Small molecules

Although the best defined area of healthcare product development, there are still many ways in which the traditional development pathways can be shortened. Knowing the optimal time to initiate stability programmes, safety pharmacology or reproductive toxicology so that costs are not incurred earlier than they have to be and, at the same time, delays in the programme do not occur because of late implementation are skills that Polymed is adept in. Spotting ways in which patent life of existing products might be extended or new indications for out-of-patent molecules are areas in which Polymed’s experts can assist you

Biologics

The rapidly growing field of therapeutic biologics is one in which the development pathways are littered with pitfalls and anomalies making it a confusing and not yet well-defined area, particularly in Europe. Polymed’s Principals and Consultants have been working in this field since the early 1990s and have extensive experience of dealing with European and North American regulatory agencies. Recent well-publicised events at a CRO at Northwick Park Hospital in the UK have made further tightening of regulatory procedures inevitable. Companies entering this field for the first time need help in finding their way through the minefield. Polymed is an ideal guide and mentor

Medical devices

Care of chronic wounds is placing increasing burdens on the health care providers of all developed countries as their populations age and quality of life expectations increase. The technology is changing from traditional, passive methods of dressing wounds towards biological agents that intervene in the wound healing process at the cellular level and devices such as tissue adhesives and interactive dressing materials that, despite their apparent high costs, can deliver cost-effectiveness by shortening the healing process. Regulators and agencies such as NICE need to be convinced however. Polymed’s Principals were pioneers of cost-effectiveness trials in wound care in the 1980s and 90s and can provide unrivalled expertise in this area. The highly specialised but high-margin field of stoma care is another area in which Polymed has special expertise