i-scan project

Stephen Murgatroyd, PhD

[ALBERTAS: MEDICAL DEVICE SECTOR ]
Innovation Expedition Inc.
Focusing Albertas innovation strategy for public good, knowledge products and innovation.
Introduction

This paper reviews the current activity in the medical device sector in Alberta in the context of
global markets and global developments. Using a simple framework, the paper looks at the
state of the sector as an economic entity and examines Albertas position in Canada (weak) and
in the world (very weak). While Alberta has excellent researchers, they are competing with large
research centres world-wide which have more substantive resources and alliances with key
industry players.

Recommendations are made for a strategy for Alberta which focuses on public benefits, support
for innovative researchers and knowledge management as opposed to a strong strategy for
product commercialization.

The fundamentals of the industry is that it is dominated by a small number of large players
globally (see page 9) with access to major markets. Canada is not a major market and is not a
major player on the world-stage in this sector. In this context, Alberta is a small player in the
Canadian industry sector and is unlikely to become a leading player globally in the next decade.

Innovative researchers are, however, working on imaging technologies and nanotechnologies

which are significant and also on head and neck reconstruction. These three segments
medical imaging, head and neck reconstruction and nanotechnological medical devices - need
sustained and planned support for the next stage of their development, but this support should
focus on clinical excellence and knowledge products and management rather than a strong and
substantive focus on commercial opportunities.

Data is provided about the market conditions which lead to these conclusions.

Stephen Murgatroyd, PhD

November 9th, 2007

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Industry Drivers

Clinical outcomes studies of the effective use of medical imaging show significant
improvement in patient outcome leading to lower unit cost of patient care. More
widespread adoption and effective use of advanced imaging systems will improve
patient health and, over time, lower costs of treatment.
The potential of nanotechnological devices to reduce the extent of invasive surgery and
improve patient outcomes at lower unit costs has been asserted.
The medical device sector globally is valued at app. $260 billion ($70 billion in medical
imaging - $14 billion in the US) and is growing at 7% per annum. Canadas share of the
global market is both small (less than 1%) and falling. Canada seeks to grow its market
share, but faces serious structural obstacles in doing so.
Most medical devices in Canada are imported Canada is seeking to pursue a
replacement of imports strategy to reduce the trade deficit in medical devices while at
the same time strengthening export capability.
Alberta has a research capacity but not a strong commercial position in three segments
(a) head and neck surgery using composites modelled with 3D visualization/printing
and medical imaging; (b) medical imaging and sensor technology; and (c)
nanotechnological medical devices. It has an emerging position in medical robotics
research and the neurosilicon interface. Alberta is seeking to leverage these
opportunities to build jurisdictional advantage.

Current State of the Industry

Global sales of medical devices of all kinds is app. $260 billion in 2007 (imaging is at $70
billion world wide with $14.6 billion in the US) and growing at app. 7% annually.
Canadas market share of the global market for medical devices is 1% and falling.
Canada has a trade deficit in medial devices of app. $1.9 billion, with most imports being
from the US, Germany and growing volume from China (now at 6% of all imports).
North American and global markets are dominated by MNEs very little of their R&D
activity takes place in Canada. The key strategy MNEs pursue is a buy-out strategy for
emerging devices or a licenses with boutique providers to give access to markets.
Most companies in the Canadian sector are SMEs. There are some 1,500+ Canadian
companies employing some 35,000 person working in this sector. 44% of these
companies are located in Ontario, with the other significant groupings being in Quebec

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 (32%) and British Columbia (11%). Alberta has app. 38 companies (not including
distributors) see Appendix One.
Average company employment is small (23 persons), with 57% of firms having fewer
than 25 employees with less than 1% of firms having more than 150 employees.
10% of Canadian firms are University spin-offs.
The value of the Canadian market is app. $6billion, with a significant portion of this
market being supplied by imported goods (see above). Annual sales is Ontario are app.
$3 billion. In Quebec annual sales are app. $2 billion and the British Columbia sales are
app. $500 million.
The typical S curve life cycle of a physical medical device in the market (as opposed to
an imaging resource or pharma delivery device) is app. 28-24 months.
Trade barriers exist within Canada to trade between Provinces, due to different protocols
for health technology assessment (HTAs) of medical devices HTAs may also slow time
to market for new products.
There are several industry associations. Key amongst them from an Alberta perspective
are MEDEC (www.medec.org ) and the Alberta Health Industry Alliance
(www.albertahealthindustryalliance.com/ ) which is the umbrella organization for the
Calgary and Edmonton clusters (www.mehia.ab.ca ).
There are also key commercialization activities, most notably: (a) Health Technology
Exchange (HTX) www.htx.ca; (b) Westlink Innovation Network Ltd www.westlink.ca : and
(c) The NRC Centre for Commercialization of Biotechnology http://ind/nrc-
cnrc.gc.ca/ibd_external/ccbt/index.html ; (d) NanoMEMS Edmonton
(www.nanomems.org ) - A registered public-private partnership dedicated to fostering
the development and growth of micro - and nano-based commercial enterprise across
the region. Lead partners include: Micralyne Inc., Bigbangwidth Inc., the University of
Alberta, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and NINT, the National Institute
for Nanotechnology (National Research Council of Canada). Cluster participants include
over two dozen established and early-stage MNT/MEMS companies.

