How can we derisk innovation in pediatric medical devices?
Kolaleh Eskandanian, executive director of the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, spoke with MedCity News about the unique challenges for pediatric medical devices and ways they’re helping entrepreneurship.
Challenges in Surgical Innovation
Doctors often have to use medical devices made for adults in children. This stems from lack of funding for innovation because pediatric medical devices represent a very small market.
Legislative fixes needed
One issue the Institute is currently working on is legislation surrounding the Humanitarian Device Exemption. For conditions that are very rare, drug and device manufacturers are incentivized with a shorter regulatory pathway.
Business goals at the Institute
The Institute opened its doors in April 2011, thanks to a $150 million gift from the government of Abu Dhabi. It has funding available to help startups jumpstart their pediatric medical device ideas.
