPO 2016

REVIEW

build the sector. Anyone who attended the MTI EXPO 2016 conference programme will know that there are many critical issues still on the table for the industry and we hope to play our part to the full in catalyzing these in the service of growth and business. Walking the floor at MTI EXPO 2016 it is clear to me that we have a continuing mission to introduce this evolving sector to itself and the players to one another. It is more than a simple matter of buyers and sellers. There are specifiers and standards experts, med-tech product designers; there are the users of the devices, the supply side ranges from OEM brands to fledgling SMEs, all mediated by the actions of Government agencies and organisations. There remains much work to do in helping engineers and manufacturers create the synergies that make our med-tech supply chain stronger. Better engineered medtech products hold the key to out future progress and the health of our sector generally. For our part, we intend that MTI EXPO, our magazine, website and all our resources continue to provide helpful topics and resources to manufacturers on the plethora of important subjects within med-tech; for example, internationalization and exporting, NHS adoption, supply chain management, finance, skills and training; working with AHSNs and many other topics. We look forward to working with you in taking MTI EXPO and the sector from strength to strength.

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Med-Tech Innovation Partnership with Academia

Honours awarded for Paxman research A UK healthcare manufacturer specialising in scalp cooling has been awarded the prestigious ‘Partnership with Academia Award’ – Medilink Yorks and Humber following an innovative two-year project with the University of Huddersfield.

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axman, who help patients retain their hair during chemotherapy, was presented the award at the Medilink Yorkshire and Humber Healthcare Business Awards in recognition of the work carried out to help improve patient care. The partnership with academics in the Department of Biological Sciences aims to identify the mechanisms that determine the patients’ responses to scalp cooling to further improve the efficacy of cooling in preventing chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Ultimately this has enabled the company to reduce scalp cooling treatment times, therefore cutting down the amount of time patients have to remain in clinic following their chemotherapy. This has helped to free up chair space within clinics, increasing the numbers of patients that can be treated each day. Clinical trials The research project also allowed the company to interpret data from clinical trials in order to improve the efficacy of scalp cooling. This has been responsible for enhancing the credibility of scalp cooling among the medical community, helping to alleviate any fears clinicians had about the treatment. Publications from these studies have been presented at several cancer conferences throughout the world. The project has also led to the design and development of a 21st century cooling cap system which offers a much better fit to all head shapes including ethnic varieties. The latest model of the cap uses 3D printed tooling technologies and will pave the way for mass manufacture using silicone sheet technology. The new cap design has transformed Paxman’s manufacturing output from 200 to 2000 a month whilst reducing cap cost. The increased production capability, lower unit cost and an improved performance cap design accelerates the accessibility of scalp cooling as a universal treatment, to contribute to the prevention of 3.7 million patients each year losing their hair unnecessarily through chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). Hair loss is a well-known side effect of many chemotherapy regimens, with many patients claiming it is the most traumatic aspect of their treatment. Scalp cooling provides the only real alternative to hair loss resulting in a high level of retention or complete hair 40 : June/July 2016

preservation, improving patients’ self-confidence and creating positive attitudes towards treatment. The Paxman Scalp Cooling System has been used by over 100,000 patients in 32 countries and is responsible for helping patients to reduce chemotherapy-induced alopecia and retain normality whilst undergoing their treatment. Made from lightweight, silicone tubing, the scalp cooling cap is soft and flexible – providing a snug yet comfortable cap during treatment. Moulding to all head shapes and sizes, liquid coolant passes through the cap extracting heat from the patient’s scalp, ensuring the scalp remains at an even, constant temperature to minimise hair loss. www.med-techinnovation.com


Med-Tech Innovation SBRI Healthcare

Rinicare wins SBRI award A Lancashire company has been awarded nearly £100,000 to develop a system to prevent older patients falling from their beds.