Current Asset Base in Alberta

Companies - Alberta has between 35 - 60 companies (with an additional 85 in device

distribution and support / services). All are small and medium sized and most are in private
ownership. Appendix One provides a listing of some 23 of these companies, many of which
are in private ownership. In interviews with several of the companies listed, current plans
are to maintain markets and work on one or two particular product offerings.

Research Teams

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 Alberta has several strong research teams, each of which has their own agenda. There does
not appear to be a roadmap for Alberta R&D linked to commercialization rather, teams are
pursuing commitments and interests and are using the existing technology
commercialization routes to secure spin-offs and develop opportunities. Links with major
companies are weak.

Biomedical Engineering at the University of Calgary focusing on medical imaging

and visualization technologies (12 researchers), cell and tissue engineering (16
researchers), biomechanics (17 researchers) and medical instrumentation and
sensors (10 researchers).
Cellular and Molecular Research Group (University of Calgary) 8 academic staff
with a focused research agenda. See
http://www.med.ucalgary.ca/cmnrg/members/michael_colicos/michael_colicos.htC
Oml
Centre of Excellence for Head and Neck Reconstruction (COMPRU) an
internationally recognized hub for this field of work, making strong use of 3D
visualization and 3D printing. In addition to 9 COMPRU core Alberta staff, there are
(app.) 20 Research Fellows from across Alberta, 6 COMPRU Associate Research
Fellows, 5 active research assistants and five international Honorary Research
Fellows from the UK, Sweden and Japan.
Biomedical Engineering at the University of Alberta five core staff, one research
officer and two research associates act as a hub for 22 adjunct faculty (cross
departmental and intra university) and five emeritus professors in their pursuit of 13
research areas, including biomechanics (7 persons), MRI/Spectroscopy (7 persons),
non MRI medical imaging (3 persons), Microelectrical mechanical systems (4
persons), nanotechnology (4 persons) and rehabilitation engineering (11 persons).
With some links to commercial firms, the teams work closely with clinicians across
the Province.
National Institute of Nanotechnology (NINT) - The long-term objective of NINT is to
discover 'design rules' for nanotechnology, and develop platforms for building
nanosystems and materials that can be constructed and programmed for a particular
application, including nano medical devices. In particular, NINT is developing
technology platforms for new medical therapeutic devices, sensors and diagnostic
devices, and possibly new drugs and drug delivery systems. Current work includes
work on: (a) MEMS and NEMS; (b) nanotechnology supporting lab on a chip
development; (c) NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) and other devices like optical
tweezers; and (d) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Medical Robotics The University of Calgary Department of Neurosurgery (team
leader: Dr Garnette Sutherland) has developed a robotic capability linked to MRI

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 imaging the NeuroARM - which has been in use in the Calgary Health Region and
was co-designed with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) in Brampton
and launched in 2007.
Capital Health Centre for Minimally Invasive Surgery - based at the Royal Alexandra
Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, CAMIS incorporates three key areas: (a) Clinical
Services - ensuring patients in the Capital Health region, northern Alberta and
Canada's northwest have access to this less invasive form of surgery in a safe
environment; (b) Teaching - providing skills, training and professional development in
minimally invasive surgical techniques for surgeons and other health care
professionals; and (c) Research - supporting innovative research in clinical outcomes
and operations. See www.capitalhealth.ca/camis

