Healthcare Innovation Consortium (HIC) – a leading UK-based digital health and social care agency – is launching a new programme aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at Global Health 2023.
The AMR innovation programme, in collaboration with Mecomed and Barts Life Sciences, targets Health Technology innovators with solutions that can directly address AMR or be adapted to do so. The goal is to fast-track cutting-edge technologies into the market, with a special focus on the UK and the Middle East, fostering partnerships with the health and life sciences ecosystem.
HIC is actively seeking technologies that promote the optimal use of antibiotics in clinical practice, enhance infection prevention and control, and aid in the identification of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The innovative programme will be officially launched on the ABHI UK Pavilion at Global Health in Saudi Arabia. The application window will open until 1 December 2023, with the programme of support beginning late January 2024 and spanning two months.
Suzie Ali-Hassan, Chief Partnerships Officer, HIC: said: “If we don’t address AMR, everyday operations like caesarean sections and hip replacements would be too dangerous to perform, and minor illnesses could become life-threatening. We want to amplify the UK's contribution to containing and controlling AMR by bringing innovators together with researchers and industry experts to tackle this global priority. We’re looking for diagnostic tools, smart systems, prescribing tools, screening devices, and other technologies that can support AMR prevention and management.”
AMR, recognised by the World Health Organization as one of the biggest threats to global health, is rising to dangerously high levels worldwide. One of the key drivers of AMR includes poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics. In 2019, the UK government published a 20-year vision and five-year national action plan for how the UK will contribute to containing and controlling AMR by 2040. A global action plan on antimicrobial resistance was endorsed at the World Health Assembly in May 2015. Addressing AMR is a global imperative, necessitating coordinated efforts from nations and various sectors.
HIC’s new AMR innovation programme aligns with other national programmes and initiatives that support the UK government’s aim to control AMR by 2040. The initiative will enable six applicants to receive comprehensive support to bring new solutions to market that can effectively target AMR, including:
- In-depth insights into the NHS and Middle East markets
- Engagement with academic and clinical experts in the field
- Expert advice on regulation and compliance in both markets
- Facilitated connections on a national and international level
- Support to secure investment where applicable.
The programme is delivered in partnership with Mecomed, the medical devices, imaging, and diagnostics trade association in the Middle East & Africa; Barts Life Sciences, an NHS/academic partner providing clinical and academic expertise; Hill Dickinson, a leading law firm offering support with legal and regulatory matters; and Piper Health, a group specialising in commercialisation.
To mark the launch, HIC will host a programme launch event at Global Health Exhibition 2023, featuring a lunchtime session with local health system and policy leaders, offering insights into this global health challenge and threat.
Renowned as the largest annual healthcare gathering in the region, the Global Health Exhibition is scheduled to take place from 29 - 31 October in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. The UK Pavilion will provide a dedicated space within the Global Health Exhibition, allowing UK HealthTech innovators to showcase their expertise, strengthen their presence in the market and establish partnerships with key stakeholders. For more information, visit: www.abhi.org.uk/international/global-health-exhibition-2023/
