Impact on Naphtha supply, petrochem production

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has severely constrained naphtha supplies, a critical petrochemical feedstock. Asian petrochemical producers, which source a substantial portion of their naphtha from the Middle East, are experiencing significant disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which about a fifth of global oil trade passes, has seen tanker traffic halted due to Iranian attacks on oil tankers, leading to supply chain strain, according to a report from ICIS.

Several Asian countries are directly affected

In Japan, already multiple petrochemical firms, including Maruzen Petrochemical and Mitsui Chemical, have reportedly canceled naphtha import tenders and announced production cuts due to concerns over strained supplies. According to a report, over 40% of Japan’s naphtha imports come from the Middle East, and at least six of its 12 ethylene production facilities are reducing output. Companies like Shin-Etsu Chemical and Tosoh Corp. are increasing prices for products like polyvinyl chloride resin and polyethylene, citing rising naphtha costs.

Over in South Korea, the largest importer of Middle East naphtha in Asia, sourcing 54% of its supply via the Strait of Hormuz, is  also facing significant concerns from its petrochemical producers. Companies such as Lotte Chemical, GS Caltex, LG Chem, and SK Energy need to decide within weeks whether to find alternative sources or cut output. The South Korean government has implemented emergency measures to restrict naphtha exports by oil refiners due to shortages.

Over in Singapore, disruptions to oil flows are tightening naphtha supply, a key feedstock for plastics used in medical items like syringes and catheters , while makers are reportedly  increasing prices, with some anticipating rises of up to 50%. Singaporean firms like PCS and Aster Chemicals and Energy have declared “force majeure” on shipments and cut crude runs. Likewise, Indonesia’s Chandra Asri declared force majeure on all contracts due to raw material supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

Related: From Epic Fury to Epic Risks: global healthcare in peril

Grim times for medical device manufacturing

The instability in naphtha supply directly affects the manufacturing of medical devices, as naphtha is a primary raw material for plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, used in various medical products. This has led to rising production costs and potential product price increases. These increased costs for essential materials will likely be passed on to consumers.

The situation puts chain supply in a preacriuos situation. As conflict takes a worse turn, existing vulnerabilities in the medical device supply chain are also exacerbated. According to an article in Think Global Health

, reliance on specific transport hubs and fragile cold chains shows the need for diversification. While countries like Singapore maintain diversified sources and sufficient stockpiles, many in Africa face supply shocks due to limited inventories. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported deficitsin vulnerable nations, with its Dubai hub paused amid airspace disruptions.

Asian countries weathering the storm

To cope with the uncertainty, manufacturers are shifting from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case” supply chain approaches, building buffer stocks, and securing secondary suppliers. However, these are often longer-term solutions that do not address immediate challenges. Some Chinese enterprises are relocating production capacity to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or Europe, and increasing R&D investment to enhance resilience.

At the end of the day, the conflict’s impact extends beyond naphtha to other critical medical components and logistics. Based on the Think Global Health article, the war has disrupted major logistics corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf air hubs, causing global supply delays and higher freight costs. Marine insurance premiums have surged, with war coverage nearly doubling for Red Sea routes and rising over 1,000% for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict also threatens the global helium supply, with Qatar as the world’s second-largest producer. Helium is critical for cooling MRI machines, and prolonged disruptions could raise prices and strain procurement for the roughly 50,000 machines in use worldwide.

As the Asian region fortifies its resilience to weather economic challenges, petrochemical producers are responding to naphtha supply constraints by reducing output, declaring force majeure, exploring alternative feedstocks, and seeking government support until the impact of the conflict eases.

The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, has launched Wearable Imaging for Transforming Elderly Care, known as WITEC. The initiative is Singapore’s first research center dedicated to developing a wearable ultrasound imaging system capable of up to 48 hours of intermittent cardiovascular imaging. The technology is designed to support continuous and real-time monitoring of chronic conditions including hypertension and heart failure.

The multi-million-dollar, multi-year project is funded by the National Research Foundation Singapore under the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise program. It brings together researchers from MIT, Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore. Tan Tock Seng Hospital is the clinical collaborator and will lead patient trials to validate long-term heart imaging for chronic cardiovascular disease management.

