Team Consulting

Disrupting drug discovery: what are the technologies transforming pharma R&D? In this blog, we dive into the technological breakthroughs revolutionising preclinical drug development. These innovations have the potential to drive down costs, increase accuracy and improve the speed of drug development. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: • 𝗜𝗻 𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 3D organoids and organ-on-a-chip technologies are delivering human-relevant insights, at a much earlier stage • 𝗘𝘅 𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗼 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: perfusion systems offer new avenues for studying real human organs outside the body • 𝗜𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: AI and computational modelling are transforming drug design and accelerating timelines With these transformative technologies, the future of drug development looks not only faster and more cost-effective but also more ethical by minimising the need for animal testing. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/e-yVdy6y

Can AI help close the gender data gap in women’s health? AI is revolutionising healthcare, but in women’s health, progress has been hindered by historical data gaps. One of our FemTech experts, Thorbjorg Petursdottir, Consultant Electronics and Software Engineer, explores how insufficient and under-representative data in women’s health impacts the development of AI solutions—and what steps can be taken to bridge the gap. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: • 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: women are historically under-represented in clinical trials, with an average inclusion rate of only 42% • 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀: AI is improving the early detection of conditions like endometriosis, breast cancer and cervical cancer through advanced imaging and machine learning techniques • 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: AI-powered apps like Natural Cycles are empowering women with scientifically-backed fertility and birth control solutions • 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: AI's effectiveness in women’s health relies on high-quality, diverse datasets, which are essential for more accurate healthcare outcomes Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/eYXqUEiG

Precision and simplicity: designing a haemostat delivery tool for surgeons. We collaborated with Paul Hayes, Chief Medical Officer at Selentus Science, to develop an innovative tool for delivering haemostats in laparoscopic surgery. This included: • 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: combining clinical insights and engineering expertise to generate feasible concepts quickly • 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: creating solutions to flatten, roll and insert the haemostat pad with minimal steps • 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴: iterating through designs to ensure smooth insertion and precise delivery via a trocar The outcome: a clinically and technically feasible prototype that simplifies haemostat delivery during laparoscopy. "Team has a great set of problem solvers with vast experience in MedTech. We now have cost-effective solutions we can take back to the NHS." - Paul Hayes, Chief Medical Officer, Selentus Science Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/eYxnYwpw

How can we unlock the potential of ATMPs through pulmonary delivery? What does it take to develop a regulatory-approved generic inhaler? What are the unique benefits of intranasal vaccines? Ahead of the upcoming Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference (DDL), here are three blogs to read on respiratory drug delivery. 𝟭) 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗧𝗠𝗣𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗴 – 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 What are the challenges and opportunities of pulmonary delivery for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs)? In this blog, we explore innovative approaches to device design and formulation - https://lnkd.in/ey-g86pb 𝟮) 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀? Our team delves into the regulatory complexities of generic inhaler development, from achieving bioequivalence to ensuring product quality, offering strategies to navigate this highly regulated field - https://lnkd.in/efR6RzWQ 𝟯) 𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗹? We examine the promise of intranasal COVID vaccines, highlighting their potential to enhance transmission prevention and patient experience, alongside the challenges of dose delivery and compliance in this innovative delivery route - https://lnkd.in/eEKevipT Want to discuss your respiratory drug delivery challenges? Meet us at DDL, stand 188—see you there!

Innovating to prevent catheter-acquired infections – from concept to prototype. We collaborated with Clean Blue, a start-up aiming to combat catheter-acquired infections without antibiotics. Through rapid prototyping and cross-disciplinary expertise, we turned their concept into a functional prototype in just 8 months, helping them secure additional funding. 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵: • 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴: using 3D printing, in-house electronics development and innovative testing jigs • 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿-𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: ensuring the device met the needs of elderly patients and clinicians through ethnographic research in hospitals and nursing homes • 𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀: utilising battery-powered functionality, critical for usability The outcome? A functional prototype backed by ISO13485-compliant processes, a patent-pending design and a pathway for regulatory success. Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/eZn8eq-a

