Ontario's leading advocate for the life sciences sector
Mediphage Bioceuticals (Mediphage), a preclinical-stage company developing safe and redosable non-viral gene therapies based on its proprietary ministring DNATM (msDNATM) technology recently announced that it signed an Evaluation and Option agreement with an undisclosed multinational pharmaceutical company, a leader in the gene therapy space.
Mediphage is an OBIO® member, CAAP® and H2BB™ company, BDSP™ recipient and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.
January 13, 2023 (Toronto, ON) – Increased demand for medical imaging due to its wider adoption in the prevention, detection and treatment of medical conditions has resulted in a “hurry-up and wait” experience for many patients in the healthcare system. With support from OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™), NextUp Care is working with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Sunnybrook) to improve medical imaging scheduling turnaround time by evaluating NextUp Care’s AI-enabled Intelligent Patient Scheduling Platform (‘Platform’).
Traditional scheduling begins with a physician referral and ends with a patient receiving imaging. However, this is often a manual, time-consuming and costly process that contributes to the turnaround time before patients get notified of their imaging appointment. NextUp Care’s Platform reinvents the process, using scheduling algorithms to automate the appointment booking process and optimize resource utilization. The Platform allows patients and/or caregivers to confirm, remind or cancel appointments via text messaging, which improves patient engagement.
“Imaging is a critical component of diagnosis and treatment,” said Henry Sinn, Director of Medical Imaging at Sunnybrook. “Reducing scheduling turnaround times through an improved and automated scheduling solution is a significant step towards ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time.”
Wayne Li, NextUp Care’s CEO noted that “by facilitating this collaboration with Sunnybrook, EAHN™ made it possible for us to evaluate our Platform in a world-class healthcare facility. This paves the way for its wider adoption across the healthcare system, and the realization of significant operational efficiencies and improved patient satisfaction.”
“EAHN™ supports the evaluation of technologies that provide value when measured against the Quadruple Aim of Healthcare – patient experience, population health, caregiver wellbeing and cost,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®. “This collaborative and cost-effective evaluation to improve access to medical imaging for thousands of patients through this Platform provides a wonderful example of what EAHN™ can deliver.”
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About NextUp Care
NextUp Care is automating healthcare – one appointment at a time. Our Intelligent Patient Scheduling Platform enables healthcare providers to automate and optimize scheduling for advanced medical imaging services. The Platform can algorithmically schedule patients without manual intervention and instantly notify patients via text message. NextUp Care is committed to improving access to care in our healthcare system.
About OBIO®
OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through their Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) to provide solutions. OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace. Visit OBIO® for more information.
About Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is inventing the future of health care for the 1.3 million patients the hospital cares for each year through the dedication of its more than 10,000 staff and volunteers. An internationally recognized leader in research and education and a full affiliation with the University of Toronto distinguishes Sunnybrook as one of Canada’s premier academic health sciences centres. Sunnybrook specializes in caring for high-risk pregnancies, critically ill newborns and adults, offering specialized rehabilitation, and treating and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological and psychiatric disorders, orthopaedic and arthritic conditions and traumatic injuries. The hospital also has a unique and national leading program for the care of Canada’s war veterans.
Contacts
For more information, please contact:
Bibaswan Ghoshal, Director, Market Acceleration at OBIO®
Wayne Li, CEO at NextUp Care
Henry Sinn, Director of Medical Imaging at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Lisa Di Prospero, Director, Practice-based Research and Innovation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
January 12, 2023 (Ottawa, ON) – Gray Oncology Solutions’ novel module for radiation therapy, GrayOS, is the first of its kind to be deployed in Ontario. The Ottawa Hospital (TOH), University Health Network (UHN), and Gray Oncology Solutions Inc. (Gray), with support from OBIO® through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™), are evaluating GrayOS’ ability to build radiation therapy schedules that better manage patient wait times while using hospital resources most effectively.
GrayOS is an operating system for oncology that draws on operations research and artificial intelligence to automate and optimize patient scheduling within and across departments. GrayOS for radiation therapy has the potential to unlock additional hospital capacity that will help cancer centres treat more patients, with the same resources and quality of care.
