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White Paper: Nanosensors in Environmental and Disease Monitoring
Introduction
Environmental degradation and the spread of diseases are escalating challenges globally. Traditional environmental monitoring and disease detection methods often face limitations in accuracy, speed, and scalability.
As the world confronts these challenges, the potential of nanosensors in environmental monitoring and disease detection shines as a beacon of hope. These advanced technologies offer innovative solutions to our pressing needs for precise and rapid detection in diverse environments.
This white paper explores nanosensors' transformative impact on environmental monitoring and disease detection processes.
Global Challenge and Nanoscale Innovations in Environmental Monitoring and Disease Detection
The global challenge of effectively monitoring environmental health and detecting diseases has become a critical concern in our era. The escalating environmental pollution and the emergence of new diseases highlight the urgent need for advanced monitoring and detection techniques. These challenges are exacerbated by climate change, urbanisation, and industrial activities, making the environment more vulnerable and increasing the risk of widespread diseases.
Nanoscale innovations hold remarkable potential for transforming environmental monitoring and disease detection. Here are some of the ways they are making an impact:
A report by the National Library of Medicine said: "Nanotechnology has brought many different advances to the field of resistive sensing through the development of various techniques. These include the resistive measurement of nanostructured materials for gas-sensing applications, nanocomposites for resistive strain sensors using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs, diameters 8–15 nm), and the development of resistive pulse sensors (based on the Coulter counter principle), which have been used to characterise everything from whole cells to small molecules."
Sensitive Detection of Pollutants: Nanosensors can be engineered to specifically detect and measure trace levels of environmental pollutants, such as heavy metals and toxins, with high precision.
Rapid Pathogen Identification: Utilizing nanotechnology, sensors can rapidly identify pathogens and bacteria, crucial for preventing the spread of diseases and ensuring public health safety.
Air Quality Monitoring: Nanosensors can detect and analyse airborne contaminants, providing real-time data essential for assessing and managing air quality.
Advanced Biochemical Monitoring: On the nanoscale, sensors can detect subtle biochemical changes in the environment, indicative of potential ecological threats or the emergence of disease vectors.
Highly Responsive Disease Biomarkers: Nanosensors can detect disease biomarkers with unprecedented sensitivity and specificity, aiding in early disease diagnosis and management.
These nanoscale innovations are enhancing our ability to monitor and protect the environment and revolutionising the field of disease detection and public health.
Potential Barriers to Entry in Nanosensor Deployment for Environmental Monitoring and Disease Detection
High Initial Costs: Developing and deploying nanosensor technologies for environmental monitoring and disease detection often requires significant initial investment. This includes research, material procurement, specialised equipment, and infrastructural development expenses.
Complex Regulatory Landscape: Environmental monitoring and public health sectors are heavily regulated due to their direct impact on human well-being and ecological balance. Implementing nanosensor technologies involves navigating through intricate regulations, permits, and standards at various local and international levels.
Technical Expertise: Proficiently applying nanosensor technologies in these fields demands specialised knowledge. There is an increasing need for experts in interdisciplinary areas combining nanotechnology, environmental science, biomedical engineering, and data analysis.
Public Perception and Trust: Introducing new technologies like nanosensors in sensitive public health and environmental safety requires building public trust. Addressing public concerns, dispelling misinformation, and alleviating fears regarding nanotechnologies is essential.
Environmental and Health Concerns: There are apprehensions regarding the potential long-term impacts of nanosensors on the environment and human health. Ensuring these technologies are safe, non-toxic, and do not have unintended adverse effects is crucial.
Scalability Challenges: While nanosensors may demonstrate effectiveness in controlled laboratory environments, scaling them for widespread, real-world applications presents significant challenges. Ensuring these technologies deliver consistent and reliable performance on a larger scale is crucial.
Size of the Market in Nanosensors for Environmental Monitoring and Disease Detection
The global environmental monitoring market is experiencing a significant upward trajectory. The market demand, valued at USD 22.71 billion in 2023, is expected to ascend to USD 39.39 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.30% between 2024 and 2032.
Comprehensive analysis reveals that the surge in market demand is attributed to several pivotal factors:
"The demand for environmental monitoring is driven by factors such as the growing global population, implementation of policies and programs aimed at reducing pollution caused to air, soil, and water, and the increased government support for pollution prevention and control."
