Noteworthy news from medtech start-ups. This month we feature PlaqueTec, which is pursuing vulnerable plaque biomarkers and druggable targets, Ozics, which is developing a bone reinforcement composite, and Phagenesis, which is using neurostimulation to treat dysphagia in stroke patients.

Cambridge, UK-based PlaqueTec Ltd. is developing a coronary artery blood sampling technology combined with biomarker analysis to map the biological processes associated with the development and rupture of vulnerable plaque. The ambitious young company plans to use this information to detect and monitor plaque biomarkers, and then use these patented data to help identify drug candidates for atherosclerosis.

The growth of markets within Asia is creating an enticing lure for medical device, pharmaceutical, and biomedical companies seeking to establish or enhance their presence in the region. Countries with large populations-and, in some cases, underserved medical needs for certain conditions-represent an opportunity to expand health care treatments. The government of Singapore is working hard to make sure foreign companies understand the island nation is very willing to offer that expertise and create an ideal location that could serve as a gateway to all of Asia.

While the debate continues about whether embolic protection devices are really necessary, the space continues to generate interest from investors, start-ups and large companies looking for new technologies. Despite the unfulfilled promise of the past decade, interest has spread to new interventional applications such as percutaneous heart valves, indicating that this area remains a viable opportunity for start-ups.