Announcing EUNest

EUNest to offer operational support for US MedTech companies entering the European Markets.

MedNest credibility and reputation has been growing over the past 6 years in Europe and several success stories have percolated into the US markets, generating an increased amount of requests to offer operational support services for European Market Entry plans.

While there is a base of product, technology and clinical expertise that can be leveraged from the existing MedNest and PharmaNest team, European Market Entry plans require a specific focus and expertise, without mentioning in-country partnerships for operations.

MedNest is pleased to announce the fore coming launch of EUNest, which will be dedicated to fulfill this need, and will serve US-based Life Sciences to coach them in their EU market entry needs.

MedNest is a Founding Member of the European-American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and has developed an unique network of in-country experts into the "core" countries in the European Markets, without mentioning the European Union institutions.

Announcing 2D+ : A Transformational Cell Culture Platform

CYTOO SA, a company that specializes in cell-based assays, is pleased to introduce 2D+: A New Dimension in Cell Culture. 

Cytoo 2D+ Cell Culture Platform is based on the use micro-patterns on plates to drive/control the behavior and localization of cells in cultures. 

“It has been realized only recently that modifying cell shape can be a very efficient way to modify cell functions, including cell fate and differentiation. Cells are exquisite mechano-sensing systems and adapt permanently to their boundary conditions. Thus, contrary to the frequent opinion that classical 2D culture on infinite adhesive substrates are more representative of cell behaviour (as cells are ‘free’ to spread and move), these conditions introduce a considerable, and unnoticed, variability in cell functions. 2D+ Technology controls the 3D shape of cultured cells: by controlling the 2D topology of cell adhesion, it also sets the cell shape in the z axis. Global and local actin contractility, cell polarity, organelle positioning, cell division axis, can be precisely controlled in non migrating cells, a situation more similar to that in tissue than the classical 2D culture where cells spread and move in an uncontrolled manner. Similarly, the so-called 1D cell migration on thin adhesive motility tracks is much closer to 3D migration in collagen fibrils network because the thinness of the tracks imposes a very small adhesive contact, favoring cell shape in the z axis and precluding cell spreading. It is a 2D+ cell migration. When the width of the motility tracks enlarges and allows full cell spreading, a 2D cell migration is observed in a rectilinear direction” said Michel Bornens, Ph.D, CYTOO Chief Scientific Officer & CNRS Emeritus Research Director at Institut Curie, Paris.

CYTOO 2D+ Technology generates predictable and reproducible optimized assays. Also, since each micro-pattern is identical (several hundred per well), cells perform in a reproducible and consistent manner. Thus, fewer of precious primary cells and less replicates per data point are needed. In addition, the tightness of the data may enable resurrection of assays that were previously not acceptable due to poor z' (Increasing Assay Performance). Thanks to its unique features, 2D+ Cell Culture Platform is not only a cost-saving technology but also allows scientists working with difficult and complex assays to redesign those assays in a standardized, quantitative and simplified manner. 

Early 2012, CYTOO (Grenoble, France and Boston, MA) and PHARMANEST (Princeton, NJ)have agreed to team up to further promote and develop this breakthrough technology in the US. "As soon as we have organized CYTOO's Portfolio of application under "2D+", the feedback of the industry has been terrific, both from the Academic and Pharma segments. In fact, 2D+ address the needs of an industry that is evolving from 2D cell culture platforms to 3D, without the need to change the related imaging platforms" says Mathieu Petitjean, Ph.D., CEO of PharmaNest, a MedNest Company,

CYTOO 2D+ platform brings major improvements in culturing cells, to increase cell-based assay reproducibility/reliability and improve the capacity to achieve a more physiological phenotype in cells cultured on 2D surfaces without resorting to a 3D culture system. In short, 2D+ Culture Platform enables a new generation of innovative assays portfolio.

MedNest welcomes KODRO from ALTERA as a New Client.

A SOLUTION TO ENSURE A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE WHILE GROWING OLDER

KODRO is a revolutionary, subscription-based Care Manager solution to prevent and delay neurodegenera-tive disease symptoms. The KODRO solution offers a digital framework for the Alzheimer’s Disease care team of Seniors and their families, combining a Healthcare IT platform and a Call Center to activate positive reinforcement and reward mechanisms.

Overview

Since 2008, ALTERA has grown to be a recognized Consulting and Advisory services provider to drive Sales Force effectiveness with the integration of innovative Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions. ALTERA serves medium to large international corporations in several industry Sectors.

The KODRO System is based on:

· A network of specialized assistance providers

· A web technology allowing for interactivity and constant adaptation to the user.

· A continuous stimulation of cognitive abilities by way of highly specialized exercises.

The Challenge

Currently, there are relatively few services for the prevention of Alzheimer’s or, more broadly, for the management of cognitive impairment and isolation:

· Existing Solutions for cognitive exercising do not adapt the user’s situation and evolution

· Help from the hospital is limited in time and range

· In-home care-giving companies are not equipped to deal with AD

ALTERA is the first to offer a comprehensive solution based on medical and scientific approach and largely built on an ICT operational system.