These driving forces underscore the escalating necessity for advanced monitoring solutions. Nanosensors, recognised for their precision and efficiency in environmental monitoring and disease detection, are poised to address this burgeoning demand. Their ability to detect minute changes in environmental conditions and identify disease markers accurately makes them indispensable in the global effort to manage and mitigate environmental and health-related challenges.
Success Stories
Nasys, an Italian leader in innovative technology, is tackling urban air pollution with its advanced custom gas nanosensors. These precision instruments, made from metal oxide nanostructures, are adept at detecting minute concentrations of specific atmospheric gases, a critical factor in maintaining urban environmental safety. Versatile in design, these nanosensors seamlessly integrate into various settings, ranging from domestic to industrial and environmental monitoring. Their ability to accurately identify gas compositions is critical in tracking air quality and safeguarding public health and the environment.
Agilent Technologies Inc., renowned globally in life sciences and diagnostics, plays a pivotal role in environmental monitoring and disease detection. Their state-of-the-art technologies are essential in identifying ecological contaminants, such as pesticides and pharmaceutical residues, meeting the critical needs of environmental surveillance. In healthcare, Agilent's expertise shines through its diagnostic solutions, particularly in cancer detection, where its precision and accuracy in disease diagnosis are unmatched. This combination of environmental and health diagnostic capabilities underscores Agilent's significant impact in these crucial sectors.
Investment and Start-ups for Nanotechnology in Environmental Monitoring and Disease Detection
In the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology for environmental monitoring and disease detection, several pioneering companies stand out for their innovative contributions and advanced solutions.
Nanotechnology for Environmental Monitoring and Disease Detection:
Affymetrix Inc.: Affymetrix Inc. specialises in developing advanced nanosensor-based technologies with wide-ranging applications in genetic analysis, which is crucial for environmental monitoring and disease detection.
Agilent Technologies Inc.: Agilent Technologies Inc. excels in producing nanosensors for precise diagnostics and environmental testing, significantly contributing to disease detection and monitoring of environmental contaminants.
Altair Nanotechnologies Inc.: Known for its innovative approach, Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. focuses on developing nanosensor solutions that aid in detecting environmental pollutants and enhancing the efficiency of disease diagnostics.
Bayer AG: With its advanced research in nanotechnology, Bayer AG develops nanosensors that play a vital role in agriculture, contributing to environmental monitoring and the detection of plant diseases.
Biosensors International Group Ltd.: Biosensors International Group Ltd. is at the forefront of creating cutting-edge nanosensor technologies specifically designed for cardiac diagnostics and monitoring, a significant aspect of disease detection.
Key Academic Institutes working in Nanosensors for Environmental Monitoring and Disease Detection
MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, have engineered a novel type of plant nanobionic optical sensor that can detect and monitor, in real time, levels of the highly toxic heavy metal arsenic in the underground environment.
Arizona State University (ASU), USA: At ASU's Biodesign Institute and the School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering, researchers like Chao Wang are working on novel methods for detecting viruses, including Ebola and SARS-CoV-2. This research represents a significant advancement in using nanosensors for disease detection.
University of Washington, Seattle, USA: Collaborating with ASU, the University of Washington is involved in developing nanosensor technologies for infectious disease detection, contributing to the global fight against pandemics.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA: MIT is renowned for its nanotechnology research, contributing significantly to advancements in nanosensors applied in environmental monitoring and disease detection.
Tsinghua University, China: Located in Beijing, Tsinghua University is a leading institution in nanotechnology, with a strong focus on developing nanosensors for various applications, including environmental and health monitoring.
University of California, Berkeley, USA: UC Berkeley is prominent in nanotechnology research, with significant contributions to developing nanosensors for monitoring environmental factors and detecting diseases.
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore: This university is known for its cutting-edge research in nanotechnology, including developing nanosensors for environmental monitoring and precision health diagnostics applications.
Georgia Institute of Technology, USA: Georgia Tech is actively engaged in nanotechnology research, focusing on creating nanosensors that can be used for environmental monitoring and disease detection.
Academic References
“Nanomaterial-enabled sensors are being designed for high-efficiency, multiplex-functionality and high-flexibility sensing applications. Many existing nanosensors have the inherent capacity to achieve such goals; however, they require further development into consumer- and operator-friendly tools with the ability to detect analytes in previously inaccessible locations and at a greater scale than possible.” Peter J. Vikesland, Nature Nanotechnology.
