Using digital innovation to advance cardiovascular and dental care has enormous promise for enhancing diagnosis, treatment, patient engagement, and research. Healthcare professionals may improve precision, efficiency, and accessibility in several domains by employing digital tools, thereby benefiting individuals, communities, and healthcare systems.
Taipei Medical University (TMU) and a biotechnology company recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a semiconductor (IC) firm with a strong presence in the Japanese market to develop a project involving industry, academia, and medicine.
The project will use BioSpace Surface Functionalisation (BSSF) technology to collaborate on the development of two sophisticated medical devices: a drug-containing cardiovascular stent system and an artificial tooth root system.
Late last year, the three parties announced their alliance. Chien-Huang Lin, TMU’s president, indicated that in the future, the six hospitals affiliated with TMU will supply clinical trial sites and resources, and the three parties will collaborate to create and sell breakthrough medical equipment.
The IC company has advanced biomedical implants to new heights. The bionic nanoporous or microporous structure produced by BSSF increases compatibility with the human body, paving the way for the development of advanced medical devices.
Innovative medical devices, such as drug-containing cardiovascular stent systems and artificial dental root systems, have been created through collaborative efforts. These devices address critical clinical issues, including stent re-occlusion and osseointegration in patients with low bone quality.
The drug-containing cardiovascular stent system that will be jointly developed by the three parties will not only surpass the current drug-containing stent technology but will also address the clinical problem of existing stents’ tendency to re-occlude blood vessels.
The artificial tooth root system can facilitate blood absorption and osseointegration to alleviate the discomfort and risk associated with receiving a dental implant for patients with poor bone quality and low bone density.
The biotechnology company is the first high-tech bioprinting company in Taiwan that focuses on the development of advanced medical devices and biological 3D printing technology, with the added benefit of a certified advanced medical device quality management system (QMS) and product certification.
The phosphate component of the dental material, which was granted a Taiwanese patent in March 2023, is essential to the development of transparent orthodontic and oral health toothpaste and mouthwash products.
Taiwan has established itself as a global leader in medical device innovation, driving advancements that enhance patient care and revolutionise the healthcare industry. Taiwan has seamlessly transitioned its expertise from the semiconductor industry to the biomedical sector, utilising cutting-edge technologies and nurturing a culture of innovation.
Taiwan’s collaborative ecosystem is a major contributor to the nation’s innovation achievement in the medical device sector. In interdisciplinary partnerships, academia, industry, and medical institutions fuel research and development efforts.
TMU plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem by providing clinical trial sites and resources for medical device development, while collaborations have led to technological advances in medical device development.
Taiwan’s emphasis on digital technologies also contributes to the innovation of medical devices. Digital tool integration permits remote monitoring, telehealth consultations, personalised medication, and data-driven research. In addition to enhancing precision, efficiency, and accessibility in cardiovascular and dental care, this empowers patients and improves treatment outcomes.
Taiwan’s medical device industry is further stimulated by government support, research grants, favourable regulatory environments, and robust protection of intellectual property. Taiwan’s expertise in supply chain management and manufacturing bolsters its position as a global leader in the medical device industry by ensuring the efficient production and distribution of medical devices.