NanoKTN focus group promotes use of nanotechnology in healthcare

According to the knowledge network, the group will showcase the use of nanotechnology in the medical technologies sector. The group aims to bring together companies working in the medical devices industry to work together to further commercialise the use of nanotechnology in healthcare. NiMeD has been established to develop industry, academic and clinical partnerships, promote the benefits of nanotechnology in the medical device community and to identify key areas of unmet medical needs that nanotechnology can address. The UK has a significant track record in the medical device industry with one of the largest medical device markets in the world, valued at just under $8.4billion in 2009 and expected to rise to $10.2bn by 2014. The NanoKTN is currently developing the steering committee for the NiMeD focus group and already has commitment from leading companies and academics such as Sharp Laboratories Europe, OJ-Bio Ltd, Queen Mary University of London, Cambridge Consultants and the Medical & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The steering committee will provide advice and direction for the activities of the group. Dr Mike Fisher, theme manager - Healthcare & Life Sciences, NanoKTN, said: "The NiMeD focus group aims to bring together companies activity developing and utilising nanotechnology in medical devices and the technical areas will be broad in scope, covering all aspects of miniaturised implantable devices, to coatings on macro devices. With over 2000 medical device companies in the UK, over 80% of which are SMEs, it is important to establish a solid supply chain early on." All UK companies working in the medical devices industry and interested in pursuing collaboration opportunities with other healthcare industry partners, are encouraged to join the focus group online at http://www.nanoktn.com. According to the NanoKTN, its primary aim is to encourage collaboration and knowledge transfer between key players in industry, as well as start ups and SMEs. One of the key methods it plans to ensure networking between key market players is to facilitate interactions through networking and event organisation. Membership to the NanoKTN and NiMeD focus group is free of charge.