The UK government has invested in eight innovative companies behind lifesaving new medical technology which could destroy liver cancer tumours, detect Alzheimer’s, and quickly spot those at risk of stroke.
As part of a £10m funding package for boosting access to new medical technology, eight innovative tech companies will be supported to bring their devices to market. It could help transform the way we treat some of the biggest causes of death and disability in the UK.
Today’s announcement is part of the government’s long-term plan to ensure the NHS and its patients can get quicker access to new groundbreaking technologies.
It follows unveiling the blueprint for boosting NHS MedTech and turning innovation into real benefits for society last year.
Health Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “NHS staff need access to the latest technology to deliver the highest quality care for patients and cut waiting lists – one of our top five priorities.
“Cutting-edge new medical technology could help thousands of patients with a range of conditions, including cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer’s, while easing pressure on our hospitals and reducing healthcare inequalities.”
Accelerating access to new medical technology
The funding is part of a radical new programme called The Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP), which aims to bring state-of-the-art technologies and solutions to the forefront of the NHS.
Currently in the pilot stage, the funding will be used to test the new medical technology for use on a large scale as quickly as possible.
“We are very excited to announce the final eight selected technologies in the new IDAP pilot scheme,” stated Dr Marc Bailey, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Chief Science and Innovation Officer.
“This is designed to explore how support from the regulator, UK health technology organisations and NHS bodies can accelerate the development of transformative medical devices from their initial proof of concept through to uptake in the NHS.”
The technology will advance a variety of health innovations
One device, by HistoSonics, aims to identify and destroy liver cancer tumours using focused ultrasound waves. These waves break down tumours without damaging healthy tissue, offering a safer alternative to radiotherapy and other high-intensity treatments.
It could improve the quality of life for many patients undergoing treatment, reducing hospital visits and post-procedure complications and making pain management easier.
Roche Diagnostics Ltd has developed new medical technology in the form of a blood test. The Amyloid Plasma Panel could help clinicians decide if patients with cognitive impairment should undergo tests or imaging to confirm Alzheimer’s Disease.
A portable blood test from Upfront Diagnostics could help paramedics identify stroke patients more quickly. Currently, ambulance workers can’t recognise a patient with a blood clot blocking the flow of blood and oxygen to their brain, who would require urgent treatment at stroke centres rather than local hospitals.
This new medical technology could help recognise these cases on the spot so patients could be taken to a comprehensive stroke centre for immediate, vital treatment. It could mean thousands are spared long-term disability and the associated care costs while reducing pressure on A&E departments nationwide.
The Health Minister concluded: “Our investment in these pioneering companies is part of our long-term plan for a faster, simpler and fairer health care system and demonstrates our clear commitment to ensuring the UK is the most innovative economy in the world.”