WITEC’s laboratory is equipped with advanced precision tools, including Southeast Asia’s first Nanoscribe Quantum X sub-micrometer 3D printer and Singapore’s first Verasonics Vantage NXT 256 ultrasonic imaging system. The 3D printer enables fabrication at sub-micrometer resolution, allowing researchers to prototype bioadhesive materials and device interfaces at the scale of cells and tissue structures. This capability supports skin-safe adhesion and stable imaging quality over extended periods.

The ultrasonic imaging system provides expanded probe control and supports customized imaging methods, higher-resolution image capture and integration with AI-based diagnostic models. Together, these tools enable faster design, prototyping and testing of the wearable ultrasound system, including imaging validation on phantoms and healthy subjects.

The research addresses the growing burden of chronic disease in ageing populations, where existing consumer wearables provide limited physiological data and conventional ultrasound systems remain bulky, operator-dependent and confined to hospital use. WITEC aims to bridge this gap by developing a wearable ultrasound system that uses bioadhesive technology to support prolonged imaging, combined with AI-assisted diagnostics for early detection and continuous monitoring.

Beyond patient care, the technology could reduce pressure on healthcare manpower and hospital resources by shifting routine monitoring to homes and communities. This approach is intended to support patient self-management, timely clinical intervention and lower long-term healthcare costs.

WITEC is led by co-lead principal investigators from MIT, NTU and NUS with expertise spanning mechanical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, data science, AI diagnostics and clinical medicine. The research roadmap includes foundational work in soft materials, ultrasonic transducers, microelectronics and clinical validation, with potential applications across healthcare technology, manufacturing and AI-driven health analytics.

Clinical trials led by Tan Tock Seng Hospital are expected to begin in early 2026. Over the next three years, the team plans to develop a cart-based bioadhesive ultrasound system for continuous, real-time monitoring and personalized diagnosis, followed by a fully integrated portable platform capable of 48-hour intermittent imaging.

As MIT’s research enterprise in Singapore, SMART said WITEC builds on its ongoing efforts to advance technologies addressing global challenges, adding wearable medical imaging to its portfolio of research in healthcare, AI and advanced sensing technologies.

Founded by Grace Oh, an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Certified Menopause Champion with an MBA from Harvard Business School, Sol was developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals and shaped by real experiences. Oh said the idea stemmed from her own struggle with misdiagnosis during menopause, which exposed how little support women receive during this transition.

“I started Sol because I was fed up with women quietly suffering, misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply ignored, during one of the most transformative phases of our lives,” Oh shared on the app’s website.

Sol offers users a confidential way to track symptoms and access personalised wellness plans grounded in scientific evidence. Its proprietary three-level scorecard rates the safety and effectiveness of different management options, from conventional treatments to lifestyle and complementary approaches.

The app also extends its reach to workplaces by helping organizations design policies that support employees experiencing menopause. By doing so, it seeks to reduce productivity losses and improve talent retention in companies across the region.

Leveling up TB screening with AI

Recently, Japan has signed an agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to provide 370 million yen in grant aid for a tuberculosis (TB) screening project in the Philippines. [1]

The initiative, titled “Project for Strengthening Screening System for Tuberculosis in the Remote Areas,” was formalized on October 16 in Manila through the exchange of notes between Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and UNOPS Geneva Director Andrew Kirkwood, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The project will supply portable X-ray machines and AI–based diagnostic systems to improve TB detection in underserved regions. The technology is expected to expand access to screening and reinforce the country’s infectious disease response.

The Philippines recorded 739,000 new TB cases in 2023, with an incidence rate of 643 per 100,000 people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Philippine government aims to lower TB deaths from 18 to 5 per 100,000 and cut the incidence rate to 300 per 100,000 by 2030.

Officials said the cooperation will support the country’s goal of achieving universal health coverage by strengthening medical infrastructure and diagnostic capacity in remote communities.

In a related development, an AI initiative between Siemens Healthineers Philippines and the Philippine Business for Social Progress was launched to equip public hospitals and health centers in Luzon with AI software capable of detecting early signs of TB. [2]

The software will be installed in 28 hospitals and health centers across Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, which includes Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

Philippine Business for Social Progress executive director Elvin Ivan Uy said the three regions account for more than 60% of the country’s TB cases. He added that the new technology is expected to help health workers screen about 126,000 people each month more efficiently.

