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Medical Device Development for Children and Young People-Reviewing the Challenges and Opportunities
Paul Dimitri1, Valeria Pignataro2, Mariangela Lupo3
1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust & Sheffield Hallam University, Shefeld S10 2TH, UK.
Insights
Developing specialized medical devices (MDs) for children and young people (CYP) requires tailored regulations and innovative technologies. The European Pediatric Translational Research Infrastructure (EPTRI) aims to foster collaboration for pediatric MD innovation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pediatric Healthcare Innovation
- Regulatory Science
Background:
- Children and young people (CYP) have unique healthcare needs distinct from adults, necessitating specialized medical devices (MDs).
- Current MD development often involves repurposing adult technologies, potentially compromising safety and efficacy for pediatric populations.
- The global pediatric healthcare market presents significant growth opportunities, projected to reach USD 15,984 million by 2025.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review successful technologies in pediatric MD development.
- To highlight the importance of pediatric-specific regulations for MD safety and effectiveness.
- To advocate for collaborative platforms to drive innovation in pediatric MDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of successful pediatric MD technologies.
- Analysis of market trends and opportunities in pediatric healthcare.
- Discussion of regulatory frameworks for pediatric medical devices.
Main Results:
- Successful pediatric MD development has been driven by technologies such as 3D printing, advanced materials, drug delivery systems, and diagnostic imaging.
- There is a substantial and growing global market for pediatric healthcare solutions.
- Collaboration across disciplines and the establishment of platforms like EPTRI are crucial for advancing pediatric MDs.
Conclusions:
- Tailored development and regulation of MDs for CYP are essential.
- Technological advancements offer promising avenues for pediatric MD innovation.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration and dedicated infrastructure are key to meeting unmet needs in child health and commercializing pediatric MDs.
Abstract:
Development of specific medical devices (MDs) is required to meet the healthcare needs of children and young people (CYP). In this context, MD development should address changes in growth and psychosocial maturation, physiology, and pathophysiology, and avoid inappropriate repurposing of adult technologies. Underpinning the development of MD for CYP is the need to ensure MD safety and effectiveness through pediatric MD-specific regulations. Contrary to current perceptions of limited market potential, the global pediatric healthcare market is expected to generate around USD 15,984 million by 2025. There are 1.8 billion young people in the world today; 40% of the global population is under 24, creating significant future healthcare market opportunities. This review highlights a number of technology areas that have led to successful pediatric MD, including 3D printing, advanced materials, drug delivery, and diagnostic imaging. To ensure the targeted development of MD for CYP, collaboration across multiple professional disciplines is required, facilitated by a platform to foster collaboration and drive innovation. The European Pediatric Translational Research Infrastructure (EPTRI) will be established as the European platform to support collaboration, including the life sciences industrial sector, to identify unmet needs in child health and support the development, adoption, and commercialization of pediatric MDs.
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