Possible Actions/Investments

1. Stop seeing this sector as one in which University research can be

commercialized for significant private sector revenues and gain we do not have
a route to market, an effective cluster or investor capital willing to play in
sufficient volume at this time to make a difference.
2. Recognize the sector as one in which Albertas role in thought leadership and
knowledge management as well as public good through clinical excellence. See
commercialization as a tertiary outcome not a primary (thought leadership) or
secondary (knowledge products and management) outcome. Foe example, the
NeuroARM has some commercial potential through commercial partnerships, its
real value is in positioning Alberta as a leader in robotic neurosurgery. Do not
distract the research team by requiring them to become something they are not.
3. Leverage Provincial procurement to provide incentives for early adoption and
proof of concept and share outcomes through knowledge
products/management processes. This is precisely why COMPRU and the Neuro-
ARM are successful its is about clinical practice and outcomes.
4. See the potential position of Alberta as a thought leader and knowledge
management hub for all aspects of medical device technologies as they relate to
the three areas of strengths, vis: (a) Head and Neck surgery using implants
modelled with 3D visualization/printing and medical imaging; (b) medical
imaging and sensor technology; and (c) nanotechnological medical devices. Fund
and support a world leading knowledge products/management activity in each of
these three areas and seek to become the global network hub for knowledge

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 relating to these three areas (within nanotechnology it will be necessary to
narrow the scope).
5. Develop an R&D roadmap for medical that links emerging technologies to the
priorities of AHFMR.
6. Invest such commercialization funds as are available in knowledge products and
knowledge management services e.g. become the intelligence global hub for
head and neck and imaging. See jurisdictional advantage in terms of clinical
excellence in the use of innovative products (as in the Edmonton Protocol, the
Neuro-ARM, COMPRUs work) and knowledge products and services which are in
part public services and in part revenue based services.
7. Support the integration of nanotechnology, sensor technology and
artificial/machine intelligence in the use of imaging for simulation and modeling
leveraging Alberta competencies to accelerate convergent technology
development for clinical decision support systems.
8. Join with IBM, Sanofi Pasteur, Motorola, MEDEC and York University (and others)
in the proposed initiative for a National Centre for Medical Device Development
see the challenge of commercialization as a national challenge rather than
Provincial. Promote the need to achieve: (a) rigorous, thorough independent
market assessment of the state of the Canadian industry by sector an atlas of
the current state; (b) look systematically at the imaging and nanotechnology
position of Canada in a global market competitive context partner with Foster
& Sullivan (leading analyst company in this sector) in this assessment and
locate Albertas place in any sector strategy; and (c) look at easing trade
restrictions within Canada (e.g. the way in which HTAs are used across the
country) and procurement incentives to encourage early adoption of emerging
technologies by health related buyers.
9. Invest in clinical excellence programs in Head and Neck and imaging for clinical
decision support systems.

Potential Outcomes

1. By 2015, Alberta should be globally recognized as a thought leader in Head and Neck
implants and be a centre of excellence in monitoring and evaluating clinical outcomes.
Albertas knowledge hub for this work is the go to site in the world for this work.
2. By 2015 Albertas innovative use of nano sensors, medical imaging and artificial
/machine intelligence for clinical decision support and medical robotics is recognized
globally as leading edge and a major business partner (e.g. IBM) is commercializing some
of the decision support systems pioneered in Alberta.

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 3. Albertas early adoption of advanced medical imaging should significantly improve
clinical outcomes and lower costs of clinical care.
4. Jurisdictional advantage is built through Albertas reputation for leading edge work in
these fields, which produces excellent clinical outcomes and makes Alberta attractive for
leading edge research and development specialists.

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Appendix 1: Alberta Based Medical Device Companies
This list (which is continuing to be built) excludes companies which offer consulting services only
or which are distributors for products. Where financial data exists, it is summarised.

