Industry Intelligence

THIS ISSUE

The pump that also repairs hearts

A biologic ventricular assist device (VAD) has been designed with the ability to capture, grow and administer stem cells that will regenerate and restore damaged myocardium. A traditional VAD is used to partially or completely replace the function of a failing heart. The inventors at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah, USA) believe that their device could repair it at the same time. Cardiac stem cells are naturally found in the blood stream. The device, working in conjunction with a traditional VAD, collects and cultures these stem cells using an additional external path or tube that is inline with the path of the VAD. This tube allows for stem cells, genes, genetically modified cells or other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents to be administered. It is attached to a collecting accessory where the stem cells are cultured and delivered back to the heart along the same tube into the VAD. They are delivered directly into the internal chambers of the heart together with other therapeutic biologic or pharmacologic agents for the myocardium to repair itself while the heart is attached to the VAD. In this way it is hoped that once the heart is sufficiently regenerated, the VAD can be removed. www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2008057481

Managing supply chain risks

A management report titled “Managing Supply Chain Risks: Meeting FDA Expectations” gives advice on how to select, audit and monitor outsourcing partners to ensure quality problems are contained and harmful products do not reach patients. The report, which also outlines which processes should never be handed to a third party, is written by former FDA official Martin Browning. www.fdanews.com

A troubling volume of technology

New generation cardiac devices and monitoring products that utilise wireless networks are capable of sending data continuously or on a timed or exception basis. As use of these wireless-enabled devices increases with the growing population of cardiovascular patients, the amount of data generated will increase exponentially. Future generation devices are expected to include sensing features and algorithms that will allow the device logic to filter out events based on the patient’s individual history that do not require immediate attention. However, the sheer number of patients with wireless enabled implants and the resulting volume of alerts will drive the need for service bureaux that can act as intermediaries by screening and relaying device data to the appropriate respondent. These findings are part of a report by Applied Data Research that examines the devices, technology and market participants that are shaping the future of ambulatory cardiovascular medicine. www.applieddata.org

Defining nanotechnologies

A new guide to terms and definitions related to particles in nanotechnologies has been published. ISO/TS 27687:2008, Nano-technologies, Terminology and Definitions for Nano-Objects, Nanoparticle, Nanofibre and Nanoplate, is intended to facilitate communications between organisations and individuals in industry. It is the first of a series of definitions documents covering the different aspects of nanotechnologies. Dr Peter Hatto, Chair of ISO/TC 229, Nanotechnologies, commented, “Standards will help create a smooth transition from the laboratory to the market place, promote progress along the nanotechnology value chain and facilitate global trade.” www.iso.org

Targeting infection

Funding is available for research and development aimed at producing new rapid diagnostic tests and point of care devices for the detection and identification of infectious agents. The new Small Business Research Initiative has opened its Health pilot competition. Focused on pathogen detection in the hospital environment, it is looking for a test for product residue that gives rapid results to facilitate immediate corrective action, yet is simple enough to be performed on the ward without the need for recourse to a laboratory. Successful projects receive support through the critical stages of demonstration and trial and 100% funding. For more information, go to www.innovateuk.com

Free access to materials database

Smithers Rapra is offering complimentary access to an abstracts database that covers published research on bioderived resins, including polylactides, starches and natural fibres. It was originally provided to aid Biocomp, a European project involved in developing composite materials made entirely from renewable resources. New users can register for access to the library, which will be running until the end of March 2009. Visit www.biocomp.eu.com and click on the library of information link.