Feb 29, 2020 | News
HALIFAX—Dr. Brendan Carr, the president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, admits the province’s health care system faces some challenging problems.
Emergency room closures, doctor recruitment, high cancer rates, and a host of other issues are all taxing health care in the province—and Carr believes old solutions won’t fix it.
“We’ve reached a point where simply improving on the way we do things is simply not efficient,” he said Friday, speaking to about 150 health-and-technology-industry players at Volta in Halifax. “We actually need to generate new solutions to these old problems, and we can only do that by bringing new thinking together.”
According to Carr, collaboration and innovation are the keys to fixing health care in the province. And it’s for that exact reason that the NSHA has partnered with several organizations in the province for the “Health Challenge.”
The Health Challenge is a series of events that invite startups to pitch their medical technologies to a panel of judges.
Participants will get 15 minutes to convince the panel their technology can help drive innovation in Nova Scotia health care. There will be five events, each focused on a different provincial health care priority.
Winners of each of the events will receive $100,000 and the opportunity to have their technology adopted for use by the NSHA.
It’s that second part that makes the competition especially valuable for technology startups in the region.
Scott Moffitt is the executive director of BioNova, one of the partners in the Health Challenge. He explained that getting their product into the market is a key step for medical technology companies, but is often one of the toughest hurdles to clear.
“When a [Nova Scotia] company goes to Arkansas and they say ‘is your product being used by the Nova Scotia Health Authority’ and the answer is no, that’s a red flag,” he said.
Moffitt said there are tons of companies in Nova Scotia doing all kinds of innovative things. A real-world endorsement from the NSHA can help put them on the map.
“How do we continue to support and accelerate these companies while adding value to the health care system? That is what today’s is all about. Collaboration is the key. From an ecosystem level it takes a village to support these companies,” he said.
The first of the Health Challenge’s five-pitch competitions will take place on April 8, and will focus on technologies that support cancer care.
For more information on the challenge, or to learn how to apply to pitch, visit the challenge’s website.
Feb 28, 2020 | BF2030, News
For Immediate Release:
Atlantic Canadian Medtech Companies Invited to Pitch for $100K at Five-Part Health Challenge Events
HALIFAX, NS (February 28, 2020) – To further drive innovation in the health ecosystem, the Nova Scotia Health Authority, BioNova, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, QEII Foundation, and Volta, have formed a strategic partnership to present the Health Challenge , a series of five pitch events focusing on specific health care priorities for Nova Scotians.
Each pitch event will focus on a different health care priority, as identified by the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Medtech companies interested in applying must be based in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador. The winner at each pitch competition will receive $100,000, and their innovative medical technology will be considered for adoption for use by the Nova Scotia Health Authority.
This exciting collaboration between NSHA, BioNova, QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation, ACOA, and Volta will leverage the organizations’ shared interest in enhancing the health care system.
The first Health Challenge pitch event will focus on medical technologies supporting cancer care, and will take place on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 in downtown Halifax, in Volta’s main event space; members of the public will be welcome to attend. To participate, medtech companies must first apply by email, then be invited to pitch at the Health Challenge Pitch Events. Future pitch topics and application instructions can be found at voltaeffect.com/health-challenge.
Quotes:
“The Health Challenge is meant to stimulate collaboration and engagement with our medtech partners. It will also encourage those of us in the health system to problem solve in a different way and seek innovative health solutions created by Atlantic Canadians – for Atlantic Canadians.
– Dr. Gail Tomblin Murphy, Vice President, Research, Innovation & Discovery and CNE, Nova Scotia Health Authority
“As the leadership organization for the health and life sciences sector in Nova Scotia we strive to build a collaborative ecosystem to realize our full potential. This partnership reflects that and the local adoption of health innovation is a win for our sector, it gives our companies a first customer while keeping patient outcomes and healthcare realities a priority.”
– Scott Moffitt, Executive Director, BioNova
“There are many examples of healthcare innovation taking place within the walls of the QEII Health Sciences Centre – achievements being recognized on the global stage that are helping this community prosper. QEII Foundation donors are at the forefront of bringing some of these major innovations forward, which are not only impacting patient care each and every day but helping solve some of the biggest healthcare challenges like wait times, recruitment and retention, and access to care.”
– Bill Bean, President and CEO, QEII Foundation
“Nova Scotia is home to some of the most exciting medtech companies in Canada, who continue to drive innovation on a global scale. We are excited and proud to partner with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, QEII Foundation, BioNova, and ACOA to provide a platform for these innovators and leaders to elevate health care locally.”
– Jesse Rodgers, CEO, Volta
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About Nova Scotia Health Authority
Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) provides health services to Nova Scotians and a wide array of specialized services to Maritimers and Atlantic Canadians. NSHA operates hospitals, health centres and community-based programs across the province. Our team of health professionals includes employees, doctors, researchers, learners and volunteers. We work in partnership with community groups, schools, governments, foundations and auxiliaries and community health boards.