“Even though most of the advances in nanosensor and nanoparticle research and development have been paid for by disease-oriented funding agencies, much of the gained knowledge can now be applied to treat or learn more about our environment, including water, soil, microbes and plants. As the amount of engineered nanoparticles that enter our environment is exponentially increasing, much tighter attention must be paid to assessing their health risk." Viola Vogel, Journal of Nanobiotechnology.
“As we tackle the urgent issues of environmental monitoring and disease detection, the promise of nanosensors becomes more apparent. Their exceptional precision at the nanoscale leads to significant improvements in detecting environmental pollutants and pathogens, marking a leap in technological innovation and a dedication to preserving our environment and public health. Sustained investment in nanosensor technology is vital, as it addresses our immediate challenges and represents a forward-thinking strategy for long-term environmental and health resilience.” Paul Stannard, Founder at the World Nano Foundation.
Conclusion
Environmental monitoring and disease detection are revolutionising, with nanosensors emerging as a critical driver of change. These devices offer unprecedented precision and efficiency in tracking environmental pollutants and identifying pathogens.
Despite challenges in widespread implementation, the market for nanosensor-based solutions is expanding. Leading research institutions like MIT, Stanford, NUS, and numerous startups are focusing on leveraging nanosensors for environmental and health monitoring. This highlights the critical need for innovative approaches in these sectors.
These organisations emphasise the importance of dedicated research and the allocation of resources toward breakthroughs in nanosensor technology. With ongoing research and international collaboration, nanosensors are set to continuously drive innovation continuously, proving invaluable tools for environmentalists and healthcare professionals. They are shaping the future of environmental monitoring and disease detection, offering new possibilities for a healthier and more sustainable world.
Note to Editors: Commercial Applications for Nanotechnology in Environmental Monitoring and Disease Detection Whitepaper
This white paper on nanotechnology in environmental monitoring and disease detection is grounded in a thorough review of contemporary literature, reports, and research findings from recognised sources within nanotechnology, environmental science, and medical diagnostics. The methodology applied in crafting this document included:
Literature Review: A comprehensive survey was conducted to gather relevant information on the latest nanosensor developments and their environmental and disease-monitoring applications. Sources included scientific databases, academic journals, industry reports, and credible websites.
Data Collection: The collected information encompasses details on various nanosensors, their properties, and their potential applications in detecting environmental pollutants and disease biomarkers. Challenges and opportunities related to nanosensor implementation in these fields were also explored.
Data Analysis: Collected data was thoroughly analysed to identify significant trends, patterns, and insights, emphasising the role and impact of nanosensors in addressing current environmental and health challenges.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview of environmental degradation and disease spread
Role of nanosensors in addressing these challenges
Global Challenge and Nanoscale Innovations
Current challenges in environmental monitoring and disease detection
Nanosensor innovations: Sensitive pollutant detection, rapid pathogen identification, air quality monitoring, advanced biochemical monitoring, disease biomarker detection
Potential Barriers to Entry
Challenges such as high costs, regulatory complexities, need for technical expertise, public perception, environmental and health concerns, scalability issues
Market Size and Growth
Market statistics, growth projections, and factors driving market expansion
Success Stories
Case studies of organisations like Nasys and Agilent Technologies Inc. utilising nanosensors effectively
Investment and Startups
Focus on pioneering companies and startups in nanosensor technology
Key Academic Institutes
Leading universities and research institutions specialising in nanosensor research and development
Academic References
Citations from notable researchers and publications in the field
Conclusion
Summary of the impact and prospects of nanosensors in environmental monitoring and disease detection
Glossary of Terms
· Nanosensors: Miniature devices capable of detecting and measuring the nanoscale's physical, chemical, and biological properties. These are critical in identifying environmental contaminants and disease biomarkers.
· Nanotechnology: The science and engineering conducted at the nanoscale involves manipulating and controlling matter at dimensions typically between 1 and 100 nanometers.
· Environmental Monitoring: The process of systematically collecting, analysing, and interpreting data about pollutants, air quality, water quality, soil conditions, and other environmental factors.
· Disease Detection: Identifying and diagnosing diseases, often through biomarkers or pathogens, using various technologies, including nanosensors.
· Pathogens: Microorganisms or agents that cause disease. Nanosensors can be designed to detect these agents rapidly and accurately.
