The dual-use potential of military medical innovation

Many hospitals in the UK are struggling to make space for patients in need of urgent medical care. Coupled with an increasing and ageing UK population, the issue of hospital overcrowding and lack of resources is only set to worsen. Underscored by the looming threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as well as budget constraints and workforce shortages, the NHS is at a crucial point where innovation is needed to ensure the safety of the future of healthcare in the UK. Traditional pathways for medical innovation, while valuable, may not adequately address the pace and scale of current healthcare challenges. Leveraging dual-use technologies from defence research is an emerging approach to MedTech development that presents new opportunities for addressing critical challenges in acute care delivery.

The military environment has long served as an accelerator for healthcare innovation, particularly in areas requiring rapid diagnosis and intervention such as trauma care and emergency response. This unique environment demands solutions that are not only highly accurate but also able to be rapidly deployed under extreme, resource-constrained conditions — characteristics increasingly valuable in modern healthcare settings.

For example, the EpiPen has its roots in military technology. In the 1970s, engineer Sheldon Kaplan developed an auto-injector called the CombiPen for US soldiers to self-administer nerve agent antidotes. Recognising its potential for civilian use, Kaplan adapted the technology to deliver epinephrine, a hormone crucial for treating anaphylaxis. In 1987, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the EpiPen, revolutionising emergency allergy treatment. The concealed needle design and ease of use made it accessible to millions worldwide.