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ancaster-based Rinicare Ltd has received £99,694 through the Small Business Research Initiative for Healthcare (SBRI Healthcare). Rinicare is developing a system to avoid elderly patient falls by combining a thermal imaging sensor and bespoke algorithms on a computer to detect changes in a patient’s position in a hospital-style bed. It will send early warning messages to clinicians so action can be taken to prevent a fall. Falls are the number one hastening factor for a person losing independence and going into long-term care, so the system could have a huge impact on people’s lives. The number of attendances at A&E has risen significantly in the last decade putting pressure on urgent and emergency care services and increasing waiting times. 21.7 million people visited A&E in the last year – a greater than 30 per cent rise in the last decade. More than 70 per cent of hospital bed days are occupied by A&E admissions and 80 per cent of A&E admissions who stay for more than two weeks are patients aged over 65. During phase one of the technology development, Rinicare will be fully supported and funded to demonstrate the technical feasibility of its proposed concept for a six-month developmental stage. If found to offer value and technical feasibility the Rinicare system will progress to phase two where it will be supported to take the scheme through to commercialisation. Rinicare will develop SAFE in cooperation with The University of Manchester and The University Hospital of South Manchester. Lorna Green, Commercial Director at the North West Coast Academic Heath Science Network which assisted with the competition, said: ‘We are pleased to see Rinicare stepping forward with an innovative idea to address one of the biggest challenges that the NHS faces at the moment – supporting older people who are living longer but with a range of chronic conditions. All the ideas that the SBRI Healthcare are supporting will hopefully help patients in the future with a range of issues including falls, incontinence and mobility.’ The Small Business Research Initiative for Healthcare (SBRI Healthcare) is part of an NHS England initiative to develop products that address unmet health needs and www.med-techinnovation.com

Soren Udby, Natasha McCrone, Mark Robinson, James Jackson and Samantha Faulkener, of Rinicare Ltd, with Lorna Green, Commercial Director at the North West Coast Academic Health Science Network.

‘We are pleased to see Rinicare stepping forward with an innovative idea to address one of the biggest challenges that the NHS faces at the moment’ explores the feasibility of new products and innovations which ease the pressure on urgent and emergency care services. Rinicare is one of 11 small businesses in England that will benefit from funding to address challenges in older people in the priority problem areas of falls, incontinence and decline in functional ability in order to accelerate the development and NHS adoption of new technologies. Funding for SBRI Healthcare is secured from NHS England. Generally taking a three-phased development approach, SBRI Healthcare projects start with a 6 month feasibility phase and can then move on to more detailed product development. Phase 1 contracts for feasibility testing are valued at up to £100,000 and last for six months. Phase 2 contracts for prototype development are worth up to £1 million over one year. Phase 3 contracts are intended to accelerate product adoption, with up to a further £1 million over 12 months, providing the opportunity for validation in NHS settings. While the public sector has the right to license the resultant technology, its intellectual property (IP) remains with the company, thereby enabling successful businesses to grow Karen Livingstone, Director of SBRI Healthcare, said: ‘We are particularly pleased to have been able to support so many innovative companies, given the financial pressures on the NHS. June/July 2016 : 41


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2002-Q Orville Drive North, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

+1 631-242-3000

qosina.com

info@qosina.com


40015 Female ENFit™ Cap

40026 Male ENFit™ Cap

40010 Non-Vented ENPlus Cross Spike with Cap 11415 Universal Bottle Adapter for ENPlus Cross Spike

40002 3-Way Stopcock Male ENFit™ with Cap on Strap

C8003 Female ENFit™ Syringe 40016 Female ENFit™ Oral Adapter

Scan to request your copy of the latest Qosina Catalog with full-scale illustrations on a one-centimeter grid.


Issue 12 January/February 2013

Qosina offers a wide range of services •

Comprehensive print and online catalogs

On-hand inventory of 5000+ SKUs

Low minimum orders

Free samples of most items

Supply chain management

Modification of existing tools

New product design and development

Meet us at over 20 trade shows both domestic and international

Our Qosmedix® subsidiary serves the cosmetic, skin care and spa industries 2002-Q Orville Drive North, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779

+1 631-242-3000

qosina.com

info@qosina.com


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