“We hope that by implementing GrayOS, we will see an improvement in clinical workflow, a reduction in the amount of manual coordination required in scheduling, and evidence of cost savings,” said Dr. Richard Tsang, Interim Chair of Radiation Oncology at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
“As treatments and processes in the radiation therapy workflow become increasingly complex, we are looking forward to seeing GrayOS make care delivery simpler and more efficient for both patients and staff,” said Dr. Srinivas Raman, the physician co-leading the evaluation of GrayOS at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. “The collaboration between ourselves, Gray, and OBIO® will provide an important opportunity to evaluate a novel technology with the aim of refining systems and automating processes, which is a strategic goal of our Radiation Medicine Program.”
“Innovative healthcare partnerships like this will help streamline care in the Ottawa region by optimizing how radiation therapy patients are scheduled and treated,” said Melissa Diffey, Manager of the Radiation Medicine Program at The Ottawa Hospital. “We are grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with Gray to continue delivering high-quality radiation treatment while contributing to the overall patient experience.”
“TOH and OBIO® have a history of collaboration in delivering high-quality and innovative solutions to address healthcare challenges,” said Dr. Alan Forster, Chief Innovation and Quality Officer at The Ottawa Hospital. “As one of our four projects with OBIO®, the partnership with Gray is an opportunity to use innovation to help elevate and streamline how we deliver care to our patients.”
“We appreciate the enthusiasm of our hospital partners and the opportunity made possible by EAHN™ to help bring our solution to Ontario,” said André Diamant, CEO of Gray. “A successful evaluation will provide an opportunity to engage with other hospitals to help reimagine treatment scheduling for cancer patients.”
OBIO’s President and CEO, Dr. Maura Campbell, noted that EAHN™ provides a valuable opportunity for Canadian early-stage companies to partner with healthcare organizations to test their products. “We are pleased that TOH and UHN can evaluate GrayOS with support from EAHN™ to resolve critical scheduling issues in oncology in the interest of enhancing patient care,” Dr. Campbell said.
Results from the EAHN™ evaluation are expected in the first half of 2023. Deploying GrayOS has saved the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, where GrayOS was co-developed, $250K annually and reduced administrative burdens by 80%, all while improving staff satisfaction.
For more information:
Alison Jennings, Manager (acting) Digital Innovation, The Ottawa Hospital
Mark Taylor, Director, Commercialization, University Health Network
André Diamant, CEO, Gray Oncology Solutions Inc.
Bibaswan Ghoshal, Director, Market Acceleration, OBIO®
About The Ottawa Hospital
The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s top learning and research hospitals, where excellent care is inspired by research and driven by compassion. As the third-largest employer in Ottawa, our support staff, researchers, nurses, physicians, and volunteers never stop seeking solutions to the most complex healthcare challenges. Their multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, attracts some of the most influential scientific minds from around the world. Backed by generous support from the community, they are committed to providing the world-class, compassionate care they would want for their loved ones. Visit The Ottawa Hospital for more information.
About University Health Network
University Health Network consists of Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and The Michener Institute of Education at UHN. The scope of research and complexity of cases at University Health Network has made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. It has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in cardiology, transplantation, neurosciences, oncology, surgical innovation, arthritis, vision, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. University Health Network is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. For more information: www.uhn.ca
About Gray Oncology Solutions Inc.
Gray Oncology Solutions (Montréal-based start-up) has a vision of a healthcare ecosystem with no resources wasted. In pursuit of this vision, they have developed an “operating system” which simplifies cancer treatment by streamlining workflows across multiple points of cancer care (GrayOS). Operationally, this translates to the optimization & automation of patient scheduling while explicitly incorporating the complex multi-disciplinary workflow resulting in increased access to care, reduced patient wait times, increased patient/staff satisfaction and ultimately superior patient care. Visit Gray for more information.
About OBIO®
OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through their Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) to provide solutions. OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace. Visit OBIO® for more information.
January 11, 2023 (Toronto, ON) – Following a competitive application process, the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO®) is pleased to announce the eight successful awardees of the inaugural Women in Health Initiative’s (WiHI) Business Leadership Program (“Program”).
“OBIO’s Women in Health Initiative is designed to increase the participation and advancement of women in the health and life sciences sector,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, President & CEO of OBIO®. “This is especially critical at the leadership level where women can serve as role models, attract a more diverse workforce and change workplace policies to ensure greater inclusivity. This program supports the realization of these goals.”
