The innovation zone

Sometimes stories appear that interest all of us and that we all becomes interested in. One of these resonated with the public  recently with the news that a paralysed man is now able to walk again following therapy that involved transplanting cells from his nasal cavity into his spinal chord. For many, it highlighted the extent to which medical science is developing; for others it almost seemed unbelievable that such a procedure was actually possible.

Working in the life sciences sector, it’s often incredibly easy to become complacent about the way in which science is addressing the very real and pressing health issues of all of us. Medical devices in particular are responsible for improving the health and wellbeing of individuals across the globe and sometimes, we take them for granted.

Recent examples of innovation include Jordan Conway from Aberdeen University who is in the process of developing a material that will enable quick and successful bone repair, replacing the need to harvest the patient’s own bone. This technology has the potential to treat many thousands of patients who need spinal fusion surgery for back pain, or repairs for traumatic bone injuries.

We also have AlterG, the company behind what is said to be the only wearable, battery-powered robotic device that senses the user’s intent to move and responds accordingly. It’s almost the stuff of science fiction to the general public but to those involved in the medical device sector, it’s an ongoing extension of the innovation that’s taking place on a regular basis.

And it isn’t just long term development that’s going on. Research and development is occurring at such an extensive level that when the Ebola outbreak, for example, began to take hold, one manufacturer was able to respond swiftly with a device that was used for the first time on a patient infected with the virus. 

These are only a few examples of the scientific breakthroughs that are taking place that make it into the media. For those of us reading about medical advances on a daily basis, they are part of a considerable and not-to-be underestimated array of development in the life sciences sector that benefit us all.

As we head towards the end of the year, it’s refreshing to leave behind us positivity and a sense of achievement. Next year MPN will be very much interested in the innovation and forward-thinking approach of the industry, so keep it flowing and keep us informed of it.