DIGITAL SPY
DIGITAL
MEDTECH UPDATE
spy MEDTECH UPDATE
www.moon.ai and www.protolabs.co.uk
Trials set to begin for potentially lifesaving medical device
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new medical device that could prevent worsening illness and loss of life is set to begin trials in Norwegian hospitals. The trials are being made possible by manufacturing support from UK based custom prototype specialist, Protolabs. The medical device – the Evo System, is able to monitor vital signs of hospital patients through an unobtrusive and cost-effective device which is fitted behind the ear. The device feeds real time data back to medical professionals who can then intervene when a patient’s health is deteriorating. Moon Labs first protoyped the device using its own 3D printing technology.
After receiving the European Cool Idea Award, the organisation was able to upload its CAD designs in to Protolabs’ software to check the suitability for injection moulding. Technicians at Protolabs also helped to provide advice on medical grade plastic. The Evo System will be trialled in three hospitals in Norway, and Moon Labs hopes to gain CE marking so it can manufacture the technology by early 2021. Moon Labs co-founder and product lead, Tord Asnes commented: “Without the support of the European Cool Idea Award, the cost of funding this next stage of development could have proven prohibitive for us.”
Bacteria-repelling plastic
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https://pubs.acs.org/
acteria that cannot be killed with antibiotics are considered a real and important threat. Bacteria form biofilms so they are able to adhere to surfaces as well as other bacteria. Therefore, by reducing biofilm formation on surfaces the transfer and growth of pathogenic bacteria is reduced.
Scientists in Canada have conducted research focused around the concept that preventing bacteria from spreading is a suitable way to control it. Through combining both nanoscale engineering and chemistry, the scientists have created technology that even superbugs such as Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas cannot sit on. The results were achieved due to hierarchal structuring in the plastic wrap which makes it difficult for bacteria to attach as well as ensuring the material is waterproof. The research was published in the American Chemical Society journal.
NEWS UPDATE
www.3m.co.uk & www.altariscap.com
3M SELLS DRUG DELIVERY BUSINESS
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ife sciences company, 3M, has agreed to sell its drug delivery contract service unit to investment group, Altaris Capital Partners. The business reportedly achieves $380 million annually, however, sales were down about 11% in 2019. Altaris Capital Partners is planning to pay around $650m for the group in a combination of cash, interestbearing security and 17% noncontrolling stake in the company created through divestiture.
delivery devices and inhalation contract manufacturing services. This is not the first of its kind for Altaris Capital Partners who has previously made purchases within the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors. The acquisition is expected to be closed within the first half of 2020.
Michael Roman, CEO and chairman of 3M commented: “This transaction will allow us to focus more resources on our core healthcare The 3M unit being sold provides business as well as retain a share technologies such as in the value of the drug delivery metered dose business as it grows over inhalers, aerosol the coming nasal drug years.”
Moon Labs ©
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