World-first scanner funded for National Lung Cancer Screening Program

MedTech & Diagnostics News: MTPConnect, in collaboration with the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Hon Mark Butler MP, revealed an investment of $6.2 million in funding for six cutting-edge medical technology projects. These projects, part of the Clinical Translation and Commercialisation Medtech (CTCM) Program, promise to boost advancements in patient care and treatment options.

The allure of these innovative projects has attracted an additional $8.9 million in contributions from industry players, bringing the total investment to an astounding $15.1 million. This financial infusion marks a significant leap forward for the medtech industry.

One of the most noteworthy projects that has captured attention is 4D Medical’s new generation technology – the world’s first dedicated lung function scanner. Developed as part of the Australian Lung Health Initiative, this state-of-the-art scanner is set to receive a massive boost with the injection of funds. This investment complements $28.9 million provided to the Australian Lung Health Initiative by the Government to fast track the commercialisation of this promising scanner.

With respiratory diseases, including lung cancer, posing a major health burden in Australia and globally, the demand for advanced diagnostic tools is higher than ever. The new generation lung scanner aims to fill this gap by providing detailed assessments for early detection and diagnosis, potentially saving thousands of Australian lives.

Minister Mark Butler MP stated “This lung scanner was invented by Australians and is now nearing commercial development. It could save thousands of Australian lives by detecting lung cancer early.”

Professor Andreas Fouras, the visionary mind behind 4D Medical, expressed his gratitude for the funding and highlighted the potential impact of their XV Scanner.

“This funding will allow us to further develop 4DMedical’s XV Scanner, the world’s only dedicated respiratory imaging platform, a unique patient scan that is safe, fast and free of any need for contrast agents,” said Professor Fouras. “Combining imaging of airflow and blood flow into a single analytical process represents a dramatic advancement in respiratory health care and will improve the level of clinical insight it delivers. It will provide the ideal test for phenotyping, early detection and evaluation of specific treatment responses for high-impact lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary embolism.”

The future is bright for this transformative medical technology, especially with the government’s commitment to establish a National Lung Cancer Screening Program from July 2025. With a $263.8 million earmarked for the program, it will target heavy and/or long-term smokers aged 50 to 70 years, paving the way for early diagnosis and better outcomes.

As the news of this game-changing investment spreads, the medical community and industry experts are excited to see the innovative CTCM projects come to fruition.

The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) is set to lead the charge, supporting 4D Medical and CathRx in their respective journeys towards commercialisation. MTAA welcomed the convergence of public and private partnerships to prioritise R&D and improve human health.

MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess, said “We are pleased to be one of MTPConnect’s key industry MedTech partners, providing commercialisation support and adding value to the CTCM projects we are partnered with.”

“We are backing homegrown Australian innovation and helping to bring new medtech products to market to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians,” said Stuart Dignam, CEO of MTPConnect, speaking about the mission behind the CTCM program.

With MTAA, Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP), Cicada Innovations, BridgeTech Program and Therapeutic Innovation Australia joining forces, these projects will receive the necessary commercialisation support and push through the challenging clinical trials stage.

CTCM Projects Round 2 Funding Awarded to:

• 4DMedical Limited, VIC – $1,100,000 award for the development of XV-Perfusion: A contrast-free, perfusion-enabled 4D lung scanner.
• CathRx Ltd, NSW – $1,500,000 award for the development of a Pulsed Field Ablation System for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation.
• Medical Developments International Limited, VIC – $1,500,000 award for the development of the next generation, Self-contained rapid-release Penthrox inhaler for safe, effective, acute pain relief.
• Ventora Medical Pty Ltd, VIC – $500,000 award for the development and Early Feasibility Study of a Neonatal Airway Pressure Monitor.
• VitalTrace Pty Ltd, WA – $656,666 award for Clinical translation of a novel continuous lactate biosensor for fetal monitoring.
• Vivid White Pty Ltd, VIC – $1,000,000 award to conduct the Clinical Study, Manufacturing, and Registration of a Medical Device to Treat Glaucoma and Prevent Blindness.

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