Developed by Qure.ai, the software automatically interprets digital chest X-rays and generates results within seconds, allowing faster diagnosis and treatment.

Siemens Healthineers Executive Vice President Tisha Boatman said early diagnosis is crucial to controlling the disease and preventing further transmission. She said TB patients need consistent medication for several months and that missed follow-ups can lead to infections spreading to others.

Boatman added that many hospitals and health centers face manpower shortages that delay chest X-ray results. She said AI enables immediate diagnoses through the “screen and treat” approach, in which presumptive cases are confirmed with sputum tests and treatment begins right away.

Latest innovations and application in health research

Along the same vein, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, has promoted AI and digital tools designed to improve healthcare access and research in the country. [3]

During the Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference on May 27, DOST presented the i-SULAT system developed by the University of Santo Tomas. The software analyzes handwriting strokes to assess early childhood development and assist in diagnosing neurological conditions and stroke recovery.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum said adopting digital technologies is part of building a more inclusive and resilient health system through science and innovation.

Also featured was the Immersive Gamification Technology Systems project, which uses interactive digital environments to support rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy and patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Both systems are undergoing clinical trials led by the University of the Philippines Manila.

The HealthPH Project of the National University of Manila was also presented. It tracks respiratory disease trends through social media using machine learning and natural language processing to help local governments monitor outbreaks.

DOST said these projects support its goal of promoting science-based, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare solutions under its OneDOST4U program.

Meanwhile, health researchers from the Western Visayas region also promoted the use of AI in health research and development. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum reiterated during a recently held three-day conference in Iloilo City, with the theme “AI for Health Research in Western Visayas,” that the goal is to create a region where researchers work together and health research outcomes are translated into practical policies and programs that improve lives. [4]

Dr. Aimee Marie Gayomali of the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development said AI can strengthen health service delivery in remote areas by speeding up patient diagnosis. She said the technology allows them to direct services to those who need them most and that any AI innovation improving public service delivery is welcome.

UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee said AI and data can be used to predict suitable interventions and improve workflow.
DOST Regional Director Rowen Gelonga said the region is preparing for AI adoption and has already developed an action plan in coordination with various stakeholders. He added that both the government and the private sector are contributing to this effort.

1. https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/pressite_000001_01785.html
2. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2045833/luzon-hospitals-centers-get-help-from-tb-detecting-ai
3. https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/86-2025-news/4015-ai-immersive-tech-smart-tools-dost-drives-digital-health-innovation-in-ph.html
4. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1262041

Comfort and fit in ostomy care

Living with an ostomy bag often means managing daily discomfort, staying alert to leaks or skin irritation, and being constantly aware of the bag’s presence, especially in social or active situations. In other words, it is not easy. These are the kinds of challenges that manufacturers must consider, starting with the choice of materials. TPEs are valued for their softness, biocompatibility, and ability to form secure seals. Their versatility in both function and form makes them especially well-suited to improving the day-to-day experience of users without compromising performance.

Secure bonding for leak resistance -Kraiburg TPE’s material solutions exhibit exceptional adhesion to polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). This good bonding capability makes them ideal for products that require leak-resistant seals, flexibility, and long-term durability. At the same time, they help simplify assembly by eliminating the need for additional adhesives.

Durable seals for frequent use – The TPE compounds offer high elasticity, and a low compression set. These properties make them suitable for ostomy bag seals, which need to maintain their shape under pressure to prevent leaks. The material’s flexibility allows it to move with the body, helping to provide a secure and comfortable fit for daily use.

Material safety compliant for medical use – These TPE compounds are sterilisable using autoclaving at 121°C or ethylene oxide, meeting the stringent hygiene protocols required for medical devices. They comply with ISO 10993-5, GB/T 16886.5 (cytotoxicity), Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, US FDA CFR 21, and GB 4806.7-2023, and contain no animal-derived ingredients.

Thermolast H, skin-safe TPE for high-performance dermatoscopes

Tanned skin is everywhere—on beaches, billboards, and all social media! Whether it is from frolicking under the sun or hitting indoor salons, everyone is chasing that bronzed look. As influencer culture keeps pushing it as the beauty ideal, skin experts are raising the alarm: repeated tanning, especially without protection, can lead to sunspots, early aging, and even skin cancer. Truth be told, that sun-kissed glow might come at a serious cost.

