With scientists and industry leaders working at the forefront of science and technology, we can look back on an era rife with discovery. As science became more global and collaborative than ever before, the pharmaceutical industry has been developing new therapies and approaches to treating disease. Here are some of the latest pharmaceutical breakthroughs.
Smart pacemakers
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, making cardiac pacemaker one of the most widely-used medical devices in the world. Traditional pacemakers stimulate the heart with electrical impulses to restore a normal rhythm. Monitored by a smartphone via Bluetooth, a smart pacemaker can instantly transmit data to the provider and provide patients greater insight into the device.
Usage of mRNA technology
Early mRNA vaccines were criticized for being hard to store and unable to produce the right type of immunity. With new discovery, mRNA vaccines were some of the first COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use within a short period of time. Unlike the traditional vaccines which put a weakened germ into the body, mRNA vaccines give instructions for body cells to make a spike protein that triggers an immune response. Once scientists get the genetic sequence of a new pathogen, mRNA vaccines can be designed in days and manufactured millions of doses within months. Beyond vaccines, scientists are also using mRNA technology to trigger the immune system to target specific cancer cells.
New brain surgery
Hydrocephalus surgery have not changed in 50 years, requiring doctors to shave the patient’s head and drill a hole in the skull. The eShunt System is designed for a minimally invasive treatment of hydrocephalus. The device is a tiny implant that travels from the groin to the brain and uses a valve to drain fluid into the veins, avoiding the need for invasive surgery, general anesthesia and post-procedure pain.
Expansion of telemedicine
As COVID has caused a massive acceleration in the use of telemedicine, further incorporation of the technology is expected, such as for chronic diseases and mental health service. Patients with chronic diseases may see new symptoms pop up from time to time or their condition deteriorating rapidly. With telemedicine, patients can quickly consult with their care provider in real-time. This ensures the patient can receive treatments on a timely basis. Telemedicine is also extending the reach and accessibility of mental healthcare. Not only does it provide the patients with more instant support, it also helps eliminate one of the major obstacles preventing people from necessary care, fear and stigma. Through telephone-delivered consultation and therapy, it helps reduce the fear of shame associated with acknowledging mental illness. Elite Asia’s FUZON platform connects healthcare providers to a qualified professional interpreter within 10 seconds. With over 350 languages, it allows healthcare providers to provide interpreting services at a fraction of the cost.
Additive manufacturing
Scientists are implementing the latest 3D printing technology into the pharmaceutical industry. Researches are underway for making advanced 3D printers that print human tissues or cells, pills with properties such as sustained or delayed dose as well as multidrug combination pills.
As the pandemic highlighted the need for improving the speed and accuracy of discovering drugs and treatment methods, pharmaceutical companies are working in the intersection of life science research and biotech industry to deliver more innovative solutions, safeguarding public health.