· Biochemical Monitoring: The observation and analysis of biochemical changes in the environment or organisms, often to detect pollution or disease.
· Heavy Metals: Metallic elements with high densities that can be toxic to organisms at low concentrations. Nanosensors can detect these pollutants with high sensitivity.
· Biomarkers: Biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues, serving as indicators of a standard or abnormal process or a condition or disease.
· Airborne Contaminants: Particles and gases in the air that can harm human health or the environment. Nanosensors can detect and analyse these contaminants.
· Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs): Cylindrical nanostructures made of carbon, notable for their unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties. Used in various applications, including sensor technology.
· Nanocomposites: Materials composed of a matrix with nanoscale reinforcements. They can enhance the performance of sensors in detecting environmental pollutants or disease agents.
· Resistive Sensing: A sensing mechanism where changes in electrical resistance are measured to detect the presence of specific substances or conditions.
· Multiplex-functionality: A device, such as a nanosensor, can perform multiple functions or detect numerous targets simultaneously.
· Nanoparticles: Particles between 1 and 100 nanometers in size. They often have unique physical and chemical properties due to their small size.
· Scale-up: Increasing the size or volume of an application from laboratory scale to production scale is a significant challenge in commercialising nanosensors.
· Toxicology: The study of the adverse effects of chemical substances on living organisms, an important consideration in evaluating the safety of nanosensors.
· Data Analysis in Nanosensors: The process of interpreting the signals or data produced by nanosensors to make meaningful conclusions about environmental conditions or health states.
· Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to laws and regulations relevant to nanosensor technology, especially in environmental safety and public health.
· Interdisciplinary Research: Combining multiple academic disciplines, such as nanotechnology, environmental science, and biomedical engineering, to advance the development and application of nanosensors.
· Non-Invasive Monitoring: Techniques that do not require intrusion into the body or the environment, a feature of some nanosensor applications.
Surging nanomedicine investments improve global healthcare and pandemic protection
COVID-19’s outbreak has coincided with investments flooding into nanomedicine healthcare companies, according to the latest data.
Nano Magazine have highlighted a report by marketdataforecast.com that the global nanomedicine market worth $141.34 billion in 2020, will rise to $258.11bn by 2025.
The report also highlights a huge upsurge of investment support from governments and funds to develop nano therapies for vaccines, diagnostic imaging, regenerative medicine, and drug delivery following the impact of COVID-19.
Furthermore, nanomedicines offer huge advantages for wider healthcare also impacted by the pandemic and Long-COVID after-effects upon cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, immunological-related diseases.
This aligns with investment monitoring platform Pitchbook’s forecast that health tech investment overall will top $10 trillion by 2022 and that nanomedicine investment has grown the sector by 250% in the last five years.
Median nanotech healthcare deal sizes have also doubled since 2019, from £1 million to £2m in 2021, while the number of deals in 2020 was greater than ever, overtaking 100 deals in a single year for the first time.
Nanomedicine is transforming healthcare innovation and delivering early intervention and targeted drug delivery and testing
Investment is already aiding innovation as nanotech researchers and scientists work to improve biomedical devices such as prosthetics, provide new cancer treatments, and develop bone healing therapies, along with more innovations that could transform global healthcare.
Nanotech researchers have found nanobodies that block the COVID-19 and, potentially, other coronaviruses from entering cells and developed mask designs at nanoscale making them both cheaper and more effective.
The fast global response to the pandemic was also enabled by nanotechnology, being pivotal in Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine development and Innova Medical Group’s 30-minute lateral flow COVID tests.
World Nano Foundation co-founder Paul Stannard said COVID-19 highlighted weaknesses in healthcare systems across the developed world, proving that long-term, innovative solutions are needed to enable change and prevent future pandemics, with nanomedicine playing an ever greater role in this transformation of global healthcare.
And while impressed by rising investments in and recognition for the nanotech sector, he warned against any let-up in this trend:
“Nanotechnology is not only crucial to our current healthcare systems, but researchers and scientists in this field are on the cusp of therapies, devices, and innovation that will revolutionise how we move forward.”
“To ensure pandemic preparedness, high-quality healthcare, and longevity, we must invest in nano healthtech and care innovations.”