PulmoNOx Medical Inc (Tofield) http://www.pulmonox.com/ use of nitrous oxide

in medical applications.
SciMed Laboratories Inc (Edmonton) www.scimedlab.com diagnostic tools.
Developing NutrichipTM technology based on a combination of lab on a chip,
microfluidic and nano detection systems.
I-LOC Corp (Edmonton) http://www.ilocsolutions.com/ lab on a chip diagnostic
tool (start up). The i-LOC platform combines and miniaturizes a number of complex
procedures in a manner that allows the detection and quantification of a range of
molecular biomarkers present in bodily fluids or tissues.
Biomech Designs Ltd. (Edmonton) www.biomech.net specialised medical
equipment.
Elec Western Medical Devices (Calgary) www.centurion-systems.com - Pulsed
Magnetic Field Therapy as well as low level Laser Therapy devices are the hallmark of
this manufacturer with a global network.
Embia Biotech Ltd (Edmonton) early stage company.
Calgary Scientific Inc (Calgary) http://calgaryscientific.com/company/about.html
Calgary Scientific, Inc. Medical Group (CSIMG) provides advanced visualization and
analysis software that maximizes the value of medical imaging data from CT, MR, PET
and ultrasound studies. Revenues (app.) $0.5 million annually.
Chenomx (Edmonton) www.chenomx.com - specializes in developing high-quality
NMR spectral analysis technology for metabolic profiling.
Tyler Research Corporation (Edmonton) http://www.tylerresearch.com/main.html
bioengineering and custom solutions (app. $1.5 million annual revenue)
Dalynn Biologicals Inc. (Calgary): www.dalynn.com
Electromyographic Back Rehab (Calgary) www.ebrscorp.com
Imaging Dynamics Company Ltd. (Calgary) www.imagingdynamics.com - IDCs X-
Series of direct capture technology replaces conventional film-based X-rays and
provides a cost-effective alternative to cassette based film or computed radiography
(CR) systems. Named as one of the top 10 technology companies in Canada and is
10th amongst the Deloitte Fast 50 companies for 2007. (Privately held, significant
leadership change at COO level October 2007)
Micralyne Inc. (Edmonton) www.micralyne.com - manufacturer of microfabricated
and MEMS-based sensors, lab-on-chip devices, and optical switch systems via

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 micromachining, microfluidics, and thin-film processing. ($15.6 million in revenues
and an asset base of $12 million).
Tenet Medical Engineering (Calgary) www.tenetmedical.com - designs, develops and
produces innovative medical devices for the orthopaedic market.
NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp (a division of Westaim Corporation) (Fort
Saskatchewan) www.westaim.com - develops, manufactures and commercializes
medical products that fight infection and inflammation using its patented atomically
disordered nanocrystalline silver technology. NUCRYST is one of the first companies
to apply nanotechnology, the science of extremely small materials, into profitable
and clinically proven medical products.
Neurosilicon (Calgary) www.neurosilicon.com neuro to silicon interface (early
stage company). First product to launch in 2008.
Norcada (Edmonton) http://www.norcada.com/ - a MEMS (Micro-Electro-
Mechanical System) product and technology development company with extensive
industrial experience and capabilities in the design and fabrication of MEMS devices.
Quantiam Technologies Inc. (Edmonton) www.quantiam.com - developer of high-
performance, wear-resistant materials that are able to withstand extreme
environments, applicable to aerospace, automotive, mining and chemical process
industries with potential for medical devices.
Redengine Inc (Edmonton) data/knowledge management in outcomes data and
assessment for medical implants.
RadTag Technologies Inc (Edmonton) www.radtagtech.com produces safety
verification technologies - their indicators contain sensitive radiochromic materials
that change color when irradiated which verifies that the product has been
irradiated, as well as approximates the radiation dose delivered.
Somagen Diagnostics Inc. (Edmonton) www.somagen.com - offers a a portfolio of
specialized niche-oriented diagnostic products selected for the Canadian clinical
laboratory as well as for Point of Care and Rapid Response environments.
Vista Technology Inc. (Edmonton) www.vistatechnology.com - provides an
automated Petri dish sterilization technology (privately held).
Xsensor Technology Corp. (Calgary) www.xsensor.com - interface pressure imaging
systems provide objective measurements to assist clinicians in understanding how
positioning, support surfaces, and alterations can impact a patient's circulation,
recovery, and well being (privately held).

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Appendix 2: Medical Imaging Markets

Frost and Sullivan have performed a range of systematic studies of the market for 3D and
4D advanced medical imaging, including the use of simulation for decision support. This
study also reviews other imaging markets. The most recent was published in September
2007 for North American market (cost $8,000). Trimark Publications produced a similar
global study in August 2007 (cost $3,500 app). In 2006 Global Industry Analysis also
completed a study of these markets (cost $3,500).

The primary market leaders in this sector are: Barco NV, GE Healthcare, Medison
America Inc., Royal Philips Electronics, Analogic, CTI Molecular Imaging, Eastman Kodak,
Varian Medical Systems, Hitachi, Philips Medical Systems, Siemens Medical Solutions,
The Esaote Group, TomTec Imaging Systems GmbH, and Toshiba America Medical
System. In all twenty eight globally positioned companies compete in this fast
developing market. The stock of these companies has grown (on average) at 16% over
the last 52 weeks.

