Technological innovation has touched our lives in immeasurable ways, from city infrastructure to personal entertainment and beyond. Even our health and
conditions have been improved by the right tech innovations; contact lenses were one such innovation, having been safely pioneered as recently as the 19th century.
But there are more recent developments which could change the lives of contact lens users forever; what are they?
Smart Touch Contact Lenses
While Smart Touch lenses are a relatively simple innovation, it is often the simple innovations that have the most fundamental impact on contact lens users. Smart
Touch lenses are a new type of contact lens produced with a breathable material to promote eye health throughout the day.
The key innovation lies in the packaging; Smart Touch contact lenses are provided in a bespoke blister packaging solution that delivers the lenses face-up. This
ensures that the user never needs to touch the inner surface of the lens, keeping it hygienic and allowing for quick, unobtrusive application. These contact lenses
provide innovative solutions for lens-wearers, and represent the power of slight technological improvements to existing products.
Suffering a brain injury is no easy thing. The plurality of potential symptoms meets with the potential long-term effects to create a poor prognosis for many
unfortunate enough to experience them. But new technological leaps could pave the way to a better quality of life.
What is a Brain Injury?
The above question might seem a simple one, with a simple answer. But brain injuries are by no means simple, and by no means simply defined. There are two major
categories under which a brain injury can fall: hypoxic and traumatic. Of civil brain injury claims in the UK, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the most
common - with 95% of claims revolving around some form of traumatic injury or incident.
TBIs are brain injuries suffered as a result of a specific or direct injury. The brain is damaged through direct contact or the transfer of force. A direct strike
to the head is in an assault or a serious fall might compromise the cranium, sending shockwaves of energy through the brain and potentially crushing the skull into
the cranial cavity. Alternatively, a car accident or sudden stop might see the brain bashed against the occipital bone, causing internal trauma and intracranial
hypertension.
Hypoxic brain injuries refer specifically to injuries caused as a result of loss of blood or oxygen to the head. These injuries reflect birth injuries that might
lead to cerebral palsy, or serious medical events that might alter the brain's response to stimuli.
How are Brain Injuries Diagnosed and Treated?
While the potential causes of a brain injury are plain to see, diagnosing a brain injury is not as straightforward. There are immediate symptoms that can indicate
brain injury, such as the 'fencing response' which can indicate a severe rotational brain injury. Conscious patients might also exhibit difficulty speaking,
remembering key pieces of information or responding to any stimuli.
Otrivine brings the world's first air-purifying "Air Bubble" to Glasgow in a bid to raise awareness of the devastating effect of air pollution on children's health.
Air pollution is considered the world's largest environmental health threat, with 93 per cent of children breathing polluted air every day according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The Air Bubble, launched to help bring this invisible crisis to the top of the agenda, is an educational architecture, using biotechnology to purify the air.
The nose is one of our first lines of defence when it comes to filtering out particle pollutants from the air we breathe. As a world leader in nasal health, Otrivine is demonstrating how innovative nature-based technology can expand the functionality of our nose to 'clean' the air we breathe in polluted urban environments.
Early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease require the use of dependable and cost-effective screening technologies.
Researchers at Sweden's Karolinska Institutet have revealed that the level of tau, a protein that plays a vital role in the development of severe dementia, is
associated with a kind of sugar molecule in the blood.
The study, which is published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, can pave the way for a simple screening procedure able to predict onset ten years in advance.
"The role of glycans, structures made up of sugar molecules, is a relatively unexplored field in dementia research," says the study's first author Robin Zhou,
medical student and affiliated researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet.
"We demonstrate in our study that blood levels of glycans are altered early during the development of the disease. This could mean that we'll be able to predict
the risk of Alzheimer's disease with only a blood test and a memory test."
In Alzheimer's disease, the neurons of the brain die, which is thought to be a result of the abnormal accumulation of the proteins amyloid beta and tau. Clinical
trials for Alzheimer's drugs show that treatment should commence early in the pathological process, before too many neurons have died, to reverse the process before
it is too late.
Capitalising on strong demand for its obesity therapies, Novo Nordisk's growing appetite for deals has fuelled a bet on a U.S. gene-editing company called
Life Edit Therapeutics.
The Danish drugmaker's collaboration with Durham, North Carolina-based Life Edit Therapeutics - owned by ElevateBio, a cell and gene therapy company in Waltham - is
focused on up to seven programs for rare genetic disorders as well as cardiometabolic diseases.
At the heart of the tie-up is Life Edit's technology, called base editing, which is designed to make precise changes to the human genome by tweaking one base - or
letter - into a different one without affecting other letters.
Single-letter mistakes, called point mutations, can give rise to genetic diseases.
