DS-JUL24-PG52+53_Layout 1 16/08/2024 12:54 Page 1
INDUSTRY FOCUS MEDICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF T
he global point-of-care diagnostics market reached USD 44.25 billion in 2023, according to recently published research by
Nova One Advisor. In ten years it is anticipated to virtually double to USD 80.75. Much of this growth is being driven by rapid technological advances in non-invasive products, self-testing and digitally connected devices, coupled with an aging global population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. Many of the most exciting developments are happening in Point of Care (PoC) diagnostics. Used at bedsides, in wards, in community settings or at home, these often portable devices generate results usually in several minutes rather than having to wait for a laboratory analysis and report. PoC is far from new. Pregnancy and glucose
over-the-counter self-tests have been around for decades. However, the pandemic demonstrated just how convenient PoC tests were for rapid results and population-scale testing. For remote communities where medical
infrastructures are limited, PoC tests are invaluable. We are now seeing the development of digital PoC devices which can provide contextual information on results to patients. This information can then be shared with healthcare professionals for further analysis, without them being physically present. This reduces the burden on healthcare systems, while simultaneously speeding up the time it takes to get a result and treat conditions appropriately. This transition from acute intervention to
diagnostic technologies centered on wellness and prevention is being replicated all across the globe. The World Economic Forum in its Global Health and Healthcare Strategic Outlook specifically highlights how PoC diagnostics can help ensure more equitable access to treatment and care programs. One survey analysed by Deloitte suggests that the three technologies that clinicians anticipate will most improve the efficiency and effectiveness of diagnostics in the next three to five years are: Telehealth (83%), AI (75%) and Biosensors (74%). Two-thirds of clinicians believe that, as a result of these disruptive technologies, diagnostics will look ‘a great deal’ or ‘totally’ different in six to 10 years’ time. This, they say, will require greater design collaboration between healthcare and MedTech organisations.
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENTS Previous deterrents – such as expensive diagnostics hardware – are no longer such big barriers to market access. Growth is absolutely being driven by greater accessibility to software programming. Developers can simply create an app and use phones as the vehicle to deliver data. One company revolutionising the way people
access diagnosis and treatment for major diseases is Cambridge-based digital diagnostics platform PocDoc. Offering an app-based technology platform combining proprietary
Rory O’Keeffe examines the latest innovations that the Europlaz team believes will be transformative to future clinical pathways
The PocDoc algorithms look for colour changes to detect markers for disease. The platform also determines heart age, 10-year risk of having a heart attack and their relative risk
microfluidic assay tests, powered by its cloud- based applied AI diagnostics (HUESnap), Europlaz has supported PocDoc in scaling up its UK-based manufacturing capabilities. PocDoc’s Healthy Heart Check has been rolled out across the UK from Edinburgh down to Cornwall via pharmacies, the NHS and other healthcare providers. Healthy Heart Check screenings have also been run in underserved UK healthcare communities and at high footfall locations, including football stadiums. PocDoc’s technology is the first to provide
quantitative, multi-marker, clinical grade diagnostics using a bio-sensing approach that can be done in multiple settings, including at home. The company holds multiple patents, with a number pending. Compared to conventional lateral flow tests,
the PocDoc’s technology stack represents a huge leap forward in the field, combining microfluidics, biochemistry, engineering, applied AI, and integration with the healthcare system’s digital infrastructure, all through the same product experience. PocDoc’s product development director, Lucia Curson, explains: “Our technology stack is
52 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JULY/AUGUST 2024
highly unique and extremely powerful in the fight against preventable diseases – reducing what can take weeks into just nine minutes. In 10 years’ time, our vision is that 150 million people will have been screened with our technology and 30 million high risk patients treated through our platform. Scaling our own manufacturing capability to deliver that is a huge strength we have built as a business. We’re pleased to be working with industry leaders such as Europlaz to help us scale – not just in the UK, but globally.” Combined with the Healthy Heart Check, the
PocDoc algorithms look for colour changes to detect markers for disease. The platform, called PocDocOS, also determines the patient’s heart age, 10-year risk of having a heart attack and their relative risk compared to their peer group. Beyond the test results, the platform can connect patients in real time to clinician teams, send results directly into the patient record, direct onto treatment options and even integrate with the NHS app. “Identifying people at risk of cardio,
metabolic and renal diseases early means we can save billions for healthcare systems and prevent millions of lives being lost through ill
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