Early detection of skin cancer improves treatment outcomes and can preempt its progression. Dermatoscopes are indispensable tools for identifying skin issues at the onset, both in healthcare and professional in-home care settings. Kraiburg TPE’s  medical-grade Thermolast H series meets these requirements, making it ideal for dermatoscopes and other equipment designed for frequent use and consistent performance.

Optimised properties for critical medical applications – Thermolast H provides superior adhesion to polar substrates like PP and PE, making it well-suited for use in multi-component medical devices such as dermatoscopes. This enhances manufacturing efficiency and supports long-term part integrity, even under frequent handling in clinical settings. Its optimised compression set helps sealing components retain their shape and function through repeated sterilisation and use, maintaining both hygiene and performance. The material is also colourable, enabling customisation for branding, component coding, or design appeal. With a soft-touch surface, it provides a premium tactile experience and improved grip comfort during extended use by healthcare professionals.

Compliance with medical standards – Thermolast H TPE compounds are free from animal ingredients, supporting ethical sourcing and meeting the growing demand for animal-free medical products. They comply with key international standards—including EU Regulation No 10/2011, US FDA CFR 21 (raw material conformity), ISO 10993-5, and GB/T 16886.5, thus ensuring material safety in healthcare applications. This regulatory compliance gives manufacturers and end-users confidence in both the quality and biocompatibility of the product.

Top choice for soft-touch and enhanced visual impact – This TPE series is colourable, allowing customisation for branding, component coding, or product aesthetics. Its soft-touch surface enhances grip comfort and provides a premium tactile experience during prolonged use by healthcare professionals. In terms of functionality, the material offers excellent versatility, supporting features like tactile switches, soft-touch grips, and comfort mats. It is also suitable for components such as seals, valves, flexible connectors, closures, and mouthpieces, combining safety and performance to meet the industry benchmark for advanced medical devices.

Snooze the snore with next-generation TPE solutions 

Kraiburg TPE’s compounds offer a soft surface, flexibility, high elasticity, and low friction, ensuring excellent comfort and durability even with extended use of anti-snore devices.

Snoring, that noisy, rumbling breathing while you sleep, can signal underlying issues like partial airway obstruction, especially if it’s loud or frequent. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage snoring—from lifestyle changes to innovative medical devices. Mouthguards, nasal dilators, and other oral appliances can help reduce disruptive snoring.

Kraiburg TPE’s high-quality, custom-engineered TPE materials possess properties such as durability, chemical resistance, biocompatibility, and more that make them well-suited for anti-snore devices and other medical products.

Safe, medical-grade materials – KRAIBURG TPE’s TPE grades meet strict global safety standards for medical technology, including US FDA CFR 21 raw material compliance, EU food-contact regulation No. 10/2011, in vitro cytotoxicity requirements for medical devices as specified in DIN ISO 10993-5 and GB/T 16886.5 (China), as well as RoHS and REACH regulations. These TPEs are free from animal ingredients, PVC, silicone, and latex, making them suitable for a wide range of medical devices.

Designed for durability, comfort and style – Kraiburg TPE’s compounds offer a soft surface, flexibility, high elasticity, and low friction, ensuring excellent comfort and durability even with extended use of anti-snore devices. Available in translucent and transparent options, these materials can be coloured to enhance aesthetics and allow customisation to fit specific product requirements.

Sterilisable for hygienic use – Kraiburg TPE’s medical material solutions are sterilisable by autoclave at 121°C and ethylene oxide (EtO), which maintain the hygiene and safety of anti-snore devices during regular use. These sterilisation methods also maintain material integrity while adhering to high medical standards.

Medical-grade solutions for versatile health applications – Kraiburg TPE’s compounds provide excellent adhesion to polyolefins such as PP and PE and can be processed via injection moulding or extrusion, thus rendering a cost-effective solution for manufacturers. Aside from anti-snoring devices, these medical-grade TPEs are also well-suited for a broad range of health and hygiene applications. Typical uses include functional and design components, seals, flexible connectors, mouthpieces, and closures—where comfort, safety, and reliable performance matter most.