Immunogenicity refers to the capacity of a vaccine to provoke an immune response in the body. An effective immune response is characterized by the production
of specific antibodies, activation of immune cells, and the development of immunological memory. The goal is to elicit a durable and robust response that can prevent
or control infections.
Leveraging Viral Vector Technology
Viral vectors serve as essential vehicles for delivering antigenic proteins or genetic material into target cells, triggering an immune response. Biotechnology
companies have been exploring advanced strategies to optimize viral vector design, aiming to enhance immunogenicity and improve vaccine effectiveness.
Vector Selection: The choice of viral vector plays a crucial role in determining immunogenicity. Different viruses have unique properties and characteristics that
can impact immune responses. Biotechnology companies meticulously select viral vectors that possess the desired attributes, such as the ability to infect target cells
efficiently and induce strong immune responses.
Genetic Engineering: Advanced genetic engineering techniques are employed to modify viral vectors, tailoring them to specific vaccine requirements. By introducing
specific antigenic proteins or genetic material, researchers can stimulate the immune system to mount a targeted response. This precise manipulation enhances the
vaccine's ability to elicit a robust immune reaction.
Immunomodulatory Elements: Biotechnology companies are incorporating immunomodulatory elements into viral vector designs. These elements can enhance the immune
response by stimulating various components of the immune system, such as antigen-presenting cells and T cells. By activating and priming these immune cells, the
vaccine can generate a more potent and sustained immune response.
Adjuvants: Adjuvants are substances added to vaccines to enhance their immunogenicity. They stimulate and amplify the immune response, improving the va
After I have finished playing some casino games, using my, Juicy Stakes Casino bonuses, I am hungry. What should I eat? A juicy steak (wink, wink)? Fried
chicken? An Ingestible Pill? Wait, what? What is an ingestible pill? Is that a food or vitamin? Actually, it is neither.
It is new technology developed by Pfizer. Pfizer is the pharmaceutical company that gave us the COVID vaccines that do not provide lifetime immunity to COVID or
even prevent you from getting it in the short term. Pfizer is also the company that created the COVID medicine Paxlovid, which cause Biden to get a rebound COVID
right after he supposedly recovered from COVID.
Ingestible Pills are a version of a digital pill
A digital pill is also known as a smart pill or an ingestible sensor. It is a pharmaceutical dosage form that contains an ingestible sensor inside of a pill. The
sensor begins transmitting medical data after it is consumed.
This pill and its other related technology are considered Digital Medicine. The purpose of the sensor is to determine if a person is taking their medicine or they
are not taking their medicine. In other words, is the patient complying with taking their medicine or are they not complying with taking their medicine?
Medical sector has the third highest number of businesses currently for sale, with hospitality and retail technology firms most likely to sell up next year,
according to the UK Business Investment Report.
There are 4,300 registered medical businesses in the UK, and approximately 355 (one in every 12.11) are currently up for sale.
Topping the list was the hospitality sector with one in every 9.88 businesses up for sale, ahead of retail technology businesses (1 in 10.13).
At the bottom of the table were owners of agriculture businesses with just one in every 943 businesses up for sale. Transportation and software/IT business
owners followed in a similar manner with one in every 802 businesses being up for sale.
Novartis on Wednesday (February 1) predicted that core operating income would grow in a "mid single digit" percentage range in 2023 following stagnation last
year, as the Swiss drugmaker prepares to spin off its Sandoz generics business.
Full-year core operating income was broadly flat at $16.7 billion, it said in a statement, coming in slightly below market expectations of $16.8 billion.
Adjusted for overall negative currency effects, group sales in 2022 advanced 4 per cent to $50.5 billion as gains from heart failure drug Entresto and multiple
sclerosis (MS) drug Kesimpta were partly offset by competition from cheap generic copies of established MS drug Gilenya.
Novartis said it was on track to spin off its generics unit Sandoz in the second half of the year as part of its effort to sharpen its focus on its patented
prescription medicines.
Analysts have welcomed a programme unveiled in 2022 to trim costs and cut 8,000 jobs and plans to focus on fewer therapy areas and drug technologies. But the market
has been underwhelmed by prospects for medium-term growth from new drugs.
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies Holdings plc, which specialises in developing cannabis-derived medicines with pain-relieving properties, has successfully
administered the first-in-human dose of its lead pharmaceutical drug compound, OCT461201, in its phase 1 clinical trial. The company holds a portfolio of four
drug candidates intended for use as licensed pain medications.
The drug is a selective cannabinoid receptor type 2 agonist with the potential to treat chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and irritable bowel syndrome.
The UK trial, conducted by Simbec Research Limited, part of Simbec-Orion Group Ltd., is progressing with healthy volunteers, OCTP said in a statement. Using a single
ascending dose protocol, the primary objective is to demonstrate OCT461201's safety and tolerability, while providing information on its pharmacokinetic profile, to
confirm its value as a potential drug.