His message was echoed by Kojo Annan (son of late and former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan) who is a general partner in the Luxembourg-based Vector Innovation Fund, which recently launched a sub-fund raising an initial $300m for pandemic protection and preparedness.
Annan said: “A virtuous circle is developing between investment and healthtech.
“Lately, we have seen the development of multiple vaccines, acceleration of technologies linked to decoding the genome, the rise of nanomedicine and the use of artificial intelligence to monitor infectious diseases and new pathogens.
“More investment in sustainable healthtech funding can only accelerate this trend, bringing fairer and global distribution of healthcare, greater affordability, and preventive and early intervention healthcare, all ultimately improving the longevity of life.
“The pandemic has also transformed telemedicine investment and demonstrated that nanoscience and innovation could deliver more resilient societies and ecosystems for healthcare.”
Lessons of COVID-19 trigger radical 10-year Government plan to level up healthcare
· Health plan will target smoking, obesity, food, clean air, and child health
· Priority given to levelling up ‘postcode inequalities’ in healthcare
· Technology-led investment will drive better diagnostics, early intervention and more de-centralised health system
A year of COVID-19 has exposed decades of travelling the tragically wrong path in UK healthcare according to a Government-backed ‘Levelling Up Health’ (LUH) presentation and report today.
Specialists drawn from healthcare, academia and industry heard how the pandemic may have caused 40,000 needless UK deaths, highlighted postcode-driven inequalities in healthcare, and confirmed the UK literally as ‘the sick man of Europe’.
It will now drive a radical shake-up with Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for England, Prof Chris Whitty, as a ‘health supremo’ overseeing all issues feeding into the nation’s well-being and longevity and reporting direct to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet.
A 10-year Health Improvement Plan will target smoking, obesity, food, clean air, and child health and Prof Whitty said the NHS would also be re-shaped, within a 10-year plan for unified action across all functions including Whitehall:
“No-one owns the whole problem and therefore we aim to bring these different government departments together in terms of resources and budgets.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the LUH report had had been widely praised ahead of publication, and had prompted a re-focussing on the nation’s health and a goal to add five years to people’s longevity by 2035:
“80% of our budget goes on acute care, in other words patching people up, and we have to change this in one of the most important healthcare reforms for a generation.”
Mr Hancock highlighted two main themes to this: Prof Whitty’s new remit and how “the NHS will benefit from this through reversing the silos that exist currently.”
He said Whitehall had to change too, as things like transport and air quality both impact on health, but relevant budgets are split between different government departments – Prof Whitty’s new role was to help bring these together.
Mr Hancock said: “This is a unique opportunity and there has never been a better time to do this following the huge learning from managing COVID-19, where we have broken these silos to create real impact and change and this has never been better illustrated than through the vaccine programme.”
He added that investment in technology and a healthcare model based on prevention, early detection and early intervention is key to the Government’s 10-year plan.
Mr Hancock also highlighted the importance of the Government’s data strategy, as identifying people’s genome is massively helping with diagnostics, and enabling much better health outcomes through use of AI and other early intervention measures.
The LUH report said its ‘Ten-Year Health Improvement Plan’, along with targeted funding for areas with poor health, would complement the Government’s post-COVID ‘Building Back Better’ blueprint for economic growth, improved health resilience, and reduced health inequalities:
“A healthier nation would be a great asset and a great investment. There would be public support for launching such an ambition,” said the report, underpinning this through stark facts and comment:
· 90% of those who died with COVID had significant prior poor health.
· The most deprived places had much higher COVID deaths; 345 per 100,00 in Blackburn and Darwen - five times more than South Cambridgeshire (68 per 100,000) – and suggesting that 40,000 fewer people would have died if the whole nation’s healthcare had been ‘levelled up’.
· The UK has the unhealthiest population in Europe: a significant drag on economic growth that also increases our exposure to future pandemics.
· Health is the principal reason for 1.2 million people aged 50-64 being out of work, and people living in the most deprived places in England get significant long-term poor health conditions 19 years earlier than those in the least deprived ones, and they stop work earlier and die earlier.
· Health inequality between the North and South costs £13 billion a year in lost productivity and 30% of the productivity gap between the North and the rest of England is due to ill-health.
· Premature poor health increases demand on the NHS, for social care and welfare support; becoming healthier is fundamental to growth, resilience, and NHS sustainability.
