Q&A with Fourth State Medicine

Who are you and what do you do?

We are Dr Thomas Frame and Dr Thomas Harle of Fourth State Medicine (4SM). We have developed a plasma pen, with the help of design consultancy Triteq, that could revolutionise cosmetic and aesthetic surgery. The pen will transform surgical procedures into non-invasive treatments.

The company began with a space technology engineer and an applied plasma physicist – both with an entrepreneurial spirit and a thirst to make a difference. Having both come from the space sector, we love beautiful hardware especially when it solves a serious problem, so we created technology that has various applications, from cosmetic surgery to advanced wound care treatment. We believe that by using our knowledge and expertise we were able to come up with something practical that will revolutionise cosmetic and aesthetic surgery. The possibilities for the future of our technology are endless.

How would you sum up your company?

4SM is first and foremost a medical manufacturer but we also have a strong philosophy about how we like to work. We believe innovation comes from freedom and we love encouraging our employees to contribute and share ideas. We try to maintain a culture of openness. This approach enables us to develop a range of exciting, novel technologies.

Name a business achievement you are most proud of

We have many achievements we are very proud of ranging from our first Franken-prototype that literally coughed its way into life to our first tiny office. If we had to pick one achievement it would have to be getting to a stage where we could bring in our first employees.

What excites you about this industry?

We love solving problems. Engineering to solve a biological problem is an incredible challenge that requires creative thinking. Unlike the space industry which can take  five to 10 years for innovation to be realised, Fourth State Medicine can quickly make a difference to people’s lives. This is a constant source of excitement.

Where do you predict industry growth will come from over the next 12 months?

New innovations that offer a combination of treatment, speed, efficacy and ergonomics are where demand will lie. Companies that produce unique, attractive, small, dynamic alternatives to traditional technologies such as lasers are where growth will lie. We also think smaller companies that challenge large industry players are where the best inventions will be established, with start-ups or spin-outs like ourselves leading the market into a new era of technology. This will breed a new range of therapies and treatments that are built on a heavy base of science, clinical data and with the end user always in mind.

Which medical plastic device do you wish you had invented and why?

We are in the fortunate position that we can invent the devices that we think should be invented but a device we would love to have been the inventors of is the disposable plastic-handled scalpel. Granted it’s not particularly high-tech until you look at the weight, shape, material and form factors. There is simplicity in its design and power in its use. From cosmetic surgery through to life-saving treatments this device is definitely underrated and often overlooked.