MTPConnect CEO and Managing Director Sue MacLeman with Laurie Olsen, Exec VP Pfizer, Melissa McGregor, MD Pfizer Au/NZ, and Julie Schiffman, VP Business Analytics Pfizer, at the Pfizer Women in Leadership event last week.

Message from the CEO

Dear , 

We are incredibly excited to be leading an opportunity to showcase Australia’s talent, innovative capabilities, and assist businesses with international growth, by leading a delegation to The MedTech Conference in San Jose. The Australian medtech sector boasts over 500 companies and is set to play a significant role in developing advanced devices, diagnostic equipment, and technology platforms internationally. With an eye-catching stand, and program showcasing Australian participants and coordinating links with international stakeholders, the conference is set to create some fruitful connections – get in touch with our team ASAP if you are interested in participating. 
 
The 2015 National Survey of Research Commercialisation was released in July, displaying positive results in the increase of research and industry collaboration in Australia. Universities, medical research institutes, and publicly funded research organisations collaborated to establish 42 new start-up companies in 2015, and revenue raised through intellectual property licensing agreements rose by 40% to $183 million. These figures are a testament to the growing acknowledgment of the importance of forging connections between research and industry, and we are excited to be playing an important role in ensuring these partnerships continue to gain momentum and have lasting impact. 
 
Just in the last month, we have seen announcements of landmark Australian deals, such as the partial sale of the Walter and Eliza Hall venetoclax anti-cancer treatment, yielding royalty rights up to US$325 million – congratulations to the teams involved. What an extraordinary achievement, and something that we should all aspire to. These are the deals that are driving our future.

In July we announced our new report on the economic benefit of clinical trials in Australia – we are delighted at the sector growth and it has been great to connect with many of you on how we can play to our strengths in the international market. And just in the last few weeks, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released their report into the Economic evaluation of investigator-initiated clinical trials conducted by networks.
 
This report, prepared by The Australian Clinical Trials Alliance, evaluated 25 high-impact clinical trials and found that if they were implemented in 65% of the eligible Australian patient populations for one year, the gross benefit would be approximately $2 billion, measured through better health outcomes and reduced health service costs. This is an outstanding figure, and highlights ongoing impact opportunities that we have yet to take advantage of. 
 
And finally, I would like to thank veski for my recent appointment to their board. veski is an important organisation that delivers a dynamic program of fellowships, awards and international networks to inspire innovation, and I look forward to lending my experience to help them grow Australia’s innovative capacity.

Kind regards,
Sue MacLeman

CEO and Managing Director of MTPConnect

MTPConnect and industry news

INVITATION: Australian Delegation to The MedTech Conference 
MTPConnect is inviting Australian medtech companies and relevant organisations to the MedTech conference in San Jose from September 25-27 2017, to showcase outstanding innovative technology and capabilities. Delegates will receive an invaluable opportunity to connect with international professionals on policy, business development and investment. 
The impressive MedTech Conference agenda includes medtech development courses, innovator showcases, cyber security, international regulations, and plenary sessions ranging from global health, innovation, and patient impact. The lineup of conference sponsors includes Johnson & Johnson, EY, Medtronic, and Stryker.

Delegates will be able to take advantage of:
•    A large booth providing a promotion and meeting hub for Australian delegates
•    Company profile and contact info in the Australian delegate booklet
•    Discounted tickets
•    Promotion via dedicated social media campaign during the conference
•    Promotion via the 'International Lounge' 

To lock in your spot as part of our delegation, or for any further questions, please get in touch with our team. 

MedTech’s Got Talent launches national call for Australia’s path-breaking healthcare innovators
After three successful years, 2017 MedTech’s Got Talent is back with MTPConnect as a Foundation partner. The program aims to identify MedTech concepts from next generation early stage innovators.  

Participants will compete for over $160,000 in cash prizes plus critical support, such as mentoring from Australia’s leading commercialisation and technology experts. Entrepreneurs will receive support from developing a start-up pitch to initiating commercial activities. Applications for the 2017 National round are now open and will close on the 25 August. For full program details, selection criteria, eligibility and to apply, visit www.medtechchallenge.com.
 

Blog: The MTP Sector is responding to our call to action
Our Director of Major Projects, Dr Elizabeth Stares, has penned a blog to share outcomes of her nation-wide tour to discuss innovative projects to boost the sector, providing additional tips to strengthen applications, due in just a few weeks.

"The ‘Stem Cells Australia Retreat – Transitioning to the future’ retreat was full of inspirational speakers and students, with some fantastic solutions to disease mapping and potential solutions. There is a way to go to get these from the lab to the patient, both for the research and regulation, but this collaboration with Stem Cells Australia is leading the way for Australia."

If you are interested in proposing a 2017 MTPConnect project, visit mtpconnect.org.au/projects for more information. The deadline for project applications is 31st August 2017 at 4pm AEST.
 

