THIS MONTH
Nanomaterials big for some
Nanomaterials are expected to register remarkable growth in segments such as the pharmaceutical industry in Western Europe and the electronics industry in Asia, according to the Freedonia Group. The different performance characteristics of nanoscale versions of established products such as polymers and chemicals, because of their higher surface to mass ratio, allow greater reactivity or greater strength relative to weight. Nanotubes are expected become vital components of products such as drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical active ingredients, batteries and specialised coatings. In its report, the company provides forecasts for 2011, 2016 and 2025 by type and market and profiles industry participants. For example, BASF and Bayer have dedicated substantial portions of their research and development budgets to nanotechnology. www.freedoniagroup.com [6]
Euro boost to innovation
The European medical technology industry is calling for the establishment of a network of National Medical Technology Innovation Centres (NMTIC) across Europe. The proposal is set out in a White Paper produced by Eucomed, the European medical technology industry association, and other national associations. Each NMTIC would act as a regional focus for innovation, providing specialist services to local companies and an international resource for research, innovation and commercial opportunities. The proposal is inline with the European Union’s priority of ensuring the highest possible level of health care and being world’s strongest and most dynamic economy by 2010. www.eucomed.org [7]
Transdermal patches it
Advances in synthetic materials and skin patch designs mean that transdermal drug delivery products are a burgeoning multimillion-dollar market, according to a report from Greystone Associates. New technologies are expanding the type and number of therapies and treatments that can be effectively administered. The patches are also now more aesthetically acceptable and capable of delivering sustained dosing of active compounds for several days in a smaller package. The report outlines the business opportunities for the products. www.greystoneassociates.com [8]
The polyclinic system
By 2017 a network of “polyclinics” could provide up to 50% of the outpatient treatment currently carried out in London hospitals. This proposal has been advocated by Sir Ara Darzi, Professor of Surgery at Imperial College, London, UK, in his report, “Healthcare For London.” A polyclinic would include general practitioners, surgeries, X-ray diagnostics, pathology, outpatient and urgent care clinics, pharmacy and minor procedures clinics. Hospitals would then take on different roles: local hospitals would perform the bulk of the routine work; major acute hospitals would undertake complex, specialist work; and there would be three trauma units for the capital. www.healthcareforlondon.nhs.uk [9]
Take up of CRT boosted
The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has endorsed cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). Arrhythmias kill more than 100 000 Britons each year. More than 700 million should have an implanted cardiac device to treat potentially fatal heart rhythm, says the Arrhythmia Alliance. Currently, only 450 per million benefit from the treatment. It is expected that the decision by NICE opens the way to increased funding for this therapy area. www.arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk [10]