Soft-touch, durable & sustainable TPE for electric shavers 

For today’s consumers, “less is more” captures a growing preference for simplicity and purpose. The minimalist mindset also influences grooming, where appearance expresses personal values. A neat haircut, clean shave, or well-tapered beard signals readiness to engage with the world. Yet personal values are about more than looks, especially when sustainability matters in choosing products.

This mindset drives current trends in personalized, holistic self-care, with personal care tools such as electric shavers designed to match consumers’ expectations for sustainability, ease of use, visual appeal, and dependable performance.

Material advantage for product reliability – Kraiburg TPE’s ThermolastR series TPE is suitable for multi-component injection molding, offering good flowability, superior mechanical properties, and excellent adhesion to PP, all ensuring durable component bonding and enhanced performance in electric shavers. With a broad hardness range (30 to 90 Shore A) and temperature stability up to 80 °C, the TPE series provides outstanding wear resistance and long-lasting reliability, even with frequent use.

User-focused benefits in ergonomics and style – The Thermolast R sustainable TPE series is suitable for producing both soft, comfortable grips and more rigid, durable parts for electric shavers. It is an effective design solution for ergonomic grips and anti-slip surfaces that enhance user comfort and allow for greater precision. Featuring a flexible, non-sticky surface with excellent haptics, the TPE series provides a smooth, pleasant tactile feel that improves grip, delivering the precision and control valued by electric shaver users.

The TPE compounds also enable a wide range of design possibilities for electric shavers, offering in-house color options for aesthetic diversity through customizable colors, finishes, and textures.

Compliance to high standards of safety and sustainability – The Thermolast R series rigorously complies with FDA CFR 21 standards, as well as REACH SVHC and RoHS regulations. Selected compounds from the series have been certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). This strict adherence to global product standards highlights Kraiburg TPE’s commitment to providing high-quality advanced materials, sustainable sourcing, and responsible manufacturing practices.

Sustainability from the get-go

At Kraiburg TPE, sustainability drives its innovation. Its portfolio includes bio-based TPEs and compounds with post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR) recycled content. Selected TPEs are certified under GRS and ISCC PLUS. We also provide Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data upon request to support sustainability decisions. It earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal in 2025 and are committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our goals with global climate action. From reducing emissions to increasing circularity, Kraiburg TPE’s sustainable TPEs deliver reliable performance and are available worldwide to support customer applications while advancing their sustainability goals. (Press Release)

According to World Health Organization (WHO), one in ten women in the world is diagnosed with endometriosis, a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, chronic pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, nausea, fatigue, and sometimes depression, anxiety, and infertility.

The introduction of robotic-assisted surgery marks a significant advancement in the treatment of endometriosis, providing precise and minimally invasive surgical solutions across diverse medical specialities, including those with endometriosis.

Comparison between laparotomy and robotic-assisted endometriosis surgery

“Traditional surgical interventions have been the go-to method for many surgeries. Although effective to a certain level, they do carry notable drawbacks, including prolonged recovery times and the surgery itself is quite complex,” explains Dr Thow.

In traditional laparotomy (open surgery) for endometriosis, due to angle and vision limitation, surgeons usually have difficulty to complete excise endometriotic lesions. “In my experience, 90% of endometriotic lesions occur at the back of the uterus, which is challenging for surgeons to identify if performing conventional laparotomy. However, robotic-assisted surgery offers enhanced visual support (such as multiple-angle, higher quality vision) allowing surgeons to better identify lesions that may be hidden from direct sight and go unnoticed. Consequently, robotic surgeries emerge as viable options for minimally invasive procedures, particularly for addressing more complex and challenging cases of endometriosis. Overall, they offer more hope for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for women battling the condition,” Dr Thow added.

Furthermore, a shorter recovery period, reduced complications, and minimal scarring with less pain and blood loss make robotic-assisted surgery an appealing treatment option for endometriosis patients, especially in cases involving complex and hidden lesions. It also enables patients to get back to their normal lifestyle sooner. “We have many patients plagued by severe dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis. However, after robotic-assisted surgery, almost all experienced complete symptom relief,” shared Dr Thow.

One of the most compelling advantages of robotic-assisted surgery is its potential to preserve fertility.“ Endometriosis can severely impair reproductive organs such as the fallopian tube function, diminish ovarian reserve, and create a hostile environment for fertilisation and implantation, but robotic surgery can treat the disease while preserving the function of these organs, thus improving fertility outcome,” he added.

