New Zealand Biotechnology Partnerships

Quality medical care increasingly relies on innovative technologies. Working in collaboration with the local biomedical industry, the MRINZ has been closely involved in the design and clinical research of novel technologies. These partnerships have led to major advances in healthcare globally and economic benefits to New Zealand.

The MRINZ’s biotechnology focus includes three major programmes with longstanding partner, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, in the application of high flow nasal therapy, innovative mask interfaces and novel delivery systems for the titration of oxygen therapy with closed loop control.

In clinical trials, we have shown that the Fisher & Paykel Healthcare AIRVO nasal high flow machine, which delivers humidified air at high flows through nasal prongs to patients with respiratory conditions, is effective and safe to use in patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Following this, MRINZ teams assessed the physiological effects of novel mask interfaces used with non-invasive ventilation.

Most recently, we have worked closely in the research and development of a unique device allowing oxygen to be automatically titrated in response to changes in oxygen saturation, to achieve a predetermined oxygen saturation target range. This device has been shown to be better than standard care in enabling critically ill patients admitted to hospital to remain within a target oxygen saturation range, thereby reducing the risk of both not enough oxygen and too much oxygen being administered.

The TARGET trial showed that increasing calorie intake in patients who are critically ill by using energy-dense enteral nutrition does not improve patient outcomes, including mortality, and can increase complications such as vomiting and high blood sugar levels. Our New Zealand collaborators at the MRINZ made a massive contribution to the TARGET trial which has informed feeding practices for critically