The European Commission decided to expand the existing photonics pilot-line offering by funding the establishment of MedPhab pilot-line under Horizon 2020, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.
Photonics is based on combining optics and electronics, and it enables various medical applications from diagnostic devices to instruments for treatment. However, both photonics in itself and its areas of application are fragmented, which poses challenges to equipment manufacturers. Furthermore, the strict regulations within the sector slow down the introduction of new solutions. The orders for the pilot production line are made in a centralised manner and channelled to the manufacturer with the best implementation capability. The purpose of MedPhab pilot production line is to accelerate the commercialisation of diagnostic devices and instruments for treatment based on photonics, and to reduce the R&D costs.
Test production in three application areas
The technology validation of pilot production line focuses on three application areas intended for hospital use, home care devices and equipment for chemical diagnostics. In a hospital environment, the solutions assist doctors by giving them real-time information of how the treatment is progressing, without the need to send patient samples to a laboratory. The equipment for home diagnostics, on the other hand, can be used for monitoring how a patient is recovering from an operation or a fit of illness and for getting a wider picture of the situation than currently possible. Chemical diagnostics is about establishing a clinical picture or diagnosing an infection based on a serum, saliva or urine sample.