Paul Stannard, co-founder of the not-for-profit World Nano Foundation attended the meeting and said: “I was pleased to hear Mr Hancock talk about early diagnosis and prevention being key, as many of the waiting lists are not for treatments but caused by delays in testing and diagnostics. It was also good to hear the Government’s commitment to diagnostic hubs and genomic sequencing.
“COVID-19 has been devastating but this is just the response needed to re-shape our healthcare system to be protected and prepared for the world’s next major health threat, while also transitioning to a more de-centralised, point-of-care, early intervention model benefitting from the latest healthcare technology.
“Rapid deployment of new vaccines and rapid mass testing devices show what can be achieved when the will and investment are fully behind healthcare.
“That’s why we have partnered with the Vector Innovation Fund to launch an initial $300 million international healthtech sub-fund for pandemic protection and preparedness that will have a wider impact on future healthcare provision.
“Investment in nanotechnology diagnostics, therapies, novel treatments, genome sequencing, and precision medicines is already helping the cause with record amounts of funding enabling healthtech advances in less than a year, which would have taken 10 years previously, along with delivering wearable health sensors, telemedicine, highly-targeted drugs and treatments, as well as breakthroughs in testing.”
‘COVID decade’ creates $10 trillion impact upon healthcare innovation investment
Healthcare technology investment in 2020 soared 47% to a new high of $51 billion and figures show it will rocket to even greater heights.
Overall healthcare investment is tipped to pass $10 trillion by 2022 on a 10-year upward trajectory, already being called the ‘COVID decade’ for investment into disruptive innovation supporting pandemic protection and preparedness.
The spin-off from this research is also creating opportunities to democratise and decentralise healthcare through early detection diagnostics and early intervention therapies, and precision medicine, all set to transform global health and human longevity.
A further sign of where new investment is going came with the recent launch of a $300 million Pandemic Protection Sub-fund by the Luxembourg-based Vector Innovation Fund (VIF) focusing on this ‘new age’ healthtech, and preparation for the next global healthcare challenge.
The new fund forms part of $17 billion (source: Pitchbook) in venture funding for healthcare innovation in recent years related to infectious diseases.
Scottish Health Innovations reports how accelerating investment has advanced the healthcare sector 10 years in just six months, through new data-driven technologies and digitisation, while vaccines have developed at unprecedented speed; the research and rollout for the Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines were the fastest in history.
Testing has improved too; lateral flow tests (LFTs) from the world’s largest manufacturer, Innova Medical, are now 99.9% accurate yet take just 30 minutes to show results and help identify new variants and isolate asymptomatic carriers.
Using cutting edge nanotechnology these LFTs have been adopted by a world class UK testing and vaccine regime, now including a new national health agency UKHSA to protect against future health threats.
But far more is needed to avoid repetition of COVID-19’s devastation: 2.74m deaths to date, $5.6 trillion in global GDP lost, plus severe financial, health, and social impacts - mental health problems, unemployment, and poverty have all soared, while many people with life-threatening diseases have gone undiagnosed.
And the world is still alarmingly unprepared for another pandemic. COVID-19 was transmitted from animals, and scientists now know that two new ‘zoonotic’ viruses have done this every year for the last century, yet the Royal Society of Chemistry claims only 10 of 220 viruses known to infect humans have antiviral drugs available to combat them.
Against such odds, says the Executive Chair of Scottish Health Innovations, Graham Watson, healthcare innovation, rapid development, and early adoption must become routine in what he calls an “optimal investment ecosystem”.
This had been lacking according to leading medical journal, The Lancet, which reported that a pre-COVID assessment exposed a need for faster medical manufacturing and distribution during a possible pandemic, and commented: "A true, end-to-end R&D ecosystem must deliver needed products to people as rapidly as possible, and at scale in a globally fair and equitable fashion.”
Paul Sheedy, co-founder of the not-for-profit World Nano Foundation, argued strongly against any easing of investment into nanomedicines, and nano diagnostics towards better healthcare and pandemic protection:
"Nanomedicine investment alone grew 250% in the last five years, according to Pitchbook, while equity funding to digital health companies hit an all-time high last year, reaching $26.5 billion, but it has to be maintained if we are to avoid the human and economic devastation of another COVID.”
Five Steps to Defeat the Next Pandemic
World Nano Foundation Co-Founder Paul Sheedy recently featured in The American, discussing five key steps to defeat the next pandemic to come along.