More than 50 promising candidates from a range of early-stage Ontario life science companies developing therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics or digital health technologies were considered.
Each candidate was assessed based on their educational and professional background, their impact on their company, their contributions to the ecosystem and the skills and background they collectively bring to the Program. “It was a very difficult decision to select only eight recipients from this incredibly talented pool of individuals. We are looking at alternative ways to support all those who applied,” added Dr. Campbell.
The successful applicants (each of whom receive a $50K wage subsidy) will participate in OBIO®’s networking events and contribute as mentor leaders to a community for women’s professional development, further supporting workforce development in a sector where women are underrepresented.
The initiative is funded with support from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). “Increasing the involvement of women in the health and life sciences sector will diversify perspectives and ideas to increase innovation. With these eight award recipients, OBIO’s WiHI Business Leadership Program is demonstrating how investing in women’s potential can lead to a strong and diverse community. This in turn will contribute to a growing economy that works for everyone,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “The Government of Canada congratulates the eight successful applicants, and we look forward to the amazing work you will develop and foster for years to come.”>
“The OBIO® Board and staff offer heartfelt congratulations to these eight talented women and commend all of those who applied to the Program,” said Dr. Campbell. To learn more about the awardees of the inaugural WiHI Business Leadership Program, click here.
On Thursday, January 26 at the MaRS Discovery Centre in Toronto, OBIO® is hosting a networking session that includes a panel discussion featuring the Program awardees. For more information or to register, click here.
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About OBIO®
Founded in 2009, OBIO® is a not-for-profit membership-based innovation organization engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies that position Canada as a leader in the international marketplace. OBIO® advances this goal through collaborative partnerships with industry, the investment community, academia, the health care system and government. For more information, please visit www.obio.ca and follow OBIO® on LinkedIn and Twitter.
About FedDev Ontario
For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the
Federal Economic Development Agency
for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca
For more information:
Doriane Rey
Manager, Marketing & Events
Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
dorianerey@obio.ca
Awake Labs and Hyivy Health have featured among ventureLAB's top five companies to watch in 2023. ventureLAB is a leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada.
Awake Labs is a Toronto-based platform that provides real-time and objective measures of stress to help increase quality of life.
Awake Labs is an EAHN™ company.
Hyivy Health is creating the first intelligent and holistic pelvic rehab healthy technology devices for women with pelvic-based cancers and diseases.
Hyivy Health is an EAHN™ and CAAP® company.
Novateur Ventures, a leading global life sciences advisory firm and Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), the world's largest advocacy association for biosciences, research and academic institutions, recently launched an industry networking information app, Event Guide to JPM 2023, which provides listings for an anticipated >200 satellite networking events taking place during the 41st Annual J.P. Morgan Health Care Conference on January 9-12, 2023, in San Francisco, CA.
The Event Guide to JPM 2023 app, developed by Novateur Ventures and co-managed by BIO, features event search and filter capabilities, provides links to event and registration information, and in the case of in-person events, loads mapping software for directions to the event. Organizations can also use the app to list their scheduled events being held during the conference timeframe.
KA Imaging’s dual-energy technology (branded as SpectralDR™) has been shown to improve reading efficiency in non-radiological environments. The study “Added diagnostic value of portable dual-energy chest X-ray in a non-radiological reviewing environment” was presented as an education exhibit at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2022 meeting.
Presented by radiologist Dr. Patrik Rogalla and Dr. Karim S. Karim, CTO of KA Imaging, the research surveyed 9 international reviewers on 28 portable X-rays. The readers had a variety of experience levels – students, residents, attending physicians and a fellow. No history was provided.
KA Imaging is an OBIO® member and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.
Myant Inc., a world leader in Textile Computing™ technology incorporating health sensors and actuators directly into everyday clothing, launched direct to patient solution through new Healthcare Division, MyantHealth. The launch of MyantHealth begins the journey of applying this groundbreaking technology to overcome the challenges impeding the access to high quality and timely care for all.
The MyantHealth digital platform and Skiin™ wearable technology is a breakthrough solution for;
Accessibility to quality healthcare anytime, anywhere
Continuous, remote monitoring in any environment
Supporting distribution of care across the family with dignity and insights
Meeting the unique needs and challenges in women's health issues
Empowering and informing patients & consumers to manage their own health
Leading the pathway towards a personalized and preventative model of health
Myant Inc. is an OBIO® member.
