Drugstore 2003: A preview of what’s to come

A wheelchair that climbs stairs and a little pill camera that takes pictures inside the intestine. Even the most astute prognosticator probably would not have predicted what had occurred in 2002. Perhaps 2003 will bring even bigger surprises inhealthcare, write JANE E. ALLEN and LINDA MARSA 

THERE are a few sure bets for the year ahead: the biggest crop of new drugs in years, a revolutionary new treatment for coronary artery disease and spiralling medical costs that will pinch consumers’ pocketbooks.