The Ventilator Challenge UK is led by Dick Elsy, CEO of High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
The consortium investigated production of a range of ventilator design options to meet a high-level specification for a rapidly manufactured ventilator system (RMVS) developed by clinicians and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
All requirements were evaluated to design, manufacture, assemble and test components, as well as finished medical ventilators.
Production of an agreed new design will now be accelerated, based on existing technologies, which can be assembled from materials and parts in current production. The device combines existing proven clinical equipment and is the clinicians’ first choice for the RMVS.
The regulator has been involved throughout and the consortium anticipates a straightforward and very prompt regulatory sign off after the final audit.
The consortium is now taking the necessary steps to increase production of this design, which will begin this week.
The consortium also includes another producer of medical ventilators and it will provide them with additional manufacturing support and assembly facilities in order to scale up production of a second existing ventilator design which has full regulatory approval.
Dick Elsy, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult’s chief executive, said: “This consortium brings together some of the most innovative companies in the world. Every day, their highly-skilled staff collaborate to create solutions that help millions of people, and this project is no different. They are working together with incredible determination and energy to scale up production of much-needed ventilators and combat a virus that is affecting people in many countries. I am confident this consortium has the skills and tools to make a difference and save lives.”