December 2, 2022 (Ottawa, ON) – Health care organizations nationally and internationally face an enormous challenge to deliver increased levels of service more efficiently and cost effectively. Global supply chain constraints and lengthy, complex procurement processes contribute to this challenge while providing an opportunity to evaluate potential solutions. With support from OBIO® through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™), CHEO, a pediatric healthcare and research centre in Ottawa, is working with PolyUnity Tech Inc. to evaluate PolyUnity’s 3D printing / Additive Manufacturing as a Service (AMaaS) solution.
PolyUnity’s AMaaS solution will be evaluated for its ability to enable healthcare providers and their networks to design, access and produce what they need to address procurement and supply chain requirements on demand. Offering scalability across different regions and centres, including rural and remote areas, the results are a reduction in the time, cost and complexity of the traditional health care procurement processes, enhanced supply chain resiliency, and a reduced carbon footprint.
In using PolyUnity’s AMaaS solution, CHEO is exploring the use of additive manufacturing / 3D printing at its facility.
“Through the EAHN™, we have the opportunity to quickly evaluate and implement 3D printing solutions at the scale we need,” said Mark Absil, Manager of CHEO’s Clinical Engineering Department and clinical lead for the project. “We anticipate this process will enable us to save time and costs, which is important in today’s health care sector.”
Recently, three protector products created by PolyUnity were produced on-site to prevent damage to CHEO stretchers, bring them back into service, and further extend their useful lifespan.
“PolyUnity is driven by its purpose to Improve Healthcare Experiences. Our i3D.Health solution represents an exponential advancement in health-tech innovation, which includes digital product design, digital inventory and Additive Manufacturing (e.g. 3D Printing), ” said Mark Gillingham, President, PolyUnity Tech Inc. “These innovations are poised to achieve significant positive results across a healthcare organization’s financial, operational, and environmental operations, as well as realizing improved patient outcomes. We are pleased and excited to have been selected to work with CHEO and OBIO’s EAHN™ on this world class opportunity.”
“OBIO® is delighted to support this EAHN-funded evaluation between CHEO and PolyUnity, which will help healthcare organizations rethink how they tackle supply-chain and procurement issues,“ said Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®. “We are especially pleased to welcome PolyUnity as the first company from Atlantic Canada to go through the EAHNTM program, which represents an important step in helping bring pan-Canadian innovations to the healthcare industry.”
About OBIO®
OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through their Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) to provide solutions. OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace.
For more information, please visit OBIO.ca or contact Bibaswan Ghoshal, Director, Market Acceleration, OBIO®.
About CHEO
Dedicated to the best life for every child and youth, CHEO is a global leader in pediatric health care and research. Based in Ottawa, CHEO includes a hospital, children’s treatment centre, school and research institute, with satellite services located throughout Eastern Ontario. CHEO provides excellence in complex pediatric care, research and education. We are committed to partnering with families and the community to provide exceptional care — where, when and how it’s needed. CHEO is a partner of the Kids Come First Health Team, a network of partners working to create a high quality, standardized and coordinated system for pediatric health care that is centred around children, youth and their families. Every year, CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.
For more information, please contact Jennifer Ruff, Manager of Communications, CHEO Research Institute.
About PolyUnity Tech Inc.
PolyUnity is a Canadian healthcare technology company with a driving purpose to “Improve Healthcare Experiences”. Their mission is to partner with healthcare organizations and use agile manufacturing to provide efficient, less expensive solutions that reduce frustrations. PolyUnity’s i3D healthcare solutions significantly reduces the cost and complexity traditional healthcare procurement, builds supply chain resiliency and reduces its carbon footprint. It enables healthcare providers and their networks to design, access and produce what they need on-demand. Visit PolyUnity for more information and connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.
For more information, please contact Mark Gillingham, President, PolyUnity Tech Inc.
TORONTO, December 1, 2022 – OBIO®, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new chair of its board of directors, Frank Florio, as well as the addition of three new members, Dr. Wendy Naimark, Naheed Kurji and Anne Woods.
