The UK government has announced it’s made a multi-million pound investment into potential breakthrough medical devices that can be adopted by the NHS.

As part of a £10 million funding package for increasing access to medical technology, eight tech companies will be supported to bring their devices to market more quickly.

One device, by HistoSonics, aims to identify and destroy liver cancer tumours using focused ultrasound waves. These waves break down tumours without damaging healthy tissue, offering a safer alternative to radiotherapy and other high-intensity treatments.

Another company is developing a blood test for Alzheimer’s Disease, which means patients could be identified and treated earlier. Roche Diagnostics Ltd has developed the Amyloid Plasma Panel—a blood test which could help clinicians decide if patients with cognitive impairment should undergo tests or imaging to confirm Alzheimer’s Disease.

The funding is part of a new programme called The Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP), which aims to bring state-of-the-art technologies and solutions to the forefront of the NHS. Currently in the pilot stage, the funding will be used to test new technologies for use on a large scale as quickly as possible.

The government is investing £10 million in the pilot as part of a wider programme to accelerate access to medical technology. The programme is run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Scottish Health Technology Group, Health Technology Wales, and NHS England.

Today’s funding announcement follows the government’s unveiling of its blueprint for boosting NHS medtech and innovation last year.

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Speaking about the new funding, health minister Andrew Stephenson commented: “NHS staff need access to the latest technology to deliver the highest quality care for patients and cut waiting lists – one of our top five priorities.

“These cutting-edge technologies could help thousands of patients with a range of conditions, including cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer’s, while easing pressure on our hospitals and reducing healthcare inequalities.

“Our investment in these pioneering companies is part of our long-term plan for a faster, simpler and fairer health care system, and demonstrates our clear commitment to ensuring the UK is the most innovative economy in the world.”