Results from the trial, funded entirely by OCTP's existing resources, are expected in the third quarter of 2023, the statement added.
ITV on Tuesday (Aug 15) said it had agreed to invest in pain relief brand Flarin Holdings Ltd, making it the British broadcaster's first consumer healthcare
investment.
The company has agreed to subscribe for £2 million worth of shares in Flarin, with an option to subscribe for two more tranches of 1.5 million pounds each.
In return, Flarin would get advertising space across ITV's channels and ITVX.
ITV said its investment will "help Flarin build mass market brand awareness by bringing the brand to millions of consumers via ITV platforms. This will be a step
change in the size of the campaign and the approach to scaling the Flarin brand to date."
Director of ITV AdVentures, Sheena Amin, said: "It's fantastic to be announcing our latest Media for Equity investment into Flarin. With its innovative and
patented lipid technology, Flarin offers many unique benefits to those suffering from joint and muscular pain compared to any other product on the market.
Flarin is already one of the fastest growing analgesics in the market and I am confident that we will see the company grow to new heights following a brand
building campaign across ITV."
Being accepted and appearing attractive has always been among the most coveted goals in the world, which has given rise to the multibillion-dollar cosmetic
and beauty industry. Fairy stories have been written about everlasting charm, and battles have been waged over attaining beauty. For the most part throughout history,
people have continuously sought ways to improve their features using natural materials, and as technology advanced, they began to use technical methods like light
therapy to accomplish the same goal.
Chains of cosmetic clinics have sprouted up as a result of advances in technology and cosmetic materials, providing a variety of techniques to slow down the aging
process or improve our appearance. So how can you set up your own beauty treatment and plastic surgery clinic to take advantage of this rapidly expanding market?
Here are some pieces of advice!
FIND QUALITY EQUIPMENT
Your success depends on securing the greatest tools available for skin care and plastic surgery. Good quality equipment is a complete solution for distinguishing
yourself from the competition. The initial step would be to locate different vendors. Using criteria like the cost of the equipment and replacement parts, the
vendor's training, the company's reputation, the after-sales services, yearly maintenance, system performance, warranty, and extended warranties, you may narrow
down your list of recommended suppliers. When selecting the appropriate medical supplies and equipment for your clinic, keep your budget in mind.
The UK pharmaceutical industry experienced a substantial increase in public trust and favourability during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new poll.
This trend appears to be persisting with the study showing a generally favourable view of the sector.
The recent survey, conducted by Ipsos and commissioned by Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), represents the third instalment in a series
that began in 2021. This ongoing study targets members of the public, healthcare professionals, and parliamentarians.
The study once again underscored a favourable perception of the sector with 67 per cent of respondents recognising that the pharmaceutical industry produces safe
and effective medicines using cutting-edge technologies. Moreover, a majority agrees that it is a highly innovative field.
Seven out of 10 people also trust the sector's readiness to address future pandemics, even as media attention on pharmaceutical companies returns to pre-pandemic
levels. However, concerns arise regarding limitations in accessing new medicines due to cost pressures.
In a rapidly evolving and competitive landscape, the pharmaceutical industry faces unique challenges when it comes to marketing its products and services.
With stringent regulations, complex target audiences, and a need for trust and credibility, pharma companies need to employ effective marketing strategies to stand
out in the crowd. In this blog article, we will explore some key marketing strategies for the pharma industry that can help boost their visibility, engage their
target audience, and drive business growth.
UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE LANDSCAPE
The pharma industry operates in a highly regulated environment, where compliance and ethical considerations play a crucial role. Before diving into marketing
strategies, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the industry's dynamics and the target audience. Researching the market, identifying patient needs,
and studying the competitive landscape are vital steps in developing an effective marketing plan.
EMBRACING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Digital transformation has revolutionized marketing across industries, and the pharma sector is no exception. Embracing digital channels and technologies can
significantly enhance the reach and impact of marketing efforts. Pharma companies can leverage social media platforms, create engaging content, and build online
communities to connect with patients, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders. Implementing robust digital marketing strategies allows for personalized
messaging, real-time communication, and targeted campaigns that resonate with the target audience.
GlaxoSmithKline on Tuesday (May 31) snapped up US biopharmaceutical firm Affinivax for up to $3.3 billion, expanding further into vaccines before the demerger of its consumer health care arm.
The London-listed company has agreed to pay $2.1 billion upfront and up to $1.2 billion in potential development milestones for Affinivax.
"GSK plc today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Affinivax, Inc," it said in a statement.
"Affinivax is pioneering the development of a novel class of vaccines, the most advanced of which are next-generation pneumococcal vaccines," it added.
