Executive Summary

A comprehensive and systematic risk management-based approach, rather than a prescriptive regulatory approach, is essential for the future development and success of nano-and other novel medical technologies both from the point of view of promoting innovation and of safeguarding public health. That is the view of Richard Moore, manager, nanomedicine and life sciences, at Europe's major nanotechnology information centre, the Institute of Nanotechnology (IoN), based in Scotland. Mr Moore, has only recently joined the IoN, after working as director of science and innovation at the European medtech industry association, Eucomed, for nearly 10 years. He was previously with the European Committee for Standardisation as project manager, healthcare, for six years before taking up the Eucomed job, and told Clinica that he is "glad that he can offer his expertise in medical nanotechnology to the institute". He sees many challenges ahead in this field where technological progress is leaping ahead, with regulation struggling to keep up. Understanding the real risks associated with these products is proving complex.