About BioNova
BioNova leads the development of Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia. Our primary mandate is the strategic leadership of the sector to develop economic prosperity.
About QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation
The QEII Foundation inspires generosity to advance health care at the QEII. With financial support from all levels of the community, the QEII Foundation helps fund new technologies, medical research, innovation and professional education that contribute to life-changing moments experienced every day by patients and their loved ones. By working together with people who share a vision of better health, the Foundation strengthens care delivered at the QEII, improving the health and lives of Atlantic Canadians.
About the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, ACOA is building a stronger economy. For more information, please visit www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca .
About Volta
Volta (formerly Volta Labs) is one of Canada’s largest innovation hubs, located in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. Volta is creating a space where members of the Atlantic Canadian innovation ecosystem can work, connect and learn from one another by accessing co-working space, participating in programs and attending events. Volta has been home to more than 50 startups through their Residency program, which have created more than 300 jobs and raised a combined total of $60-million in equity financing.
For more information, contact:
Patti Green, Communications Coordinator, Nova Scotia Health Authority
[email protected], 902-266-6853
Shana Cristoferi, Marketing Manager, BioNova
[email protected] , 902-421-5705
Tanya MacLean, VP Communications and Marketing, QEII Foundation
[email protected] , 902-489-5664
Laurie Snell, Marketing Manager, Volta
[email protected], 902-220-2544
Jul 11, 2019 | News, Panag Pharma Inc.
Halifax biotech company developing safe, cutting-edge products to ease chronic pain, inflammation
July 11, 2019 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Innovative new treatments for pain management improve the daily lives of Canadians. Panag Pharma Inc. is developing a line of plant-based remedies to fight chronic pain and inflammation, helping people enjoy a better quality of life, and growing Atlantic Canada’s life sciences sector.
The Halifax biotechnology company is creating a family of both over-the-counter and prescription cannabinoid-based products that provide safe, effective, non-addictive pain management. The treatments act directly on the pain receptors in the body and are used for wound healing, treating irritated skin and relieving cold sores, among other applications. Unique in the world, these natural medications enable the company to create highly skilled jobs and position it well for future growth.
Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced support for Panag Pharma Inc. as it develops and commercializes its innovative products.
The Government of Canada is making smart investments that will create good, highly skilled jobs in our country. It is helping small and medium-sized businesses to start-up, expand or modernize and supporting not-for-profit industry organizations to fuel business growth. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is working to achieve its Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
Quotes
“Innovation that focuses on the commercialization of research to improve the quality of people’s lives can have far-reaching global impacts. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to projects such as this one that showcase the best of what Atlantic Canada offers, providing quality bio-innovations that attract investment and talent and advance regional economic prosperity.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for ACOA
“When a local organization develops groundbreaking solutions to treat problems like chronic pain, it not only improves the daily lives of Canadians, but also bolsters development of the life science sector in the region. The Government of Canada is proud to support local businesses like Panag Pharma that spur economic growth, create highly skilled jobs and make the world a better, and less painful, place.”
– Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“We are extremely pleased to have the support of the ACOA. This contribution clearly underlines the confidence the Agency has in our strategic direction to further grow our business and to our commitment to the Province of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. Our management and employees are grateful for the opportunities this financing presents.”
– Chris MacLean, Chief Operating Officer, Panag Pharma Inc
“Today’s announcement reminds me of the expression that it takes a village. With the ingenuity and innovation of our life sciences group Panag, the marketing expertise of Tetra Natural Health, the licensing skills of Tetra Bio-Pharma, assistance with facilities from Dalhousie University and the generosity and confidence of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, we are able to showcase what collaboration can accomplish and it is something we should all be justifiably proud of.”
– Dr. Bill Cheliak, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.
Quick Facts
Panag Pharma is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ontario’s Tetra Bio-Pharma. The Panag Pharma team of PhD scientists and medical doctors are leading researchers and clinicians in the area of pain treatment and management. They bring a combined experience of more than 100 years in research and clinical care of people dealing with chronic pain and inflammatory conditions.
Panag Pharma Inc. plans to produce AWAYE™, a topical over-the-counter medication for the temporary relief of aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with one or more of strains/sprains involving muscles, tendons, and/or ligaments, arthritis, simple backache and/or lumbago. The product, which is manufactured in New Brunswick, is already Health Canada approved and has a Natural Product Number. It is currently undergoing clinical trials and will be available through online distribution, over the counter in pharmacies, and by prescription. Other treatments for cold sores, hemorrhoids, interstitial cystitis and corneal ulcers are in development.
