An update on developments at Nobelpharma.

: At Nobelpharma there is a strong belief in clinical trials; the way products function should always be documented before those products are introduced to the market. The safety of the patient must not be jeopardised. Now, Nobelpharma introduces a new system on documentation of new products, similar to the one used in the pharmaceutical industry. In its clinical studies, Nobelpharma collaborates with some 175 clinics all over the world. At present, some 40 scientific studies are in progress, involving around 1500 patients and 40,000 fixtures. The current R&D plan of Nobelpharma consists of, among others, the following four areas: 1. Improved technique and function including research on improved fit and methods for measuring fit. 2. Simplified surgery, where the self-tapping fixture and a new surgical kit are important products. 3. Reduced contra-indications, mainly concentrating on the upper jaw, with contra-indications caused by resorbed bone or poor bone quality. 4. Obtaining increased understanding of biomechanical aspects. Further research to increase biomechanical understanding and, in the longer term, to adapt components and forms of treatment to produce the optimum biomechanical system.