Health minister Mark Butler and MTPConnect have announced $6.2 million in funding for six medical technology projects through the Clinical Translation and Commercialisation Medtech (CTCM) Program.
The program, funded through the Medical Research Future Fund and delivered by MTPConnect, is supporting the development of six projects.
They include a contrast-free combined airflow and blood flow 4D lung function scanner (4DMedical Limited), a new ablation treatment for atrial fibrillation (CathRx), a next-generation inhaler device for acute pain relief (Medical Developments International), a more accurate airway pressure monitor to detect respiratory distress in newborn babies on breathing support systems (Ventora Medical), a novel lactate biosensor to revolutionise fetal monitoring during labour (Vital Trace), and a micro-sized device implanted in the eye to reduce intraocular pressure and treat glaucoma (Vivid White).
In addition to the program funding, the projects have attracted $8.9 million in additional contributions from the industry.
MTPConnect CEO Stuart Dignam said the CTCM program identifies and nurtures high-quality medical device projects with commercial potential and supports their translation through early clinical trials.
“We are backing homegrown Australian innovation and helping to bring new medtech products to market to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians,” said Mr Dignam.
"With our program partners Medical Technology Association of Australia, Medical Device Partnering Program, Cicada Innovations, the BridgeTech Program and Therapeutic Innovation Australia we look forward to working with the successful projects to support the development of their innovations.”
The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) will be a lead partner in two of the projects. It will partner with 4D Medical and CathRx.
“As the national association representing companies in the medical technology industry in Australia, MTAA is pleased to be one of MTPConnect’s key industry MedTech partners, providing commercialisation support and adding value to the CTCM projects we are partnered with," said CEO Ian Burgess.
“We are also proud of our continued and long-standing relationship with MTPConnect and what it has achieved in the MedTech space with the programs and initiatives it delivers via the MRFF.
“Government-funded programs like the CTCM program demonstrate the real benefits of private and public partnerships by recognising the importance of Australian R&D and its contribution to improving human health,” added Mr Burgess.