Health Technology

Auckland’s health technology sector benefits from a powerful combination of specialists in different fields. These include innovative bioscience, food technology and ICT companies, plus a strong science infrastructure that supports skilled graduates, research contracts and licensing opportunities.

The sector is ably supported by its Auckland-based industry body, Medical Technology of New Zealand (MTANZ), and the future looks bright for an industry focused on the food, human therapeutics and medical devices required by a rich world with aging populations.

Internationally renowned

Auckland’s reputation and profile is growing strongly in such areas as the design of health/medical devices. It’s the same story in IT development, prototyping and respiratory equipment (including bio-medical engineering of respiratory devices and diagnostic technologies), with complementary strengths in the wider bioscience sector, like nutraceuticals and industrial biotechnology.

A perfect example is Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, a company globally recognised for innovation. It designs, manufactures and distributes products and systems for use in respiratory care, acute care and the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. The company employs more than 2,000 people and its medical devices are available in over 120 countries.

New opportunities

The convergence of Information Communication Technology and healthcare has spelled opportunity for fast-growing Auckland companies like Biomatters and Orion Health. Others, such as AFT Pharmaceuticals undertake drug development, including clinical trials. AFT launched the world first combination analgesic, Maxigesic, in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, clinical research opportunities are growing. For example, Auckland District Health Board (ADHB) has the largest clinical research facility in New Zealand with over 500 active research projects.

Science, academia and industry working together

Collaboration between the faculties of Engineering, Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland led to a Master of Engineering Studies in Medical Devices and Technologies. Together, Fonterra and Auckland Uniservices produced Recharge, an ice cream specially formulated for chemotherapy patients. The New Scientist ran the story, and recruiting is under way for its randomised national Phase IIb trial, run by Cancer Trials New Zealand. Across academia, industry and the public sector in Auckland, a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing is growing.

Going global

Auckland bioscience companies are attracting international investment and achieving clinical success. Recently, Coda Therapeutics received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA for Nexagon, for the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects. They’re currently conducting a Phase llb clinical trial in Auckland.

Case study

Orion Health