Pathogen surveillance
Humans now live ever-closer to animals, increasing the risk of new and unknown infections crossing from species such as bats and pangolins – the suspected ‘bridges’ for the COVID-19 infection – into humans, while global travel enables the rapid spread of any outbreak. Peter Daszak, an expert virus hunter at the EcoHealth Alliance research group, suggests governments should track and intervene against emerging viruses as they would terrorists, before they wreak havoc, but it is a big task. Daszak estimates there are some 1.7 million unknown mammal viruses that could spread to humans and proposes a $1 billion programme to identify at least two-thirds of these, so resources can be tailored to track and reduce pandemic risk. Others call for consensus on the right actions for the start of an outbreak to avoid the inconsistent response to COVID’s arrival; the jury is still out on which countries made the right calls on social distancing and lockdowns.
A tougher ‘World Health Organisation’
COVID-19 has highlighted the need for a cohesive global pandemic surveillance and response partnership. The World Health Organization should be that body but has been criticised for deference to China and for being slow to declare COVID as a global emergency. The WHO’s response was that it must stay diplomatic and cannot force member states to reply to its requests. But experts argue that if the world is to get better at spotting and then acting against the next pandemic, then individual nations must not hide local outbreaks until they erupt into global issues, as happened with COVID in China and Ebola in West Africa. Instead, it needs to be a more coordinated approach under a beefed up WHO-style body – one label being used is “a biological NATO” with rapid response powers. This ‘super-WHO’ might also use combined financial muscle to: fund elimination of ‘wet markets’ where wild and live animals are sold for food; discourage jungle deforestation - which pushes animals and the viruses closer to humans - and train more local field workers in remote regions to augment the current ad hoc system where the WHO, charities, universities and volunteers combine against emerging threats, but risk being too slow.
Genetic sequencing
Virus ‘Tracking and Tracing’ has enjoyed a mixed press during the COVID-19 pandemic and many scientists think it should give way to gene sequencing, made possible by a huge increase in the number of such machines, making it possible to sequence a virus genome for as little as $50. This would allow tracking and data on the virus to be assessed quickly and acted upon while also gathering intelligence on possible mutations and their resistance to current vaccines. The UK has become a leader here and used sequencing to identify what has become known as the ‘UK variant’ of COVID-19.
Faster vaccine development
One area where governments responded well against COVID-19 is in quickly developing several effective vaccines against the virus, but experts warn that we up the pace: better preparation could have made current vaccines available even earlier, while new ones need to be evolved or developed now against COVID variants and other threats as yet unknown. Some say the goal must be investment in vaccines and drugs that protect against multiple viruses.
Ironing out distribution and logistics
In a world of Amazon deliveries and supermarket shelves groaning with produce from far-flung places, it might be thought that moving medicines should be equally simple and well-organised, but COVID-19 has shown the opposite. The sometimes chaotic acquisition and transporting of Personal Protection Equipment as well as movement and distribution of vaccines – some with sensitive shipping and storage needs – plus the ad hoc vaccination infrastructures, all show that more needs to be done in this area. Incoming US President Joe Biden moved quickly to sets up an American network of mobile community vaccination centres.
Soaring healthtech investment is more than just a shot in the arm
Healthcare technology investment soared 47% last year, to a new high of $51bn in 2020.
Venture capital (VC) fundraising was particularly strong across the sector with $17bn available in new venture funds focused on healthcare.
Nanomedicine investment alone grew by x2.5 in the last five years, according to Pitchbook. The investment monitoring platform also reported that 2020's global funding for digital health and telemedicine rose 45% over the previous year, while equity funding to digital health companies hit an all-time high last year, reaching $26.5 billion.
Rather than a COVID-19 driven 'shot in the arm', such growth supports a long-term healthcare industry projection that it will be worth over $10 trillion by 2022.
Since Jan 2021 £3.79bn has been invested into tech companies delivering disruptive innovations specifically related to pandemic protection and preparedness, but also having wider applications and impact for global health – a trend set to continue for the next 10 years, now being called the 'COVID decade'.
And whilst the world needs this major boost to avoid being caught out by future pandemics, it is also creating new opportunities to democratise and decentralise healthcare through early detection diagnostics, precision medicine and early intervention therapies that will transform global health.
This will create a more sustainable point of care-based healthcare ecosystem that is more affordable and available to everyone, say, health experts.