The Solution

KODRO is a comprehensive solution offering daily positive Cognitive Exercising and Social Interaction.

KODRO solves in a new way several main issues related to the care and quality of life management for Seniors:

· Fight the growing isolation of the elderly, a well known risk factor for cognitive and memory impairment

· Prevent Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and improve in-home caregiving for people with early symptoms

· Extend stay-at-home capabilities for the elderly

· Propose a day to day structure-inducing tool for the care-giving relatives or personnel

The Key Features

The KODRO System is a revolutionary Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solution offering daily positive Cognitive Exercising and Social Interaction and synchronizes the following four components around the Patient :

A Personalized Internet Interface, with services such as:

E-mailing: to read messages and answer them

The Guide: to help when visiting KODRO’s site

Datebook: to keep track of appointments and upcoming events.

Today: the list of all the recommended activities for the day

Cognitive exercising: Memory Workshop-Games-exercises

Entertainment:  where are stored  Televised series, Documentaries, Audiobooks.

My KODRO: visit your favorite locations and get involved with developing the Village, adding some personal input in your domains of predilection.

Press: samples local and national news releases. You can easily set your topic preferences and customize your e-newspaper page.

The KODRO Helper, a real person who;

· Helps with the Interface

· Gives positive encouragement

· Is Local and offers a local reality check

The Care Giver  (Doctor or Nurse)

· Assisting Care Giver

· Personal Health Record

The “Support Team”  

· Relatives

· Close friends

MedNest Incorporates and Launches DermaNest

PRINCETON, NJ , February 27 2012; MedNest incorporates and launches DermaNest as a wholly owned subsidiary. The mission of DermaNest is to commercialize develops the business of International Personalized Cosmetics and Skin-Care Solutions and Services for the US Markets.

“There is a growing number of non-destructive and portable skin and wound imaging and diagnostic technologies that can enable a personalized approach to dermatology therapeutic programs and cosmetic products. Such solutions will enhance would and skin disease treatments and will take into accounts all aspect of skin. All combined, DermaNest is poised to be the catalyst of a personal approach to skin science.” says Mathieu Petitjean, PhD, President of MedNest.

DermaNest already benefits from a remarkable track record of international clients and partners in this field developed by MedNest including SkinLabs, Agigma, Cytoo, LLTech, Une Fois un Jour among others. Such technologies have the potential to enhance the quality of the Research and Development of new therapies for skin diseases, or new actives compounds for the cosmetic market, in the same way personalized medicine is poised to revolutionize the approach and the business models related to healthcare. These technologies will focus not only on better characterizing various skin structures and variations but also look at the interactions of stimuli and compounds to the structure and how in turn the skin responds. Applications will include deposition, retention and penetration of actives; sensitization, irritation and photo-damage; wound healing; skin barrier functionality; and the moisturization, appearance and overall health of skin

The DermaNest team offers a unique combination of highly experienced scientists and commercial leaders who will be focused on the development of relevant applications and value creation in the dermatology and cosmetic markets.

DermaNest's business model and highly experienced team empower early stage companies to play in high growth market segments, at a fraction of the cost of alternative solutions. Foreign companies who are interested to participate to the emerging growth of the personalized skin care and cosmetics in the US are invited to reach out to the DermaNest team (www.dermanest.com)

Meeting the MedTech Ecosystem in Montpellier, France

In close collaboration with the International Team at the Agglomeration Montpellier, Mathieu Petitjean, CEO of MedNest will give a conference in front of a select group of MedTech entrepreneurs. The theme of the conference is " MedTech Markets in the USA: Opportunities for Entrepreneurs". The conference will be followed by a Q&A session. If you plan to join the conference, please post your questions in advance... that will help the speaker to come prepared ! Looking forward to a rich interaction. Mathieu

New Zealand: a Global Ambition: Convergence of Medical Technologies and Health IT

This event will showcase both the New Zealand Emerging Medical Technology sector and the Health IT Sector and connect with them with both local and international resources of knowledge and expertise.

Hon Gerry Brownlee will speak to the delegates on latest goverment initiatives to help support this growing sector.

Please joint MedNest at the Langham Hotel, Auckland, on Feb 14th and Feb 15th.

Mathieu Petitjean of MedNest will deliver a key note presentation on Medical Convergent Technology opportunities in the USA.

Austria - Going to America

Program Highlights:

Edited in collaboration with Advantage Austria, A series of three events in Linz, Innsbruck and Vienna, combining conferences and workshops on key topics related to the US MedTech and Healthcare industry:

• Major Medical Needs and related demographics in the USA
• Recent evolutions in the regulatory framework related to convergent technologies
• Fundamentals of the US Healthcare Economic system
• Presentation of specific opportunities for Entrepreneurs
• Presentation of specific technology partnership needs of major US corporations

Program Presenter: Mednest's Mathieu Petitjean, Ph.D.