Determining candidacy for robotic-assisted surgery is a meticulous process. While any patient may be considered, Dr Thow emphasises its suitability for robotic surgery applies to cases of endometriosis that conventionally necessitate open surgery, such as deep infiltrating endometriosis, a severe form of endometriosis involves deep growth of endometrial-like tissue into pelvic structures, causing severe pain and other complications or large benign tumours, non-cancerous growths that can occur in various body parts, potentially causing symptoms due to their size and location.

The future of robotic-assisted surgery

Looking ahead, Dr Thow foresees a surge in robotic surgeries across Malaysia, particularly for challenging conditions like endometriosis. He also said despite the learning curve, newer surgeons are being trained to adopt the use of robotics in surgeries, further instilling the expertise needed to operate these innovative solutions.

Due to its precision and minimally invasive nature, robotic surgery may become the preferred choice for more complex treatments. Although there is rarely a misconception surrounding embracing robotic-assisted surgery, its cost could potentially be higher compared to traditional methods.

Dr Thow said: “While the accessibility of robotic-assisted surgery is limited at the present moment, I predict that robotics will play a larger role in surgery in addition to taking on a supportive role as it has potential to provide more precise insertions, shortening operating time and mitigating potential complications. In some cases too, our patients feel more reassured when robotics are involved in their procedure, especially for more complex ones. Ultimately, the decision to opt for robotic or traditional surgery will be made collaboratively between the patient and doctor, considering all available options and individual circumstances.”

With all these in mind, Dr Thow also opines that with more adoption of innovative technologies within surgical procedures, healthcare professionals can be better equipped to undertake and manage more complicated cases, providing care for more patients long-term.

As one of the largest quaternary private hospitals in Malaysia, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) is home to some of the most state-of-the-art robotic surgical systems in the market through its Robotics Surgery and MIS Centre of Excellence for various health concerns, including women’s health. SMC has also recently been named in the top 250 hospitals globally in Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals 2024 rankings earlier this year, setting the benchmark for hospitals around the world in areas of clinical excellence, research and innovation.

Dr. Koprivanac said the new approach could offer the benefits of surgical AVR without the prolonged recovery typical of other methods. Traditional AVR via sternotomy is still considered the standard, but newer techniques like mini-sternotomy, thoracotomy, and robotic-assisted access have made surgery less invasive. The transcervical method further reduces trauma by avoiding chest incisions altogether.

Dr. Koprivanac adapted the technique from his experience with transcervical thymectomies, accessing the aortic valve through a small neck incision. He refined the procedure on cadavers at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, then moved to clinical application after confirming feasibility.

The four patients, aged 60 to 74, received either a Perceval L or Inspiris Resilia valve. Average cross-clamp time was 140 minutes. Three patients were discharged within 4 days, while one stayed six days due to heart block requiring a pacemaker. All reported low pain levels and managed recovery with over-the-counter medication.

Patients returned to active lifestyles quickly. One resumed gym workouts a week after surgery; another was back to farm work by week three. “Such early activity is rarely possible with other AVR techniques,” said Dr. Koprivanac.

Dr. Marc Gillinov, Chair of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, and Dr. Samir Kapadia, Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine, called the approach a major advancement in minimally invasive heart surgery.

The team is now working to reduce cross-clamp time to around 60 minutes and exploring new instruments to improve efficiency in tight spaces. Although some patients could have been discharged on day two, they were kept longer for monitoring due to the procedure’s novelty.

Dr. Koprivanac aims to standardize the technique for specialized centers, emphasizing safety as the top priority. “The results are encouraging, and we’re committed to refining the procedure to help more patients recover faster and with less pain,” he said.

This effort kicked off back in December 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was still a global emergency. Countries came together to form the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB), tasked with hammering out a formal international agreement to strengthen global preparedness and response to pandemics.

The negotiation process included 13 rounds of formal talks—many of them extended—plus dozens of informal discussions. Now, the INB has a full proposal ready. If adopted, it would create a new framework for how nations collaborate on everything from sharing virus samples to coordinating medical supply chains.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, said that despite global political tensions, countries were able to find common ground. He called the agreement a major step toward making the world safer and praised the Member States and their negotiators for sticking with the process.

