Marvin P. Pangilinan, MD
Master of Business Administration in Health
H02 – Entrepreneurship
3rd trimester AY 2015-2016
NU10
Heat stable vaccines
Currently, the requirement for a vaccine to be transported and stored in a constant cold chain, from the time it leaves the manufacturer until it is used at a vaccination point, places huge logistical challenges on vaccination providers who must ensure that the cold chain is maintained each step of the way. Although this is not a significant challenge in wealthy countries, it is a considerable obstacle in developing countries like the Philippines Logistical hurdles imposed by the need to keep vaccines between 2 and 8 degree Celsius could be eased if heat stable vaccines would be developed.
If more vaccines could be safely used outside of the cold chain for a period of time, particularly for the last stretch of their journey to people living in the most remote areas, we’d be able to reach far more children.
Needle-less injector
Many medications and vaccines are delivered via injections with needles. Fear of needles may affect vaccination coverage rates because some patients will not go to get the shot. Needlestick injuries also expose healthcare workers to up to 20 different blood borne pathogens including HIV and hepatitis B and/or C.
Needle-free injectors can expand immunization coverage by attracting those that normally forego shots due to fear/anxiety of needles. These will also the risks of needles including needlestick injuries, needle reuse, cross-contamination or spread of infectious disease and potentially reduce Health Care Costs.
Biodegradable implants
Despite the availability and use of a variety of contraceptive methods, unmet need for family planning remains high. Contraceptive implants are a highly effective, safe and long-acting family planning method. However, implants must be removed when pregnancy is desired or at the end of their duration of effectiveness. The need for the removal procedure can be problematic in resource-constrained settings because women may not have access to trained personnel or may not be able to afford the procedure. To overcome this problem, a biodegradable contraceptive implant that will help address these service delivery constraints and expand women’s contraceptive options will be of help.
Alzheimer’s pill
With the aging population, we now see more cases of senile dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s commonly occurs in those over the age of 65 manifesting as rapid deterioration of behavior, language skills and personality. Other symptoms include memory loss, confused thinking and difficulty with speech. It is progressive, meaning it worsens over time.
With no new treatments for Alzheimer’s licensed since 2002 we urgently need to capitalize on promising early science to make sure it’s progressed as quickly as possible towards clinical testing.
Vaccine for HIV
Today, more people living with HIV than ever before have access to life-saving treatment with antiretroviral therapy, which is good for their health and reduces the likelihood that they will transmit the virus to others if they adhere to their HIV medication. In addition, others who are at high risk for HIV infection have access to pre-exposure prophylaxis. Yet, unfortunately, incidence of HIV is still increasing including here in the Philippines.
To control and ultimately end HIV globally, we need a powerful array of HIV prevention tools that are widely accessible to all who would benefit from them. Vaccines historically have been the most effective means to prevent and even eradicate infectious diseases. They safely and cost-effectively prevent illness, disability, and death. Like smallpox and polio vaccines, a preventive HIV vaccine could help save millions of lives.
Genetically modified Dengue mosquitoes
Because there is currently no effective vaccine against dengue and no specific treatment for the disease, controlling and preventing dengue fever outbreaks are essential steps for keeping people healthy. The primary preventative measure to reduce dengue infections is the control of mosquito populations. Because the transmission of dengue requires mosquitoes as vectors, the spread of dengue can be limited by reducing mosquito populations.
In the absence of an effective vaccine that protects humans from dengue, limiting contact between people and vectors is the most effective way to prevent dengue infections. New genetic approaches could be considered as ways to control mosquito populations. Genetic engineering of the Aedes mosquitoes to disable them from spreading the virus could be explored.
Permeable cement
During monsoon season, flooding is almost always inevitable especially here in Metro Manila. Back then; this was not a problem since soil has the capacity to absorb water to a certain level. But now that most of the metro is paved, rainwater has nowhere to go. To add, most of our drainage systems are clogged.
A permeable concrete would be of use to allow surface water to freely drain through the wearing surface to the underlying ground with the ability to act as a reservoir during periods of high downfall. This can also help delay the discharge of surface water into water courses or drainage systems reducing the risk of overwhelming systems and causing flash flooding. While helping to prevent surface water flooding, the concrete could also help to make roads or cycle paths safer by preventing puddles that could pose a risk.
Blood glucose monitoring through Smartphone / watch
Consistent self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) has been shown to be a useful tool in improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes.4 We now use smartphone applications to log blood glucose results and this can be easily reviewed by healthcare providers to make recommendations about exercise, diet, or medications. However, this will still entail the patients to use another machine to prick, and get the drop of blood be analyzed for the sugar level.
The smartphone / watch will have the ability to get the samples aside from logging and analyzing. This is convenient for diabetics especially the ones on the go since almost always, they have their gadgets with them. It could also be programmed to take samples at a specific time for more convenience.
Garden Café and Bakeshop
Fertilizer can be a big expense, but it doesn't have to be. Used coffee grounds and eggshells are free and provide much-needed nutrients to the soil. By using these items in the garden, not only are plants getting the nourishment they need, but these items will not be taking up space in a landfill. Storing coffee grounds and eggshells in a countertop composter, plastic container or plastic bag will prevent them from attracting bugs while you collect enough to use in the garden.
Bioplastics
Many of the products we see and use today are made of plastic. However, plastics don't mix well with nature and discarded plastics are a big cause of pollution. Public pressure to clean up has produced plastics that seem to be more environmentally friendly.
It would be good if plastics could break down more quickly solving the problem of cluttering and pollution. Also bioplastics could be compostable and they decay into natural materials that blend harmlessly with soil.
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