Nanotechnology conference to showcase innovations in medicine and discuss business models, financing and risks

Many of these advances will offer vastly improved outcomes for patients, therapies for hitherto difficult-to-treat diseases or conditions, improved manufacturing efficiency, or better use of valuable medical professional resources. According to experts, some 130 new nanotechnology-based drugs and delivery systems were already under development in 2006.

The Institute of Nanotechnology, global leaders in nanotechnology information services, is organising its second annual nanomedicine conference and exhibition ‘Investing in Medical Nanotechnology II’, which will showcase the latest developments in nanomedicine and potential routes to financing. The two day event will see leading multinational companies such as Philips, AstraZeneca, GE Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline, Volcano Corporation and Fresenius Medical Care sharing their vision on the impacts of nanomedicine on healthcare and providing a window on their activities in the area. The conference will also see top industry figures offering their views on how to manage ‘risks and uncertainties’ as well as the challenges in integrating nanomedicine into established pharmaceutical and medical device business models.

The Head of ‘Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies’ unit at The European Commission will outline the EC’s nanomedicine plan and how some of the €800million dedicated under FP7 will be targeted towards new nanotechnology-based treatments. The Wellcome Trust will present details about their funding priorities and new technology transfer initiatives, and the chairman of the US-based Aesis Research Group will discuss new business models, financing and valuation in medical nanotechnology and suggest ideas for building value.

The event will also see a number of innovative small companies present novel nanomedical technologies and presentations from top scientists from as far away as India and Malaysia. The associated exhibition will showcase new innovations in nanomedicine and will provide a unique opportunity to network with potential partners.

Investing in Medical Nanotechnology II builds upon the success of the inaugural event held last year to bring the latest developments in the exciting and dynamic new field of nanomedicine. The event is sponsored by Marks & Clerk, MTI Partners and Tinytech Jobs and will take place on 28-29 November at the historic and prestigious Royal College of Surgeons in London. Further details are available at http://nanomednet.org/conference07/ or alternatively contact Tiju Joseph at the Institute of Nanotechnology on +44 (0) 141 330 8734.