The message is already being picked up. A recent report by tech market analysis specialists CB Insights stated that healthcare start-ups attracted a record $80.6 billion in equity funding in 2020, and general investment in the sector grew in the three consecutive quarters after the outbreak, helping to drive intense innovation.
Some experts suggest the sector has advanced 10 years in just six months, with new data-driven technologies and digitisation practices being used more, while vaccines have developed at unprecedented speed; the research and rollout for the Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines were the fastest in history.
Testing has improved, too; the largest manufacturer of lateral flow tests, Innova medical group, has produced LFTs that is at least 99.99% specific while taking just 30 minutes to show results. These simple tests use colloidal gold nanoparticles and are now being manufactured and supplied to countries around the world, particularly by the UK, which has built a world-class testing and vaccine programme.
Harvard professor Dr. Michael Mina has been a major advocate of frequent mass testing using LFTs in the community and workplace to stop the spread of virus transmission and said:
"An over-the-counter rapid test is a tremendous advance. It means that some people will have ready access to a much-needed test to help know their status, without having to go through a physician."
A world-first new national health agency is also launching in the UK in April 2021, focusing on prevention of and response to external health threats such as infectious diseases.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will protect against future health threats and take over the COVID-19 pandemic response from Public Health England (PHE) and NHS Test and Trace. This includes harnessing the data analytics and genomic surveillance capabilities of both organisations, along with scale testing and contract tracing capability.
But far more is needed to avoid repetition of COVID-19's devastation, which has caused 2.74m deaths to date, plus severe financial, health, and social impacts.
An estimated $5.6 trillion in global GDP has been lost, and the World Bank states the global recession is the deepest since WW2 and twice the depth of the 2008 financial crash; and mental health problems, unemployment, and poverty have all increased, while many people with underlying, life-threatening diseases have gone undiagnosed.
And the world is still alarmingly unprepared for another outbreak. It's been reported that two new viruses have spilled over to human hosts every year for the last century, while the Royal Society of Chemistry claims only 10 of 220 viruses known to infect humans have clinically approved antiviral drugs available to combat them.
We now know that the current Coronavirus was transmitted into humans through bats and other animals, according to the latest World Health Organisation report. This will continue to happen, so investment into technologies that analyse these trends is essential.
Avoidance of future pandemics also needs fast support for innovation, according to Executive Chair of Scottish Health Innovations Ltd, Graham Watson, who forecasts a future where healthcare innovation, rapid development, and early adoption become routine:
"If modern healthcare innovation is to continue to grow at pace post-pandemic, then having an 'optimal investment ecosystem' is vital to encouraging its advancement."
Despite rising investment and innovation, processes must also evolve to keep pace with healthcare. Leading medical journal The Lancet showed how a 2020 assessment from the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board found gaps in the pre-COVID R&D preparedness ecosystem.
The report exposed a need for capabilities to ensure rapid manufacturing and distribution during a pandemic. Waiting time also needed to be cut so that innovators and scientists could develop new products quickly, an approach proving highly attractive to investment funds.
The Lancet stated: "A true, end-to-end R&D ecosystem must deliver needed products to people as rapidly as possible, and at scale in a globally fair and equitable fashion."
Healthcare investments may not be the only way to get ahead of the next outbreak. Ending deforestation and the wildlife trade would protect us from animal diseases transferring to humans. Investing to prevent these acts could stop outbreaks in the first place.
Paul Sheedy, co-founder of the not-for-profit World Nano Foundation, advocates continued investment into nanotechnology towards better healthcare and pandemic protection:
"Healthcare innovation is more exciting than ever, with new technologies and techniques being developed and improving constantly. Increased investment into healthcare during COVID-19 has been outstanding but must be maintained.
"2.74m people to date have lost their lives during this pandemic, global economies have entered recession, unemployment and poverty have risen substantially, suicides and mental health cases are increasing, and there are fears many people have gone undiagnosed with life-threatening diseases because of COVID protocol.
"Continued, efficient investment where innovators can access critical capital at a faster rate is crucial to developing healthcare innovations that can prevent and combat future pandemics."
A new healthtech fund was launched in March by the Vector Innovation Fund, raising an initial $300m for its sub-fund for pandemic protection and future healthcare, focusing on precision medicine, advanced point of care, and AI technologies that support sustainable healthcare, the global economy and human longevity.