One of the most recent trends in laparoscopic surgery is to access the peritoneal cavity via the umbilicus using a single skin incision. Single-incision laparoscopy introduces additional constraints to the conventional laparoscopic environment and requires surgeons to use new flexible and articulating instruments and novel access platforms. Over the past two years, medical device companies have been racing to develop enabling technologies for single-incision laparoscopy, but the approach is controversial and its future appears uncertain as surgeons debate the cost/benefits of the single-incision laparoscopic approach.

Our monthly update on technology transfer deals--licensing agreements between companies and universities or other research institutions--in the fields of life sciences, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents.

Neuro3d SA proposes to take over early clinical development work for pharmaceutical partners. It will use its in-house expertise to bring promising compounds to Phase II, then offer its partners the chance to license compounds back, or to give rights to Neuro3d. The French start-up is specializing in compounds for CNS disorders, specifically schizophrenia, depression and anxiety.