Mr. Florio, an accomplished healthcare and life sciences industry executive, is passionate about cultivating and commercializing healthcare innovations. In his role as SVP, Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Commercialization, he leads the efforts of Canadian SME Myant Inc. in commercializing their Digital Health Platform and innovative Wearable Technology solutions based upon Textile Computing™ in the cardiovascular health market. Prior to this, he held several executive roles at BD over 16 years, and advised and mentored start-ups in the healthcare industry. Mr. Florio holds an MBA from Queen's University Smith School of Business, an undergraduate degree from Wilfred Laurier University and an ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Dr. Naimark is co-founder and CTO of Ripple Therapeutics, a spin-out of Interface Biologics, that is based on a discovery that fundamentally changes the way drugs can be sustainably delivered. Prior to her return to Canada, Dr. Naimark led the clinical development of a novel drug eluting scaffold at 480 Biomedical (founders included Dr. Robert Langer from MIT). She began her industry career in drug delivery at Boston Scientific in the group which developed the TAXUS® Drug Eluting Stent. Dr. Naimark earned her PhD in Biomaterials from the University of Toronto and began developing her career in local drug delivery at Caltech during her post-doctoral fellowship. Dr. Naimark is an inventor of over 30 patents in the local drug delivery field.
Mr. Kurji is the co-founder, president and CEO of Cyclica, a neo-biotech that is unlocking the protein universe to discover the medicines of tomorrow. Mr. Kurji is also co-founder and director of EntheogeniX Biosciences, a psychedelic-inspired biotech company for mental health, he chairs the board of the Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (AAIH) and serves as a member of the Life Sciences Advisory Group for Global Affairs Canada. Mr. Kurji holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Business, an undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa, and a certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT.
Ms. Woods is the managing director of healthcare and life science at Silicon Valley Bank Canada where she brings a combined 25 years of experience in both capital markets and life sciences. Her role allows her to contribute to the growth of the ecosystem in Canada by providing unique access and insights into markets, companies, and investors. Ms. Woods holds a BSc from McGill University, a MA from the University of Guelph and is a CFA Charterholder.
Mr. Florio, Dr. Naimark, Mr. Kurji and Ms. Woods will serve alongside a board of directors with experience and expertise in areas critical to OBIO’s mission to advance the commercialization of early-stage Canadian health science companies by strengthening the ecosystem through advocacy and programming.
“The appointment of Mr. Florio, Dr. Naimark, Mr. Kurji and Ms. Woods is exciting news for OBIO®. All four appointees bring a wealth of experience and insight that will help OBIO® deliver on our mission. We look forward to the guidance each of them brings to OBIO® as we enable Canadian health science companies to raise capital, develop their workforce and facilitate adoption of innovation in the healthcare system,” says Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO of OBIO®.
OBIO® members will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Florio, Dr. Campbell and the rest of the Board at the upcoming OBIO® Annual General Meeting on December 8, 2022. This will be followed by a public meeting and reception open to all OBIO® members, their colleagues and extended network. To register, click here.
Cyclica Inc., a neo-biotech that is unlocking the protein universe to discover the medicines of tomorrow, is developing new, non-hormonal contraceptives for low-data biological protein targets with support from a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The CAD$2.4M grant enables Cyclica to apply its validated, AI-enabled drug discovery platform towards the discovery of expanded contraceptive options that can give women and girls the ability to better plan their families and their futures.
Cyclica is an OBIO® member and presented at the OBIO Investment Summit.
Bruker Corporation recently announced the signing of the definitive agreement to purchase 100 percent of the shares of Neurescence Inc., an innovative provider of ultralight fiber-bundle Multiscopes™ for simultaneous multi-region, optical functional neuroimaging. Neurescence’s flagship product Chromatone™ moves illumination and detection hardware off the animal head. This enables simultaneous imaging and stimulation of three sub-types of neurons in up to four regions for flexible investigation of the central nervous system with single-neuron resolution in naturalistic behavior. This platform creates strong synergies with Bruker’s existing Ultima multiphoton solutions and newly acquired Inscopix head-mounted miniscopes.
Neurescence is a former participant in OBIO® Health to Business Bridge™ program (H2BB™) and OBIO® Business Development Skills Program (BDSP™)
Canadian manufacturer KA Imaging is introducing its first mobile X-ray system at the upcoming RSNA meeting. The Reveal™ Mobi Lite is an integrated solution powered by patented SpectralDR™ technology, which makes it the world’s first mobile system with dual-energy capabilities.
