There is no arguing that the pandemic has ‘flipped the script’ for the healthcare sector. The last two years have seen global healthcare companies push the envelope as far as innovation in technology and healthcare delivery is concerned, says KOSEC CEO Michael Kodari.
Many innovations have emerged over the past two years; patients can now speak to their doctor via a screen, genetic vaccines have prevented and reduced the severity of COVID-19, and patients can wear a device that monitors their vital signs, plus many more.
So how significant is this innovation as a lasting form of long-term value creation?
Healthcare innovation drivers
It certainly helps to understand the causality of the pandemic in driving certain advances across numerous industries. While plenty of global supply chains have suffered from having to navigate shortages in material and bumped up logistical costs, it is that very same distance caused by the pandemic that has influenced notable improvements to the delivery of public health care.
One such commonly seen provision comes in the form of telehealth, which provides patients access to clinical care as a means of circumventing social-distancing public health mandates around the world.
Other forms of digital innovation have undoubtedly found root within the wider aspect of the global healthcare industry. While not as patient-facing as telehealth practices, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications within clinical data processing is another example of post-pandemic healthcare innovation brought about by the need to sup
Rising healthcare trends
Of course, the terms ‘digital’ and ‘innovation’ aren’t mutually exclusive when it comes to understanding the latest in healthcare developments to come out of the global pandemic. Chiefly among the most prominent innovations to feature within the healthcare sector is vaccine technology — especially with the use of Messenger RiboNucleic Acid (mRNA) technology as used with companies like Moderna and Pfizer.
Additionally, the use of software and AI applications have expedited pharmaceutical data processing and research. Presenting researchers and clinical trial companies with a greater ability to analyze larger volumes of data sets provides the healthcare industry with shorter timeframes to achieve breakthrough treatments. At the same time, it also provides the computational benefit of delivering individualized health care for specific patient needs.
The companies to watch
Among the US companies to watch for if you are considering investing within healthcare innovation, is telehealth provider Teladoc (NYSE: TDOC), which expanded its offerings in 2020 by merging with Livongo, a digital health company that builds out remote health care for patients that suffer from diabetes and hypertension.
Additionally, Pfizer (XNYS: PFE), one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and the producer of one of the most popular, effective COVID-19 vaccines is one to keep an eye on. The expansion of regulatory approval for its vaccine to younger age groups and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation for vaccine boosters six months after initial doses are bullish tailwinds for the pharmaceutical giant’s business.
As with any groundbreaking and exciting idea, most cautious investors will apply a reasonable long-term perspective to understand the sustainability of a new company or business endeavor. While early-stage investment presents a view on greater value to come, it helps to mitigate risk by identifying companies strategically partnered to larger, more established firms.
Michael Kodari, CEO of KOSEC - Kodari Securities
Michael Kodari is the Founder and CEO of Kodari Securities (KOSEC), a leading provider of investment services to a substantial and diversified client base, including corporations and ultra high net worth individuals. With over a decade of experience in funds management and stockbroking, Michael has worked with some of the world’s leading value investors and financial institutions. A philanthropist and a prominent expert in the stock market, CNBC Asia has referred to him as “the brightest 21st century entrepreneur in wealth management”.
About KOSEC
KOSEC – Kodari Securities is a leading provider of investment services to a substantial and diversified client base, including corporations and ultra high net worth individuals. Established in 2010, KOSEC exists to empower and equip investors with the best investment opportunities, knowledge, tools and resources, as well as providing the highest level of product/service offering to help them make better and more informed investment decisions.
Find out more at https://www.kosec.com.au/
