Synopsis, our in-house publication

In this regular review, we will present biotech, pharma and medical device topics of immediate interest due to research developments, recent events impacting the market, or strategic opportunities. On occasion, Synopsis will also contain interviews with those in the industry and prominent figures in academic research/key opinion leaders.

 

If you are wondering about follow on issues, well we were working on a revamp of Synopsis but Consulting Projects and timely delivery of such has got in the way. Please make do with the archived documents until we get this up and running again.

 

Download the last issue of Synopsis, or past issues from the Archives.

 

For the latest issues, click below:

Synopsis, March/April 2010

 

Table of Contents

 

Developments in the treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders

Obesity Pipeline Update

Brazilian Generics Market - poised for expansion

News-wire

Synopsis_MarApr2010
Synopsis_MarApr2010.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [418.5 KB]
Synopsis: January/February 2010
Synopsis JanFeb 2010.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [456.3 KB]
Dr. J. Joseph Kim, CEO, Inovio Biomedical

Synopsis, January/February 2010

Table of Contents:

  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) - An Expanding Opportunity for Device, Diagnostics and Pharma Companies
MRSA accounts for 25-40% of nosocomial S. aureus infections, is a tremendous health and financial burden for healthcare systems. The cost of treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the US alone is over $5 billion per year, and prevalence in some countries may be as high as 75%. Current research indicates that community MRSA (CA-MRSA), also a significant source of infection, appears to be a different, more virulent strain of MRSA. Market opportunities discussed in this article include prevention, utilizing hand washing/monitoring devices and technologies; detection via the development and marketing of diagnostic assays; and therapies such as genetically-altered antibiotics, and vaccines against MRSA. Likely there will not be a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of MRSA infections.
 
  • Regenerative Medicine - The Market Impact of Advances in Stem Cell Technologies

The large pharma companies have begun to take note of the potential in regenerative medicine. For example, in November 2008, Pfizer invested $100m in stem cell research. The goal is to bring the enormous potential in stem cells into the market. One way would be to make reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells a source of patient-specific cells for use in medicine, enabling the body to regenerate, repair, replace, and restore diseased or damaged cells, tissues, and organs. One opportunity in the stem cell arena lies in therapies for ophthalmic disorders; treatment of ophthalmic disorders represents a market in excess of $20bn per year. Another attractive target is the treatment of neurological disorders, including MS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Other potential treatment areas include cardiology, orthopaedics, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), development of vaccines against cancer, and advanced wound care. At this point the total market size cannot be calculated with accuracy, but there is little doubt that the potential will be staggering.

 

  • Industry Interview: Dr. Joseph Kim, CEO, Inovio Biomedical

 

  • News-Wire

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Synopsis Archives

Synopsis: October 2009
Synopsis_Oct2009.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [626.5 KB]
Professor Timo Vesikari

 
Synopsis
, October 2009

Table of Contents:

  • The BRIC Economies--A Backgrounder to Pharma and Medical Device Opportunities

In 2008 despite the global downturn, the BRIC economies generally bucked the trend of contracting growth rates. The BRICs, with 40% of the world’s population spread out over three continents, already account for nearly a quarter of global GDP. A report by the IMF in June 2009 noted that despite a forecast contraction in growth of the Russian economy in 2009 (in part because Russia has suffered greater fallout from plunging commodity prices than many other countries) and the fact that Brazil’s economy is undergoing consolidation, the BRICs enjoy greater potential for stability and recovery.

 

With respect to China in particular the adverse economic conditions have prompted a surge in investment in the country’s infrastructure rather than a defensive policy of cost cutting. The healthcare sector has been one area which is benefiting from China’s reform plans. Over the last few years each of the BRIC nations have put in place a number of initiatives aimed at improving their expenditure on health and access of poorer sections of their societies to health services.

 

A Veracity Health analysis forecasts that by 2012 the combined revenues of the BRIC pharma markets will reach $96.1bn from a value of $59bn in 2008, demonstrating a 2008-2012 CAGR of 13%.

 

In medical devices each of Brazil, Russia, India and China are implementing or researching health reforms which will address service shortcomings and empower patients to seek medical assistance.  In Russia for example in 2007, in the national ‘Health’ project, top medical technologies were given a new priority. Also, over $4.3bn of the federal budget were allocated to construct 15 hi-tech medical centers in Russian regions.

 

This article provides a preliminary insight into some of the opportunities for Pharmaceutical and Medical Device companies already in the market or contemplating entry.

  • H1N1 Flu Pandemic Underscores the Role of Adjuvants in Immunization

Today, most vaccines under development are based on well-defined molecular immunogens,  in order to decrease problematic reactogenicity. While these vaccines are based on viral vectors known to be safe for humans, they usually are not as immunogenic as vaccines of the past. These new vaccines therefore require adjuvants in order to induce the desired immune response and protection. In addition, newer vaccines often need to trigger a strong cellular response, such as the induction of T helper cells and cytotoxic T  lmphocytes, as well as antibodies. This article provides a rapid review of the state of play with the development of adjuvants for influenza and cancer vaccines.

 

  • Key Opinion Leader Interview: 

  -- Professor Timo Vesikari

 

  • Novel Technologies Are Expanding Drug Delivery Using Dermal Patches

Transdermal patch technology companies tend to fall into one of three areas: they are a developer of proprietary patch technology which they then license out to other companies, frequently partnering with a drug company to create the final product for the partner to market; they are a pharmaceutical company which in-licenses patch technology in order to marry it to one of their drugs; or they handle both transdermal technical development an drug development in-house. Most companies fall into the first or second categories. Among the leaders in the development of patch drug delivery technology are 3M Drug Delivery Systems, Hewlett Packard (leveraging its inkjet technology) and Aveva Drug Delivery Systems (a fully-owned subsidiary of Nitto Denko).

 

A potential upside of developing a transdermal patch for a drug which may be coming off patent but still has strong sales potential is that the presentation of the drug as a patch offers product lifecycle extension. We review the companies participating, or seeking partners to market their products in this burgeoning sector which is displaying an impressive 11% yoy growth.