Powered by the company’s patented SpectralDR™ technology, the Reveal Mobi Lite operates with the Reveal 35C detector, which is also sold as a retrofit solution. KA Imaging’s SpectralDR™ technology enables dual-energy subtraction, providing bone and tissue differentiation with a single standard X-ray exposure. It acquires three images simultaneously (DR, bone and soft tissue dual-energy X-ray images). The technology reduces patient dose due to the industry leading DQE of the Reveal 35C detector, and uses identical clinical techniques associated with state-of-the-art mobile DR X-ray, without disrupting existing workflows.
KA Imaging is an OBIO® member and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.
As part of furthering innovation and research at Grand River Hospital (GRH), GRH will team up with local start-up TAMVOES with help from OBIO® to implement a tool that has been designed to help patients manage, track and share their health information, appointments and care plans.
The TAMVOES health management platform is designed to empower patients during their healthcare journey and it will be piloted at GRH to see whether it helps to enhance communication across the healthcare continuum. The platform’s goal is to help patients share their healthcare journey without repeating their story to different individuals.
OBIO® is working to advance health technology innovation and commercialization by providing funding for these studies through its Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) designed to help healthcare organizations access innovations that can impact the patient’s journey.
“This EAHN™ project with Grand River Hospital will test the TAMVOES platform through a study in one of its cancer clinics to measure the benefits of the tool for cancer patients and their caregivers,” said Dr. Maura Campbell, President and CEO, OBIO®. “We are excited to support innovative work that has the potential to lead to an improved patient journey and are pleased to support both TAMVOES and Grand River Hospital.”
“While taking care of two family members battling cancer, I realized there were inefficiencies in the healthcare system as information is stored in silos and, there is strong discontinuity of care. We are very grateful for the EAHN’s support and the opportunity to work with Grand River Hospital to implement this technology in the clinical setting and make strides to enhance the patient experience.” – Jessica Lunshof, TAMVOES President and Co-Founder. Demonstrating the usefulness of the TAMVOES health management platform in managing patient health information and increasing the ease of communication between the patient and their healthcare team may lead to improved patient satisfaction.
“Connecting with the tech community is critical to Grand River Hospital becoming a world-class health system. This opportunity with TAMVOES is in line in both spirit and success – and aligns so well personally to Jessica’s family’s care journey” – said Paul McIntyre-Royston, CEO of Grand River Hospital Foundation.
About OBIO®
OBIO®, a not-for-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to advancing health technology innovation and commercialization, is prioritizing the evaluation of new technologies through their Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™) to provide solutions. OBIO® is engaged in strategy, programming, policy development and advocacy to further the commercialization of human health technologies, positioning Canada as a leader in the international marketplace.
About TAMVOES
TAMVOES Health Inc., is a Canadian female-led health technology start-up based out of Waterloo, Ontario, that empowers users to manage their health information all in one easy-to-use platform. The TAMVOES Health management platform securely stores and shares important health documents, keeps loved ones informed and tracks important vitals.
About Grand River Hospital
Grand River Hospital is one of Ontario’s largest community hospitals with an outstanding team of 5,000 dedicated health care workers and volunteers. We provide services and support to more than 840,000 residents at our two campuses and satellite locations in Waterloo Region and Guelph Wellington. We take pride in the ways we collaborate with our health system partners, our region’s academic and innovation communities, and diverse community stakeholders as we work toward providing a world class experience for patients, families and team members.
Our programs include cancer and renal (kidney) services; care for the most seriously ill and injured adults; services for mothers, newborns and children; emergency care; mental health and addictions; and care for older adults including rehabilitation. Learn more about our programs here.
Contacts:
For more information about OBIO’s Early Adopter Health Network (EAHN™), or if you are interested in joining the Network, please contact:
Bibaswan Ghoshal
Director, Market Acceleration
bibaswanghoshal@obio.ca
For more information about TAMVOES Health Inc, please contact:
Jessica Lunshoff
Co-Founder and President,
jess@tamvoes.com
For more information about Grand River Hospital, please contact:
Carla Girolametto
Director of Innovation, Research
carla.girolametto@grhosp.on.ca
iGan Partners is hosting their leading MedTech showcase Pitch to Heal contest this week. The Firm announced in August that they were seeking early-stage medical device and digital health companies from across Canada to apply for a chance to win up to $600k seed investment alongside partners Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation.
iGan narrowed the over 100 applications received down to three companies. They will pitch to a panel of high-profile judges on Nov 10th including Canadian medical doctor and journalist Dr. Marla Shapiro and Kim Furlong, CEO of the CVCA. The three companies that have been selected are Medly Therapeutics, Rehabtronics, and FirstHX.
