29 July 2011

Invetech partners with CONNECT San Diego to host Nearsourcing Roundtable

Invetech, in partnership with CONNECT, recently hosted a nearsourcing roundtable, "Turning Science Fiction into Science Fact – The Future of Healthcare." The event explored some of the innovative approaches San Diego companies are taking to develop new medical devices, diagnostic tools and gene therapeutics. Panelists included industry leaders from Organovo, Viacyte, Invetech and CONNECT who spoke about the San Diego biotech industry's capabilities and world-leading examples of technologies that are transforming global health.

Keith Murphy, CEO of Organovo, discussed the reality of building human organs from human cells following the development of the world's first commercial 3D Bioprinter, developed by Invetech. The Bioprinter is currently being used in research to print human tissues and blood vessels. It was recently recognized as one of TIME magazine's Best Inventions for 2010.

Chad Green, Associate Director of Device Engineering and Manufacturing at Viacyte outlined the unique opportunities that emerging cell therapy technology will provide society in the coming years. This includes more affordable and timely access to personalized stem cell therapies that could treat a range of diseases including diabetes.

Fred Davis, President of Invetech, shared his thoughts on recent trends in new technologies for designing and manufacturing devices for the improved diagnostics and therapeutic applications, including the opportunities for San Diego-based companies to apply their expertise in addressing the needs of developing nations.

Duane Roth, CEO of CONNECT, reflected on the outsourcing/nearsourcing model for biotech companies and highlighted ways to leverage San Diego-based companies to access deep skill sets and world-class facilities to accelerate the journey to a market-ready product.