VirtaMed, 2 Other Medtech Firms Announced as Finalists for Swiss MedTech Awards 2020

Three finalists for the Swiss MedTech Awards 2020 have been announced. These are VirtaMed, Aleva Neurotherapeutics, and Rheon Medical.

The three companies were chosen and judged among a group of 24 other competing firms. The winner is set to be announced during Swiss Medtech Day in Bern on September 21.

The winning company will receive 50,000 Swiss Francs, sponsored by the Lichtsteiner Foundation, the Straumann Group, and Ypsomed.

Switzerland is considered the primary source of MedTech firms and has more than 1,400 companies, with 60,000 employed individuals generating an annual revenue of nearly $16 billion.

In connection to this, young innovative firms vie to be acknowledged by the Swiss Medtech Industry Association and eventually awarded the prestigious Swiss MedTech Award.

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VirtaMed

One of the finalists hoping to be declared the winner next month is VirtaMed. This company develops simulators used to educate and train those in the medical field.

In a press release, VirtaMed said it has made it possible for surgeons to "hone their surgical skills" through the use of diverse reality "in safe environments."

In this time of the pandemic, as indicated in the company's release, simulation training has allowed both surgeons and trainees to carry on with skills training.

Advancements in technology provide simulators that integrate virtual reality images and "haptic feedback" to give a realistic feel to the training.

Also, simulators provide pharmaceutical companies with a cost-efficient way to teach in a safe atmosphere sans the expensive, restrictive use of cadavers.

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Stronger Presence in the U.S.

VirtaMed is currently working hard to establish a stronger presence in the United States and hopes to build upon its already stellar achievements and success.

The headquarters of VirtaMed was founded in 2007 in Zurich, Switzerland, presently employing more than 100 people. Specifically, VirtaMed Inc., which, in 2014, was established in Florida, now has approximately ten people employed and is continuously growing.

Meanwhile, VirtaMed Inc. consists of North American commercial tasks such as business development, education and training, and service and support. Product development, on the other hand, is to remain in Switzerland for the time being.  

VirtaMed's key-simulated medical specializations include arthroscopy for orthopedics; hysteroscopy, "gynecological laparoscopy, IUD replacement, ultrasound, and embryo transfer" for ObGyn; Laser BPH, TURP and TURB for urology; and Laparoscopy for general surgery.

The 3 Finalists

VirtaMed was nominated for its new surgical simulator, LaparoSTM, which is a new technology that allows doctors to enhance their "laparoscopic skills" through the use of the next-generation of haptic feedback incorporated with virtual reality images.

Aside from VirtaMed, another finalist is Aleva Neurotherapeutics, which has what it describes as a "new deep brain simulation system" intending to improve the success of therapy for patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

The third candidate, Rheon Medical, is also launching 'eyeWatch,' the first-ever non-invasive pressure compensation system designed to revolutionize glaucoma treatment.

According to Swiss Medtech's managing director, Peter Biedermann, he is always impressed by the Swiss medical industry's innovative strength.

"There's a lot of work, persistence, and passion," he said, "behind each of these technological developments."

The three nominated firms, Piedermann added, are considered successful in the industry in their own right and with their respective products.

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