The 2007 US $10 billion market for medical imaging will grow to $15 billon by 2010,
driven by more procedures involving advanced diagnostic imaging. Growth after 2010 is
expected to be app. 12% per annum driven by sophisticated decision support systems
making use of machine intelligence. The key finding of most of the current studies are:

CT (computed tomography) scanners will generate the largest demand among

medical imaging equipment through 2010 and beyond. Moreover, CT scanners
will provide above average growth opportunities as hospitals and outpatient
facilities purchase new high resolution systems.
PET (positron emission tomography) systems, including combination PET/CT
scanners, will see the fastest growth in demand among all products. As the only
imaging technique that allows metabolic activity to be mapped and viewed at the
cellular level, PET is well suited to the early detection of malignant tumors and
can identify the presence of substances associated with cardiovascular and
neurological disorders.
Ultrasound scanners will continue to fare well in the health care sector based on
the increasing availability of hand-held and portable devices for point-of-care
testing. Ultrasound is especially useful to capture live images of muscles and soft
tissue and identify sites requiring further diagnosis. The hand held ultrasound
market in the US is expected to reach $1 billion by 2010.
High resolution advantages over alternative imaging technologies will keep MRI
(magnetic resonance imaging) as a leading modality for detecting pathological

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 and physiological tissue abnormalities, especially ones associated with cancer,
arterial disorders and orthopedic injuries. However, high cost and maturing
markets will moderate overall growth opportunities for MRI systems in hospitals
and outpatient facilities.
The market for contrast media, radiopharmaceuticals, and other consumables
and accessories will total $4.6 billion in 2010. Radiopharmaceuticals will provide
the best growth opportunities as advances in biotechnology and nanotechnology
expand the availability of safe and effective compounds and extend the range of
diseases and disorders that can be studied through nuclear medicine. Contrast
media will see a comparatively slow rise in demand as improvements in the
sensitivity of medical imaging equipment reduces the need for supporting
consumables in an increasing number of procedures.
Advances in diagnostic imaging technologies will broaden the need for
complementary picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) and
radiology information systems (RIS). The best growth prospects will emerge in
fully integrated systems that provide for real-time image viewing during
procedures and enable post-procedure viewing and analysis via the Internet or
facility linked networks. Most hospitals and outpatient diagnostic imaging centers
are expected to upgrade PACS and RIS capabilities.

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Appendix 3: Nanotechnological Device Markets

The demand for nanotechnology medical products will grow by more than 17 percent
annually in the US to reach $53 billion in 2011. Source: The Freedonia Group,
Nanotechnology in Health Care to 2011 Report, February, 2007

The Freedonia Group projects that nanotechnology will account for US drug delivery and
biomedical product demand of $3.7 billion in 2009, up from $165 million in 2004. The
largest share of opportunities will emerge in pharmaceutical applications, which are
expected to reach $3.1billion in 2009 and expand to $18 billion in 2014. Source: The
Freedonia Group

The 2005 market size for nanotechnology drug delivery systems alone in the US was
estimated at $980 million and expected to grow 54% annually over the next five years.
Source: The Nanotech Report 4th Edition, Lux Research, 2006

With at least 12 nanomedicines already approved and progressively more in active

development, the next five years should see a steady succession of new nanotech-based
drugs, imaging agents, and diagnostic products entering the marketplace. The most active
areas of medical nanotechnology are in drug delivery and in vivo imaging. Source:
AdvanceTech Monitor, 2006

Implantable drug delivery systems secured $9.8 billion in global sales in 2006. It is estimated
that the total US drug delivery market (all forms of delivery) will reach $85 billion by 2010.
Source: 2nd Edition, Vol II: Implantable / Injectable Delivery Systems Report 2007, Kalorama
Information and Takeda Pacific, Drug Delivery Systems Report September 2006.