How are digital therapeutics transforming healthcare? Digital therapeutics (DTx) are revolutionising patient care by providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions through high-quality software programs. In this blog, Chris Davies, UX Design Consultant, explores the current state and future potential of DTx in healthcare. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: • 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵: DTx applications for insomnia have been clinically proven to outperform traditional face-to-face treatments • 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆: integrated DTx approaches have demonstrated the ability to eliminate side effects and improve medication adherence in hypertension patients • 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵: digital therapeutics are expanding rapidly into areas like cardiology, oncology and musculoskeletal health, with the industry projected to grow from $5 billion to $30 billion by 2030 The potential for DTx to reshape healthcare is huge, offering scalable, personalised solutions to improve patient outcomes. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eCcRyphQ

Are ATMPs the future of respiratory treatment? Pulmonary diseases remain one of the most challenging areas in healthcare, with limited treatment options for many conditions. In his latest blog, Max Chambers, Applied Science Consultant, delves into the unique challenges and innovative strategies for delivering Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) to the lungs. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: • 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: pulmonary drug delivery must navigate physical barriers such as the glycocalyx and mucosa, while achieving optimal particle size for deep lung deposition (1–5 μm) • 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘃𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: viral vectors, such as AAVs and lentiviruses, offer high delivery efficiency but are costly to manufacture, whereas lipid nanoparticles provide a more scalable alternative but with lower delivery efficiency • 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: vibrating mesh nebulisers and soft mist inhalers are being adapted for ATMPs, but current devices face limitations in shear stress, viscosity handling and particle stability Read the blog to find out more about how ATMPs could revolutionise the treatment of respiratory diseases: https://lnkd.in/ey-g86pb

How do you ensure your medical device performs consistently when it matters most? In his latest blog, Joseph Conroy, Consultant Mechanical Engineer at Team Consulting, highlights how to apply a 'reliability toolkit' across the development process, from requirements definition to post-market support. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳: • 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀: testing and validation through methods like A/B testing, design of experiments and overstress testing to assess real-world reliability • 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀: using mathematical modelling, finite element analysis (FEA) and regression models to predict and optimise system behaviour • 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀: techniques like FMECA and fault tree analysis to identify and mitigate potential failure modes throughout the design process • 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀: implementing statistical process control (SPC), design for manufacture and design reviews to ensure manufacturing consistency and product reliability Read more about applying the reliability toolkit to your developments here: https://lnkd.in/eSqCf4Ud

How do you create a variable dose pen that's ready for automated manufacture of millions of units, yet still easily customisable for future licensees, all while delivering an outstanding user experience? We partnered with our client to evolve their insulin pen prototype, addressing the growing need for high-capacity (80IU) variable-dose injection devices. Together, we delivered a design ready for high-volume automated manufacturing while retaining flexibility for future customisation. We supported our client by implementing: • 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿-𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: incorporating anti-roll features and tactile feedback to reduce user error and improve ease of use • 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: ensuring the pen's cylindrical form and black dial matched the client's existing range • 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: conducting FMEA, tolerance analysis and Design for Manufacture & Assembly (DFMA) to optimise production processes • 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗙𝗨: developing customisable packaging and instructions for use to support the client's pharmaceutical licensees The result? An award-winning, reliable and cost-effective variable-dose insulin pen, ready to meet the needs of both patients and the market. Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/eH5YVD6U

Catching up with our sustainability expert: Following a recent presentation at CPHI Milan, Team Consulting's Alastair Willoughby discusses the critical challenges and opportunities in reducing the carbon footprint of pharmaceutical delivery systems in a new ONdrugDelivery interview. From capsules to inhalers to injectables, each route presents unique hurdles and potential solutions. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: • 𝗜𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘄-𝗚𝗪𝗣 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀: transitioning to sustainable gases while addressing recycling complexities • 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲-𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀: simplifying designs, adopting biofeedstock materials and exploring multidose device options • 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀: balancing innovation and patient safety with sustainability • 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆: designing for recyclability and maximising material value Dive into the full discussion to learn how the pharmaceutical sector can address these challenges: https://lnkd.in/egf_pvJu