In 2014, PharmaVOICE began highlighting — through a regular feature called the Innovator’s Corner — the innovations being developed throughout the life-sciences industry. We went looking for projects — spanning new therapies, new drug research avenues, new devices, and new technology — that are ground breaking, that aim to meet the challenges all stakeholders face in healthcare, and that have the potential to change how medicine is practiced. We wanted to shine a spotlight on these exciting projects. After one year, we realized that we had only just scratched the surface of the truly amazing work being done in life-sciences, and thus this special issue was born.
We hope you are inspired by the cutting-edge products showcased in this issue, as well as the companies that are driving transformation. At the same time, we know there are hundreds, if not thousands, of products that could be considered for inclusion, and we look forward to shining a light on them in the years to come.
We also recognize that the term innovation is very subjective. Our intention was to provide some visibility to the companies and the variety of products, tools, technologies, solutions, etc. that are creating new value in terms of the patient experience. More than 100 companies and/or products are detailed in the following pages, some are well-known and others are companies you may be unfamiliar with. In any case, we hope we have provided you with a glimpse into transformations for today and for the future.
Back to our inspiration, it’s our pleasure to provide you with some quick updates on some of the projects we profiled last year.
• April 2014 — Biomeme is developing a system to allow a smartphone to be used for quick DNA diagnostics and on-site disease tracking. The Biomeme system has the potential to enable mobile testing at the point-of-need. This year, the company plans to roll out its latest devices, which can test up to six targets in three sample wells. Co-founder Max Perelman says the company has made strides on its portfolio of tests. The STI panel, which tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas infection in urine samples, has been in a clinical validation study with Drexel University. That study will wrap up this spring, and they are planning further studies with a women’s health clinic.
• May 2014 — We profiled a Denmark company, ALK and its allergy tablet, which addresses the specific substance causing the immune system to overreact. At the time, an FDA advisory committee had recommended U.S. approval of two products, Grastek to treat grass allergy and Ragwitek to treat ragweed allergy, both to be marketed by Merck. Both products are now available in the United States.
• In June 2014 — We profiled Dr. John Rogers of the University of Illinois, who is working on a biodegradable battery that could eventually lead to a new kind of drug-delivery device. Dr. Rogers says his group is continuing its research on biodegradable devices, including using wireless sources of power.
We look forward to continuing celebrating innovation.
Taren Grom, Editor
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Their word…
Denise Myshko
Managing Editor
There is exciting work being done by companies throughout the life-sciences, whether focused on devices, new therapies, new platforms, or technologies.
Robin Robinson
Senior Editor
From start ups to big companies, from tooth decay to 3D printing of pills, today’s innovative companies are improving our healthcare system.
Kim Ribbink
Features Editor
It’s inspiring to see so much global innovation and the impact on patients around the world.
Coming in May 2015
A 21st Century CEO Challenge: Technology
Marketing Through Storytelling
3D in Healthcare
HBA’s Rising Stars
Oncology: Early Detection
C-Suite: Advertising Agencies
Market Focus: Spain
Showcase Features: Mobile Solutions, Training
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Masthead
The forum for the industry executive
Volume 15 • Number 4
Publisher Lisa Banket
Editor Taren Grom
Creative Director Marah Walsh
Managing EDitor
Denise Myshko
Senior EDitor
Robin Robinson
features EDitor
Kim Ribbink
design associate
Ariel Medel
Director of Sales
Cathy Tracy
national account manager
Suzanne Besse
WEBCAST?NETWORK?PRODUCER
Daniel Limbach
CIRCULATION Assistant
Kathy Deiuliis
Copyright 2015
by PharmaLinx LLC, Titusville, NJ
Printed in the U.S.A.
Volume Fifteen, Number Four
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