Healthcare Innovation Consortium (HIC) – a UK-based digital health and social care agency – is launching a new programme aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at Global Health 2023.  

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The AMR innovation programme, in collaboration with Mecomed and Barts Life Sciences, targets health technology innovators with solutions that can directly address AMR or be adapted to do so. The goal is to fast-track cutting-edge technologies into the market, with a special focus on the UK and the Middle East, fostering partnerships with the health and life sciences ecosystem.

HIC are actively seeking technologies that promote the optimal use of antibiotics in clinical practice, enhance infection prevention and control, and aid in the identification of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The innovative programme will be officially launched on the ABHI UK Pavilion at Global Health in Saudi Arabia. The application window will open until 1 December 2023, with the programme of support beginning late January 2024 and spanning two months.

Suzie Ali-Hassan, chief partnerships officer, Healthcare Innovation Consortium said: “If we don’t address AMR, everyday operations like caesarean sections and hip replacements would be too dangerous to perform, and minor illnesses could become life-threatening. We want to amplify the UK's contribution to containing and controlling AMR by bringing innovators together with researchers and industry experts to tackle this global priority. 

“We’re looking for diagnostic tools, smart systems, prescribing tools, screening devices, and other technologies that can support AMR prevention and management.” 

Rami Rajab, CEO, Mecomed added: “AMR is a complex global challenge, and we need greater innovation and research to prevent and treat life-threatening bacterial infections. 

“Working with HIC and partners, we aim to identify and enhance the most effective and safest medical technologies that support responsible use of medicines and improve infection prevention and control. This programme will provide companies with expert support and insights to get to their next stage of development."  

AMR, recognised by the World Health Organisation as one of the biggest threats to global health, is rising to dangerously high levels worldwide. One of the key drivers of AMR includes poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics. In 2019, the UK government published a 20-year vision and five-year national action plan for how the UK will contribute to containing and controlling AMR by 2040. A global action plan on antimicrobial resistance was endorsed at the World Health Assembly in May 2015. Addressing AMR is a global imperative, necessitating coordinated efforts from nations and various sectors.

HIC’s new AMR innovation programme aligns with other national programmes and initiatives that support the UK government’s aim to control AMR by 2040. The initiative will enable six applicants to receive support to bring new solutions to market that can effectively target AMR, including: 

• Insights into the NHS and Middle East markets  
• Engagement with academic and clinical experts in the field  
• Expert advice on regulation and compliance in both markets 
• Facilitated connections on a national and international level 
• Support to secure investment where applicable. 

The programme is delivered in partnership with Mecomed, the medical devices, imaging, and diagnostics trade association in the Middle East & Africa; Barts Life Sciences, an NHS/academic partner providing clinical and academic expertise; Hill Dickinson, a law firm offering support with legal and regulatory matters; and Piper Health, a group specialising in commercialisation.

To mark the launch, HIC will host a programme launch event at Global Health Exhibition 2023, featuring a lunchtime session with local health system and policy leaders, offering insights into this global health challenge and threat.

ABHI’s head of international events, Michelle Michelucci added: “We are delighted to be offering a UK Pavilion within Saudi Arabia, at Global Health Exhibition, for the very first time. The fact that organisations like Healthcare Innovation Consortium are using this platform to launch new initiatives and products speaks to the opportunity that the region presents for bringing new solutions to patients.”

Renowned as the largest annual healthcare gathering in the region, the Global Health Exhibition is scheduled to take place from October 29 to 31 in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. The UK Pavilion will provide a dedicated space within the Global Health Exhibition.