Sector Snapshot

• Clinical trials are key to 10-year plan to increase MTP sector economic contribution by $3.2b per annum - read more on our SCP and clinical trials report in The Mandarin
• Why Australian medical research needs an injection: Australia has been a world leader in medical innovation, so how do we keep the momentum going?
• Western Australia will be taking part in the National Mutual Acceptance (NMA) ethical review from 31 August 2017, joining Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria
• Congratulations to the Innovative Manufacturing CRC on its formal launch, collaborating with manufacturing businesses, research organisations , industry associations and government, to invest in partnerships that support manufacturing innovation, including in MTP
• How can Industry 4.0 technologies enable automation of Class III medical devices? A great article from Med Device Online explaining the complexities of producing Class III medical devices in large volumes

• What role do PhD supervisors play in making research relevant to industry and providing employment pathways? Read the article to understand supervisor’s impact on enhancing mobility outcomes for PhD graduates   

• Jobs website Seek has found that the health workforce is growing due to ageing population, increases in chronic diseases and development of medtech 

• In 2013-14, the Victorian medtech, biotech and pharma sector generated $12.7b revenue and employed 23,000 people. Read the full report from the  Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources
• Check out the exceptional award winners honoured with the NHMRC Research Excellence awards  
• The expanded manufacturing capacity of AstraZeneca in Sydney will create 60 jobs and boost Australia's international exports 
• Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Craig Laundy launches new government service to streamline IP process for SMEs and start-ups

Opportunities

• Johnson & Johnson is proud to announce the WISTEM2D Scholars Program for women pursuing advanced degrees in STEM, manufacturing and design 
• Interested in the Biomedical Translation Fund? Take advantage of OneVentures breakfast panel and pitching sessions in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
• BioCurate is recruiting a Chief Scientific Officer in Melbourne to be part of transforming the way medical research is commercialised in Australia
• ANDHealth, the MTPConnect Project Fund supported national digital health initiative, has extended ANDHealth+ applications until 11 August

Events

16 August 2017 - SME Assist Workshop: Meeting Your Obligations, Melbourne, Australia
17 August 2017 - Emerge - STEM Careers Expo, Sydney, Australia
22-24 August 2017 - 2017 ARCS Annual Conference, Sydney, Australia
26 August 2017 - LSQ Gala Dinner, Brisbane, Australia
28-29 August 2017 - Negotiations & Influence in Asian Contexts, Melbourne, Australia
4-5 Spetember 2017 - Negotiations & Influence in Asian Contexts, Sydney, Australia
5 September 2017 - PharmAus 2017 Medicines Industry Showcase, Canberra, Australia
11 September 2017 - Negotiations & Influence in Asian Contexts, Brisbane, Australia

To see what industry events are happening near you right through to 2018, check out our events page.

Are you are hosting an event? Share your events with the MTP sector by emailing: news@mtpconnect.org.au

University CFO Allan Tait with Jean-Phillipe Proust, Associate Vice President Vaccines, Asia, Australia and India for Sanofi Pasteur

Case Study Showcase: Vaccine manufacturer and University align to partner on novel clinical studies

Sanofi Pasteur and the University of Melbourne have entered into an agreement to co-fund Proof-of-Concept studies - which are core to the University's capability and of strategic interest to Sanofi Pasteur - covering programs in infectious diseases, microbiology, and immunology, in a project running from 2014 to 2017.

Sanofi Pasteur (SP) is the Vaccines Global Business Unit of Sanofi, the world's largest manufacturer of human vaccines, making it a great match for the research strengths of The University of Melbourne (UoM) in immunology and infection, and creating positive global partnership through a novel funding mechanism.

Given the strong alignment of interests between SP and UoM, it is not surprising that the collaboration has been very productive and several outstanding projects were identified. The collaborative culture of both organisations will continue to underpin new projects and future products in infection and immunology.

Learn more about the partnership and its outcomes. 

Want to showcase your good news story? Email news@mtpconnect.org.au to submit a case study.

Sector profile: About Paul L Clark and Associates

Paul Clark has over 20 years’ experience in the international Medical Devices and Biotech industries, working in various capacities including regulatory affairs, quality management, clinical research, operations and country management. He has worked for a number of regulatory agencies including the TGA Australia, Health Canada, TUV Product Service (US and Europe), and as a senior manager with start-up and medium sized Medical Device companies including Q-Vis Ltd, Norwood Abbey P/L, and NxStage Medical.

Learn more in our Sector Directory.  

List your organisation on the MTPConnect Sector Directory.

mtpconnect.org.au

Have you visited the MTPConnect website? Our mission is to build on the sector's achievements and collaborate to boost the innovation, productivity and competitiveness and we hope you will help us by joining our network online.

On our website, you will get:
·    Early access to industry insights and information
·   Industry news, briefings and events
·   Opportunities to provide input on the strategic direction of the MTP sector
·   Opportunities for cross-sector collaboration

Head to our website now to sign up as an MTPConnect Network Associate.