The Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP) pilot has been launched today, aiming to support “rapid development of innovative technologies” that could be introduced into the NHS to address currently unmet needs.
Innovators are invited to register their interest for access into the pathway, which will offer targeted support from the partners behind the pilot: Department of Health and Social Care, Health Technology Wales, MHRA, NHSE, NICE, Office for Life Sciences and the Scottish Health Technologies Group. The programme is open to commercial and non-commercial innovators in the UK and abroad, with submissions closing 29 October.
The support is said to cover a number of areas, including developing product roadmaps; system navigation advice; priority clinical investigation; scientific advice from partners; support with Health Technology Assessments; safe-harbour meetings to discuss NHS adoption; and exceptional use authorisation granted by MHRA upon the meeting of necessary safety standards.
Dr Marc Bailey, MHRA chief science and innovation officer, commented: “The IDAP launch marks an exciting step in accelerating the delivery of cutting-edge medical technologies safely to patients across the UK. The insights gained during the pilot phase will be crucial in shaping the future direction of this new pathway.
“We encourage medical technology innovators in the UK and abroad to submit their applications and benefit from this combined support service. By working together, we can fast-track access to the most advanced technologies for those in urgent need.”
Further information on the IDAP pilot, including how to apply, can be found here.
In related news, DHSC shared its medical technology strategy earlier this year, working with partners across the industry to set out plans to ensure that the health and social care system can “reliably access safe, effective and innovative technologies.”
Looking at other news from the partners involved in the IDAP pilot, in July we covered NICE’s transformation plan which sees the organisation focusing its medtech programme for innovation in areas of unmet needs; and May saw us cover MHRA’s guidance for manufacturers on reporting adverse incidents involving software as a medical device;