The Government of Canada is providing a repayable contribution of $500,000 to Panag Pharma Inc. through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
The BDP primarily assists Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who want to start a business, increase productivity or improve operations. Investments under the BDP address any gap that may arise if an application does not fit within ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
The Business Development Program continues to build on the objectives of Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
[email protected]
Chris MacLean
Chief Operating Officer
Panag Pharma Inc.
902-499-6959 (cell)
[email protected]
energi PR
Marissa Zanti
Vice-President, Healthcare
437-215-6888 (cell)
[email protected]
Jun 26, 2019 | News, Outcast Foods Inc.
See full Entrevestor article here
The federal government has lent Dartmouth-based Beyond Food Inc. $925,000 to develop a manufacturing plant and market its nutritional supplement made out of grocery store produce nearing its sell-by date.
The two-year-old company’s mission is to reduce food wastage, which now amounts to $49.5 billion a year in Canada alone, by finding supermarket produce that is about to be tossed out and using it to make a food supplement. It sells nutrition products under the brand TDF Sports, and the supplements are available nationwide.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency issued a statement Tuesday saying Beyond Food is establishing a new manufacturing facility in Dartmouth to scale up its plant-based nutritional supplement production capacity. This will allow the company to rent its Nutrient Upcycle pods, which are repurposed shipping containers fitted with clean processing technology, to local grocers.
The pods will enable grocers to dehydrate and transform thousands of dollars worth of late-stage fruits and vegetables into nutrient-dense powders. The powders will then be used as ingredients in value-added supplements manufactured and packaged at Beyond Food’s new facility in Dartmouth.
May 21, 2019 | News, Solid State Pharma Inc. (SSPI)
Solid State Pharma Inc. to add new equipment, create intellectual property for pharmaceutical, natural health companies.
May 21, 2019 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Cutting-edge ideas in life sciences help Atlantic Canadian businesses take advantage of emerging opportunities in the pharmaceutical and natural health products sectors, successfully compete in world markets and grow the local economy. Committed to improving drug effectiveness, Solid State Pharma Inc. is helping companies around the world provide faster and more effective drug treatments to patients.
In just five years, the pharmaceutical research company has outgrown its current space and is moving to a new downtown Halifax location, more than tripling its footprint. Solid State Pharma is purchasing state-of-the-art equipment to outfit the laboratory where it will conduct innovative research to produce new intellectual property. Pharmaceutical and natural health care companies will use this research to patent new drugs, extend the patent life of existing drugs, and lower required dosages. Solid State Pharma will decrease costs for its clients, develop new intellectual property to improve the company’s sustainability, add jobs and grow exports around the globe.
Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced a $700,000 Government of Canada contribution to Solid State Pharma Inc. to support its expansion. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
Economic growth and the creation of good jobs for Atlantic Canadians require innovation and diversification. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is working to help businesses scale-up, increase productivity and participate in the innovation economy. Projects like this also contribute to the Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
Quotes:
“In a time of rapid technological change and global interconnectedness, we have an opportunity to leverage our healthcare innovations to achieve even greater impact through advances in pharmaceutical research. Companies like Solid State Pharma are world leaders in this field. These firms are helping Atlantic Canada provide better healthcare to Canadians and people around the world, while generating regional economic wealth and creating highly skilled jobs.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, supports investments in research and initiatives that grow the economy and encourage the commercialization of breakthrough ideas. From its new facility, Solid State Pharma Inc. will continue to conduct cutting-edge research to help optimize drug effectiveness for patients around the world.” – Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“Bringing value to the patients, to our community and to our team is the primary driving force at Solid State Pharma. We have had four requests for acquisition by European and Chinese companies but we showed no interest because we want to stay and grow here in Atlantic Canada for many years to come. The ACOA contribution helps us meet our long-term vision, create more highly-paid jobs and increase our export revenue.”
– Dr. Mahmoud Mirmehrabi, Founder and President, Solid State Pharma Inc.
Quick Facts:
Solid State Pharma Inc. is an early-stage life sciences company that specializes in pharmaceutical research and crystal engineering.
The company partners with many global pharmaceutical companies and earns nearly all of its revenue from out-of-country exports.
When it incorporated in 2014, Solid State Pharma had one employee, founder Dr. Mahmoud Mirmehrabi. The company currently employs 13 full-time staff, two interns and five consultants. It plans to add 25 highly skilled jobs and 15-20 new intern positions over the next five years.
Solid State Pharma is receiving a $700,000 repayable contribution through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
The Business Scale-up and Productivity stream of the REGI program supports businesses at various stages of development, including high-growth firms, to accelerate their growth, help them scale-up and enhance their productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.
The REGI program continues to build on the objectives of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan.
Contacts:
Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell) [email protected]
Dr. Mahmoud Mirmehrabi President Solid State Pharma Inc.
902-442-4012 ext 1 [email protected]
