Chapter 164: Medipod
Chapter 164: Medipod
Michael was watching the news along with his main investors, Antoinette and Bridget. Other investors joined through a virtual meeting and they all expressed their shock to him.
"I'm so shocked…it really worked, your pill."
"So does that mean others will work?"
"We won't know for sure," Michael addressed the investors at the virtual conference. "But one thing I can assure you is that I can deliver what I promise, it only needs to be proved."
Michael continued. "This is a significant milestone, yes, but it's also just the beginning. There's a long road ahead to replicate these results in larger, more diverse groups."
"I'm sure you all guys want to see if your investments are going to have a return, and I believe we're on the right path," Michael added, trying to bolster the confidence of his investors.
"Michael, while the initial results are promising, we need to think strategically about public perception and the scientific community's acceptance. How are we preparing for potential pushback or skepticism from the medical field?"
"That's an excellent point, Bridget," Michael responded, acknowledging her concern. "We're currently drafting publications for peer-reviewed journals and planning presentations at major medical conferences. By engaging directly with the medical community and sharing our data transparently, we aim to build credibility and foster trust."
Antoinette, always focused on the practicalities, interjected, "What about the manufacturing scale-up? Assuming the trials continue to yield positive results, are we prepared to meet potential demand?"
Michael nodded, switching to a slide detailing the scale-up plan. "We've already started the groundwork for scaling up production. Thanks to your investments we acquired facilities that can facilitate the initial batches and have started negotiations with external manufacturers to ensure we can ramp up quickly once we receive the necessary regulatory approvals."
"What about the Medipod?" asked by another investor.
"The Medipod, well we have approved for human trials. That trial is going to be held later in the evening at The Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital. We already have our oncologists there who are trained to use the Medipod. The patient is a female in her mid-forties with Stage 4 breast cancer.
This is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, and typically, options become limited at this stage due to the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body."
Michael continued, "The Medipod is designed to deliver targeted therapy using advanced nanotechnology. This allows us to deliver treatment directly to the cancer cells, which should limit damage to surrounding healthy tissues and enhance the efficacy of the treatment."
The investor nodded, clearly intrigued. "And if this trial succeeds?"
"If this trial succeeds," Michael replied, "it will not only validate the Medipod as a viable treatment option for advanced cancer stages, but it could fundamentally change the way we treat cancer globally. Remember there are over 57 million people. A minority of them are like you, rich but have no chance of getting better with current treatments.
The Medipod could offer them hope and a better quality of life. Also, statistics said that in a year almost 10 million people are diagnosed with cancer worldwide. If we can make a significant impact even on a small percentage of these cases, the implications are monumental, both from a healthcare perspective and a financial one."
Michael's statement resonated with the investors. They understood the potential of a successful Medipod trial not just as a breakthrough in medical technology but also as a strategic investment. The possibility of revolutionizing cancer treatment was within reach, and the stakes were incredibly high.
"Plus, with the increasing incidence of cancer globally, the demand for innovative treatments like the Medipod is only going to grow," Michael added, emphasizing the urgency and importance of their work. "Our mission is to be at the forefront of this, leading the way with a treatment that could potentially save millions of lives in the coming years."
The investors exchanged looks of agreement and anticipation.
"Very well, Mr. Michael. We will wish ourselves good luck with the result of the test of the Medipod that will be conducted later in the evening," said the investor before leaving the virtual conference meeting.
***
Six o'clock in the evening, December 1st, 2026.
In the Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, a girl named Marian was being transported in a wheelchair to a room where the Medipod was installed. Marian appeared fragile, her pale complexion hinting at the strenuous battle she was enduring with stage 4 breast cancer.
In her forties, she had a subdued aura, with her thin frame wrapped in a hospital gown, her once vibrant eyes now looked weary.
As she entered the room, she saw a pod dominating the center. The machine looked more like something out of a science fiction movie than a medical device, with its array of sensors and robotic arms poised to deliver treatment.
"Good evening, Marian. I'm Dr. Villanueva, and I'll be overseeing your treatment today. I understand this can be a lot to take in, but I'm here to help you through every step."
Marian nodded slightly, her voice soft. "Thank you, Doctor. It's all a bit overwhelming."
"You don't know what that is right?" Villanueva asked as he glanced at the Medipod.
Marian nodded weakly.
"That's a machine that can potentially save your life. You have volunteered to partake in this trial for a new treatment called the Medipod. It uses cutting-edge technology to target cancer cells precisely, without harming the surrounding healthy tissues," Dr. Villanueva explained, pointing to the sophisticated device.
"It's designed to deliver concentrated therapy directly to the problematic areas, which should significantly reduce the side effects typically associated with traditional cancer treatments."
Marian looked at the device with a mix of fear and hope. "So, it targets only the cancer cells?"
"Yes, exactly," Dr. Villanueva confirmed. "The Medipod uses nanoparticles that are programmed to identify and attach to cancer cells specifically. Once attached, they release a treatment that kills the cancer cells directly. This targeted approach helps to preserve healthy cells and reduce overall toxicity."
"Are you feeling hopeful?" Villanueva asked.
"I want to live long and see my children grow," Marian responded.
Dr. Villanueva gave her an encouraging smile. "That's what we're aiming for," he said. "We'll do everything we can to help you."
As Marian settled into the Medipod, the room filled with the quiet hum of the machine powering up. Dr. Villanueva and his team made the final checks on the equipment and monitored the displays closely.
"Okay, Marian, we're going to start the treatment now," Dr. Villanueva announced. "You might feel a little cold from the cooling system inside the pod, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable."
Marian nodded, taking a deep breath as she braced herself. The Medipod's lid closed gently, encapsulating her in its high-tech embrace. Inside, the machine was surprisingly comfortable, designed to reduce any claustrophobic feelings a patient might experience.
Before Villanueva's team could start the treatment, Marian prayed to the almighty.