The agreement lays out several priorities: sharing pathogens and benefits more fairly, expanding research and manufacturing across regions, speeding up technology transfers, training health workforces, and creating systems for financing and logistics during emergencies. It also emphasizes each country’s right to manage its own public health policies, clearly stating that the WHO won’t have the power to force national actions like lockdowns or vaccine mandates.

INB Co-Chair Precious Matsoso called the result a win for equity, saying the tough talks were driven by a shared understanding that pandemics don’t respect borders, and everyone is safer when countries work together. Ambassador Anne-Claire Amprou, also a Co-Chair, added that the agreement marks real progress toward a faster, fairer, and more unified global response.

The final decision now lies with the World Health Assembly, which starts on May 19. If approved, the agreement would be adopted under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, giving it the force of international law.

Urbanisation, aging populations, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits have given rise to the prevalence of diabetes in China, the report finds. The International Diabetes Federation’s 10th edition report from 2021 estimates that the number of Chinese adults living with diabetes will increase from 140.87 million in 2021 to 174.43 million by 2045.

Related: Rising diabetes in Malaysia; food costs, social pressure hinder healthy choices

Fuelling demand for advanced diabetes devices

The increasing need for devices such as glucose meters, insulin pumps, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems is driving market growth. These tools play a vital role in improving diabetes management, patient outcomes, and quality of life. Thus, domestic and international companies are seizing opportunities in this expanding market. For instance, in January 2024, Trinity Biotech and Bayer signed a Letter of Intent to introduce a CGM biosensor device in China. This partnership is anticipated to improve access to CGM technology and provide advanced healthcare solutions for patients and healthcare providers.

The following are key growth factors for the sector as noted in the report:

Rising Type 1 diabetes cases– An estimated one in ten people in China has diabetes, with urban areas experiencing higher rates due to changing lifestyles and economic development. Efforts to address this challenge include the establishment of National Metabolic Management Centers (MMCs) by the National Health Commission (NHC), which have served over 200,000 patients in two years.

Government initiatives – The Chinese government has implemented measures to reduce medical expenses for diabetes patients and improve access to medications. Enhanced healthcare infrastructure, including MMCs, is fostering innovation and research in diabetes treatment, contributing to the adoption of advanced devices and technologies.

Market players and recent developments in the sector – Major companies in the China diabetes device market, which include Roche, Abbott Laboratories, Novo Nordisk, BD, Medtronic, Eli Lilly, and Sanofi, continue to revitalize the industry and meet demands. Meanwhile, recent approvals by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) are also shaping the market. In June 2024, Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, received approval for type 2 diabetes treatment. Similarly, AstraZeneca’s Xigduo XR, a fixed-dose combination for type 2 diabetes, was approved in June 2023, providing patients with more effective and convenient treatment options.

Related: Philippine Researchers Develop Bitter Gourd Herbal Medicine to Combat Type 2 Diabetes 

What the future holds

China’s commitment to addressing its diabetes epidemic, coupled with advancements in technology and strong government support, positions the country as a key player in the global diabetes device market. The ongoing collaboration between public and private sectors is expected to drive innovation, improve patient care, and sustain market growth over the coming decade.

This pioneering application leverages Lenovo’s comprehensive technology solutions, combining generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and advanced visual AI. Liv’s persona is created from a composite of images and experiences of 10 people living with dementia, enhanced through generative AI to form a responsive, realistic avatar capable of unscripted, natural conversations.

The knowledge base for Liv is built from first hand advice and entries from Innovations in Dementia’s “Dementia Diaries project”, as well as panel interviews. Users interact with Liv using speech-to-text input, and responses are tailored using sentiment analysis, which guides the avatar’s facial expressions for a more empathetic experience.

Liv allows users to ask questions about daily challenges, new hobbies, or discussing their condition with family members, drawing from authentic lived experiences rather than scripted medical advice. The tool is designed for ease of use, requiring minimal tech expertise and mimicking familiar, natural conversations.

Currently in trial with controlled user testing, the project aims for wider availability in the future, while ensuring clear guardrails to prevent medical misinformation. The development utilized Lenovo’s AI-ready solutions, including workstations and cloud services, and involved tech partner Kaleida.