The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based firm specialises in vaccines for diseases including meningitis, pneumonia and bloodstream infections.
"The proposed acquisition further strengthens our vaccines research and development (R&D) pipeline, provides access to a new, potentially disruptive technology, and broadens GSK's existing scientific footprint in the Boston area," said GSK's chief scientific officer Hal Barron.
The Health and Social Care Secretary has announced over £175 million funding to boost genomics research in the UK.
Through this funding, the government aims to create the most advanced genomic healthcare system in the world.
"Patients with cancer and children born with treatable rare genetic diseases are set to benefit from earlier diagnosis and faster access to treatment, following a
£175 million boost to cutting-edge genomics research announced by the Health and Social Care Secretary today (Tuesday)," said DHSC.
The funding will enable research which could deliver world-leading genomic healthcare to patients, which involves the study of people's DNA.
"£105 million to be funded to kickstart a world-leading research study, led by Genomics England in partnership with the NHS, to explore the effectiveness of using
whole genome sequencing to find and treat rare genetic diseases in newborn babies," said DHSC.
"An initial £26 million to support an innovative cancer programme, led by Genomics England in partnership with the NHS, to evaluate cutting-edge genomic sequencing
technology to improve the accuracy and speed of diagnosis for cancer patients and use artificial intelligence to analyse a person's DNA, alongside other information
such as routine scans.
Britain has approved a new coronavirus vaccine by the Austrian-French drugmaker Valneva.
"An approval has been granted after the Valneva Covid-19 vaccine was found to meet the required safety, quality and effectiveness standards," the Medicines and
Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said in a statement on Thursday (April 14), adding: "It is also the first, whole-virus inactivated Covid-19 vaccine to gain
regulatory approval in the UK."
In vaccines such as Valneva's VLA2001, the virus is grown in a lab and then made completely inactive so that it cannot infect cells or replicate in the body but can still trigger an immune response. It is seen by some as having the potential to win over people wary of some which use new mRNA technology.
Valneva CEO Thomas Lingelbach said that "this authorisation could pave the way for the availability of an alternative vaccine solution for the UK population."
Statistics show that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. While this disease can be deadly, it is also preventable. This
blog post will discuss six things you need to know about breast cancer prevention. Knowledge is power when it comes to fighting cancer, so read on and learn how
you can protect yourself.
UNDERGO ROUTINE CHECKUPS
One of the first things you can do to prevent breast cancer is to undergo routine checkups. This means going for mammograms and clinical breast exams regularly. In
this case, your doctor may even recommend using ultrasound technology to get a clear picture of the breast tissue. Rest assured that your doctor will be able to
detect any changes in your breasts and will be able to determine if there is anything to worry about. The earlier you catch any abnormalities, the better your chances
of beating cancer.
BE AWARE OF YOUR FAMILY HISTORY
Another important factor to consider is your family history. If you have close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk may be higher. This is
because some forms of breast cancer can be hereditary. As such, it is important to be aware of your family history and to let your doctor know if there is a history
of breast cancer in your family. From there, you should discuss your options with your doctor and make sure to get regular screenings. More often than not, early
detection is key when it comes to surviving breast cancer which is why family history is so important.
In an announcement following Keir Starmer's and Wes Streeting's visit to a hospital in the East Midlands, Labour Party has unveiled a groundbreaking
partnership with Virgin Media O2 aimed at ensuring every child with type 1 diabetes can access the latest medical technology to better manage diabetes.
With the NHS providing patients with type 1 diabetes the option of an 'artificial pancreas' in the next five years to manage insulin levels and Continuous
Glucose Monitors launched nearly 2 years ago to monitor children's glucose levels, the initiative aims to address the financial barrier hindering hundreds of
families from benefiting from this breakthrough.
Labour's plan to provide every child in need a smartphone, facilitating access to modern glucose monitors, aligns with the centre-leftist party's broader vision
to harness technology for healthcare transformation.
Announcing the partnership in an interview with ITV News, Keir Starmer, Labour Party Leader, highlighted the lack of equitable access to medical advancement
amongst patients as "travesty" and "impact of fourteen years of Conservative chaos has had on the NHS", stating:
The Mentholatum Company is shaking up the dry eye market with a clinically proven, world-leading advanced dry eye relief formulation. Rohto Dry Aid relieves
EIGHT symptoms of dry eye and helps hydrate, protect and restore the tear film.
Elvy Mardjono, senior brand manager for Rohto Dry Aid, says: "Rohto Dry Aid, with its Tearshield Technology™ acts fast, is non-blurry and delivers soothing relief
for up to 12 hours."
Rohto Dry Aid's Tearshield Technology™ formulation is kind to the eyes and designed to mimic the properties of the natural tear film, providing the protection and
hydration required to tackle dry spots and restore all layers of the natural tear film.