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Groundbreaking UCL research and development of magnetic nanoparticles for biomedical applications led to the introduction in 2012 of the world's first licensed nanoparticulate injectable medical device, the Sienna+ tracer, and its associated detection system, the SentiMag. A UCL spinout company, Endomagnetics Ltd., has introduced this new technology to better diagnose and treat cancer without the need for invasive surgery. The system uses magnetic materials, rather than radioisotopes, to locate the sentinel lymph nodes that are the key indicators of the spread of cancer away from the primary tumour site. As well as improving patient outcomes, the system considerably improves hospital workflow and efficiency since, unlike radioisotopes, the injectable magnetic tracer (Sienna+) is readily available and requires no special handling
A team of biomedical engineers at UCL has developed a non-invasive growing implant that improves the health and quality of life of young patients who have suffered from certain bone cancers. The prosthesis avoids the costly and invasive surgical interventions of previous treatment. Instead, the prosthesis can be lengthened in a quick and pain-free procedure conducted at an outpatient clinic. As a result, it reduces the costs of bone reconstruction and growing by around £19,000 per patient, as well as reducing the risk of infection and subsequent treatment. Since 2008, more than 400 devices have been sold; in addition to the cost savings indicated above these devices have generated more than £6 million income for UCL spin-out company Stanmore Implants Ltd, which was sold for £10 million in 2008.
The GRANIT system is a non-destructive technique for assessing the condition of rock bolts and ground anchors used to support structures such as tunnels. It applies a small impulse to the bolt and interprets the resulting vibration response to provide estimates of load and unbonded length. Initial development of the system was based on the findings of EPSRC projects in tunnels undertaken by the Universities of Aberdeen and Bradford from 1989-1997, resulting in an empirically based method. However, research undertaken at the University of Aberdeen since 1998 has provided the understanding of the process and developed the fundamental engineering science needed to underpin the development of a full commercial system. The GRANIT system is patented, and has been subject to worldwide licence to Halcrow who have undertaken testing and provided a method of ensuring the safety of mines, tunnels and similar structures. Halcrow received the NCE award for Technical Innovation Award for GRANIT in December 2010. The impact of the research has been in part economic, but largely on practitioners and professional services.
The Orthotic Research & Locomotor Assessment Unit (ORLAU) (http://www.rjah.nhs.uk/ORLAU) has run multidisciplinary services to improve the function and lifestyle of severely disabled patients since 1975. New specialist clinical services have been established, based on research and development activity. The effectiveness of these services has been the subject of further investigations. Work has focused on the development of novel technology (in gait analysis and orthotics) and increasing understanding of human movement. Conditions treated include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disorders, arthritis and stroke. Technological developments have led to licencing within the commercial sector. ORLAU has also contributed to the development of national and international clinical education and guidelines.
Research at the University of Sheffield has demonstrated that zoledronic acid is an effective and safe treatment for osteoporosis. It resulted in a new drug intervention (Aclasta/Reclast) which has been licensed in more than 100 countries and shows increased positive outcomes for patients.
As a result of the licensing of the drug, clinical guidelines have changed globally. For patients, the drug provides a preferred method of treatment, evidenced in surveys which show the majority of patients preferred an annual infusion of zoledronic acid to the alternative, which is the standard treatment of weekly oral alendronate.
Industry has invested in research and development of the drug. Novartis has funded studies into the efficacy and safety profile (up to 2012); in 2011, sales of Aclasta/Reclast were US$0.6 billion.