KA Imaging’s innovative Reveal™ 35C flat panel detector has received EU MDR CE Mark Certificate from the EU Notified Body. The X-ray detector, powered by patented SpectralDR™ technology, is now qualified for sale in any of the 27 countries of the European Union, plus the four countries that are part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
“It’s a very exciting moment for us at KA Imaging,” said Amol Karnick, President and CEO of KA Imaging. “We are engaged in conversations with many clinical sites in Europe, and the CE Mark will allow us to make installations and start patient imaging,” said Karnick.
KA Imaging is an OBIO® member and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.
Cognitive health assessments are something that a lot of people have experienced, whether a professional athlete or weekend warrior who has suffered a potential brain surgery, or an oler person showing signs of memory loss. These brief brain health assessments typically involve a medical professional verbally surveying a patient, asking them to draw a shape or a clock, observing their behaviour, and reaching a determination. As VoxNeuro co-founder and chief science officer John Connolly notes, it’s a “fundamentally subjective” test regularly dramatized in television programs and films.
Backed by over 30 years of peer-reviewed research, VoxNeuro hopes to provide an objective answer to that assessment using software and electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes.
Armed with $4 million CAD in fresh funding, the addition of an experienced healthtech exec in Jason Flowerday at the helm, and new clinical studies in the works with Boston University and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), VoxNeuro has set its sights on commercializing its software and expanding it for use in more targeted applications for concussions and Alzheimer’s disease.
Read the entire article in BetaKit.
VoxNeuro is an OBIO® member.
The Ontario government has launched a $15 million Life Sciences Innovation Fund to help life sciences entrepreneurs and innovators bring their ideas and prototypes from the lab to the marketplace. This new, early-stage fund is an important tool in the province’s Life Sciences Strategy, Taking Life Sciences to the Next Level, that will increase Ontario’s competitiveness and help companies advance made-in-Ontario solutions.
“Part of our government’s plan to build Ontario is ensuring that companies, innovators and entrepreneurs have the support they need to advance next-generation health technologies,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The new Life Sciences Innovation Fund will foster more innovation and ensure Ontario continues to lead the pack in the life sciences sector now and for generations to come.”
Delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation, the Life Sciences Innovation Fund will build on the province’s thriving research ecosystem. Eligible companies will receive up to $500,000 to scale their made-in-Ontario health solutions both at home and in global markets. This will further grow the sector and strengthen its competitiveness in key areas such as cancer treatment, regenerative medicine, neuroscience, and medical technologies.
KA Imaging, a company that specializes in developing innovative X-ray imaging technologies and systems, providing solutions to the medical, veterinary, and non-destructive test industrial markets, recently announced new funding for its activities. The new investments focus on their patented technology, Reveal™ 35C detector.
In-Q-Tel, Inc. and INOVAIT are now part of the strong list of partners working with KA Imaging.
KA Imaging is an OBIO® member and presented at the OBIO® Investment Summit.
Toronto Innovation Acceleration Partners (TIAP) and Evotec SE recently announced that the two companies have expanded LAB150, their translational BRIDGE partnership, to include Amgen as a strategic partner. The expansion goes along with a combined investment of US$14M to expedite LAB150 programs towards the formation of new companies.
LAB150 was created by TIAP and Evotec in 2017 to accelerate Toronto’s academic research into market-ready products. The expanded agreement builds upon existing partnerships between TIAP, Evotec, and Amgen to support the development of disruptive therapeutics by TIAP’s member base and draws upon Evotec’s industrialized drug discovery platforms.
Amgen will provide financial support for chosen LAB150 projects along with significant mentorship from their drug discovery and development teams. In addition, Amgen Ventures will evaluate LAB150-derived companies for venture investment. These combined efforts will amplify the efficiency and translational potential of academic research to develop Canadian intellectual property, novel therapies, and accelerate commercialization by Canada’s next generation of life science companies.
