Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2021

At the 2020 Medical Innovation Summit, the Cleveland Clinic officially released its Top 10 Medical Innovations for 2021. Read more on these innovations. 

1. Gene Therapy for Hemoglobinopathies
Latest research in the hemoglobinopathy space has brought an experimental gene therapy, giving those who suffer from sickle cell disease and thalassemia the potential to make functional hemoglobin molecules. Read more.

2. Novel Drug for Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
A new, FDA-approved therapeutic monoclonal antibody with a novel target is the first and only MS treatment for the primary-progressive population. Read more.

3. Smartphone-Connected Pacemaker Devices
Earning its place amid other new innovative medical technology are Bluetooth-enabled pacemaker devices to remedy this issue of disconnection between patients and their cardiac treatment.Read more.

4. New Medication for Cystic Fibrosis
A new combination drug, FDA approved in October 2019, is providing CF relief for patients with the most common CF gene mutation (F508 del) – estimated to represent 90% of individuals living with CF.Read more. 

5. Universal Hepatitis C Treatment
A new, approved fixed-dose combination medication has vastly improved hepatitis C treatment. More than 90% effective for hepatitis C genotypes 1-6, the treatment represents an effective option for a wider scope of patients with the disease. Read more.

6. Bubble CPAP for Increased Lung Function in Premature Babies
Unlike mechanical ventilation, b-CPAP is a non-invasive ventilation strategy – delivering continuous positive airway pressure to newborns to maintain lung volumes during exhalation. Read more.

7. Increased Access to Telemedicine through Novel Practice & Policy Changes
COVID-19 saw increased adoption of telemedical practices. An increasingly virtual care model and increased consumer adoption came by way of fundamental shifts in policy at government & provider levels. Read more.

8. Vacuum-Induced Uterine Tamponade Device for Postpartum Hemorrhage
The vacuum-induced tamponade device represents another minimally-invasive tool for clinicians to battle the complication & provides a low-tech solution that is potentially translatable to developing countries. Read more.

9. PARP Inhibitors for Prostate CancerKnown for their success in women’s cancers, two PARP inhibitors have been demonstrated to delay the progression of prostate cancer in men. Both were approved in May 2020 for prostate cancer. Read more.

10. Immunologics for Migraine Prophylaxis
Actively prescribed in 2020 with no signs of slowing adoption in 2021, this new FDA-approved class of medication for migraine sufferers is helping countless individuals reclaim their lives. Read more.