The global market for drug-device combinations is expected to increase at an average

annual growth rate of 13.6% and reach $11.5B in 2010, compared with $5.4B in 2004.
Source: Business Communications Co. Inc

As of mid-2006, 130 nanotech-based drugs and delivery systems and 125 devices or
diagnostic tests are in preclinical, clinical or commercial development as reported to the
FDA. The combined market for nano enabled medicine (drug delivery, therapeutics and
diagnostics) will jump from just over $1 billion in 2005 to almost $10 billion in 2010 and the
US National Science Foundation predicts that nanotechnology will produce half of the

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 pharmaceutical industry product line by 2015. Source: The Nanotech Report 4th Edition, Lux
Research, 2006

The total amount budgeted for research and development by US federal agencies for the
National Nanotechnology Initiative amounted to $117 million (2005 2007). Source: Dr.
Celia Merzbacher, U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy

There are more than 4,000 companies worldwide working on nanotechnology for medical
applications, with over 300 companies in the US actively working on developing drug-
delivery platforms, including therapies targeted to the site of the disease, as well as drug-
containing implants, patches and gels. Source: http://www.azonano.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1700

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Appendix 4: Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery Markets

The U.S. market for medical robotics and computer-assisted surgical equipment
(MIRCAS) was worth an estimated $564 million in 2005. The market grew to $804
million in 2006 and is projected to grow to $2.8 billion by 2011, with an average annual
growth rate of 31.4%. The total worldwide market for MRCAS devices and equipment is
expected to be $5.7 billion by 2011, an AAGR of 34.7%. Source: MarketResearch.com

Surgical navigation systems were the largest product segment (53%) of the U.S. MRCAS
market in 2006. However, surgical robots are the fastest growing U.S. market segment,
with a projected AAGR of over 43% between 2007 and 2011. Source:
MarketResearch.com

In terms of surgical applications, neurosurgical applications accounted for the bulk of the
U.S. MRCAS market-approximately 40%-in 2005. Endoscopic surgical applications are the
fastest-growing application segment, and are expected account for a market-leading 45%
of the U.S. market by 2011. Source: MarketResearch.com

Medical robotics is an established industry. Annual shipments of diagnostic robots in

2006 were 500 with an additional 413 for rehabilitation and surgery. Source: World
Robotics Report 2006.

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Appendix 5: The US Industry/Academic Research Roadmap for Medical
Imaging

The following is the industry driven roadmap for medical imaging based R&D from the US
industry association. The key agenda for R&D in the US industry in partnership with the
academic community (developed in 2006) sector has these core elements:

Basic research focused on the further development of new and more

robust imaging methods:

Imaging methods based on new energy sources and new applications of existing
sources
New materials to improve sensitivity in energy detection
New image acquisition systems with continued improvements in all performance
parameters
Novel enhancement agents and targeted pharmaceuticals
Optimization and reduction of radiation exposure
Development of image processing methods with development of computer aided
detection systems and novel image display methods

The translation of imaging methods into applications supporting the clinical

practice of medicineBench-to-bedside translational research:

Evidence based integration of imaging methods into disease management

protocols
Reduction of morbidity and mortality in medical practice through the introduction
of new imaging procedures
Optimization and guidance of pharmaceutical therapy through ongoing
assessment of organ function and disease response with imaging
Expansion of the role of imaging data to inform studies in pharmcoeconomics
Definition and validation of imaging biomarkers to serve as surrogate endpoints
in clinical trials including trials of new drugs to reduce the number of subjects
required, the length of time involved and associated costs
Development of uniform standards for the use of imaging methods in clinical
trials
Technology assessment to establish the safety and efficacy of new imaging
methods and their orderly adoption into clinical practice
Application of imaging methods to define phenotypes of disease expression

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 Exploration of the role of imaging in personalizing patient care Image guided
tissue specific drug therapy
Image guided surgery and interventional procedures with reduced morbidity and
mortality

The translation of imaging methods for the purpose of exploiting them

as tools for basic biomedical researchBench-to-bench translational
research:

Application of non-invasive imaging methods to study molecular, functional and

structural components of living systems from cell to whole organism or animal
over time
Assessment of disease progression and response to therapy in model systems
Targeted (molecular) imaging to assess receptor location, density and saturation
Targeted (molecular) imaging to study enzyme activity and distribution.
Cell tracking in vivo using imaging detectable labels
Measurement and spatial localization of metabolic activity of diverse kinds
glucose metabolic rate, protein synthesis
Image guided application of gene therapy and other therapies in model systems
Assessment of gene expression and spatial localization

The integration of imaging methods into a cyclical model where research feeds
both from the Bench-to-bedside and from the Bedside-to-bench.

(See the R&D Roadmap at http://medicalimaging.org/news/blueprint.pdf)

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