Based in Cambridge, Medovate is a dedicated medical device development vehicle spun out of the NHS and prides itself on working closely with clinicians to develop valuable medical technology innovations with the potential to improve patient safety.
The pioneering company was chosen for the award from an expert panel following a record number of entries and fought off competition from start-up organisations to more established companies, reflecting the remarkable talent in the Cambridgeshire region.
Judges were impressed that in just four years, Medovate has established a proven platform to bring medical products to market and has pressed ahead with licensing and building a portfolio of medical devices to improve patient safety relating to the specialist areas of anaesthesia, airway management, critical care and surgery. Medovate’s MD Stuart Thomson was also shortlisted for ‘CEO of the Year’ at this year’s awards, which took place at Hinxton Hall Conference Centre.
Speaking about the award, Stuart said: “I am absolutely thrilled. Medovate has gone from strength to strength each year and being shortlisted, and then winning awards like this demonstrates just how far we have come as a team and company.
“Everything Medovate has achieved over the last 4 years has been a real team effort and I'm so proud of everyone. Their dedication and commitment to developing NHS innovations in our portfolio and bringing game-changing new medical technologies to market means everyone involved can make a real difference.”
At the heart of Medovate’s expanding portfolio is its revolutionary technology SAFIRA® (SAFer Injection for Regional Anaesthesia) – its first product range to attain multiple regulatory approvals. The SAFIRA product range – already launched in key markets across the world, from the United States to the UK and Europe, Australia and New Zealand – has been designed to make injection during regional anaesthesia safer.
The technology, which has been developed in collaboration with NHS clinicians, includes a built-in safety mechanism to automatically limit injection pressure, helping to reduce the risk of nerve damage and promote patient safety. As the practice of regional anaesthesia grows globally, the use of SAFIRA® for regional anaesthesia procedures has the potential to make a significant impact on improving patient safety.
Stuart added: “The new medtech innovations we are developing both raise the profile of NHS innovation, our inventive clinical innovators and showcase the value of UK Medtech. Our mission is to improve patient care and safety by supplying innovative Medtech solutions inspired by clinicians and developed in partnership with the NHS and we are making great progress in achieving this to date.
“Thank you to Cambridge Independent and to the judging panel for recognising Medovate’s achievements with this fantastic award - which will go on display in pride of place!”
This is the third award Medovate have been shortlisted for. Last year, the company, alongside The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, won ‘HSJ Patient Safety Innovation of the Year 2021’ for its SAFIRA® technology and more recently SAFIRA® has been shortlisted for this year’s UK Med-Tech Innovation Awards due to its unique benefits to patient safety.
Image shows [left to right]: Robert Donald, Innovation and Licensing Officer (Medovate), Tracy Eke Marketing Manager (Medovate) Stuart Thomson, MD (Medovate) and Dr Rob Morgan, Managing Partner, Medical, Sagentia Innovation (category sponsor)