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The Landscape is Evolving

With uncertainty in the start-up economic landscape, it’s important to have a breadth of understanding of current research trends. In the next entry of our Start Up Advocacy series, we recently spoke with TTi CEO and founder Dr. April Zambelli-Weiner to get her insights on what’s next in MedTech!   

 

What are your current thoughts on trends and the trajectory of the cancer research market as it relates to new medical technologies? What unmet needs are new technologies seeking to address?

There is a lot of innovation happening in the oncology space right now with a large number of technologies focused on earlier detection, shortening the diagnostic odyssey for patients and clinical decision support for better patient management, including determination of the optimal therapeutic pathways.

Anyone who has experienced cancer as a patient, caregiver or care provider understands the uncertainty that often plagues the care pathway and the burden of getting to an effective treatment plan. These technologies will help address that and are going to completely change the way we screen for, diagnose and manage cancer. 

I predict in the next 20+ years we will start to see population level impact of these new technologies (in terms of both decreasing incidence and increasing survival) as we get further upstream of cancer and have the ability to intervene sooner.
What do you see going forward that could be a potential roadblock for market access in this field? .

There are really two big barriers to market access for these types of technologies right now:

The first is the huge chasm between the pace of innovation and the current policy landscape. For example, many of these tests are technically screening tools and many are developed as Laboratory Developed Tests, or LDTs. There are policies that preclude payers from reimbursing for these types of technologies as well as prohibiting these companies from participating in value-based care initiatives. Reimbursement can also be difficult, as establish payment mechanisms may result in prices that don’t reflect the development costs nor the value the product is delivering.

The second is the overwhelming pace of innovation and stakeholder attitudes about what constitutes a pressing unmet need. Competition is heating up in key areas and we’re seeing lots of duplicative, competing technologies. That means it’s going to be even harder to differentiate your product and get the attention of payers and purchasers.
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Just like this study, there are many unmet needs that deserve attention, care, and innovation. Together, let’s continue to break boundaries, learn, and innovate solutions to help bring women around the world the healthcare they need.

We know that it takes more than just evidence to solidify your value story. Let SMART cost-effective evidence generation be your guide when current pathways have you stuck at an impasse.

Do you have a study or startup technology focusing on women’s health? Or do you plan to start one?  Together, let’s make an impact and accelerate speed to patient!