Ontario’s Technologies Show Considerable Promise

HTX’s Business Investment Program provides over $1.7 million towards Medical Technologies

Toronto, January 13, 2010 – Dr. Morris (Mickey) Milner, President and CEO of The Health Technology Exchange (HTX), today announced the investment of over $1.7 million towards the development of seven emerging medical technologies.

Now in its fourth round of funding, the Business Investment Program has invested over $4 million towards the program, since the pilot launched in 2006. The program is jointly funded by the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation, through HTX and the Ontario Centres of Excellence Inc., and the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program. Funding supports business driven R&D undertaken by a team from a recognized Ontario research institution in collaboration with a partnering company.

“Ontario is proud to support HTX in growing Ontario’s health technologies sector. The Business Investment Program matches Ontario’s cutting‐edge companies with our world‐class research institutions ‐ helping open new doors for Ontario’s best and brightest entrepreneurs while bringing jobs and leading‐edge medical care to Ontarians,” said John Milloy, Minister of Research and Innovation.

Projects from seven Ontario companies (shown below) have been selected among a pool of 20 proposals to commercially develop or advance their technologies. The projects span across a broad spectrum of medical technologies including imaging, diagnostics, remote monitoring and assistive devices.

Minimally Invasive 3D Imaging Catheters

• Colibri Technologies is developing 3D imaging catheters that will provide image guidance during a wide variety of cardiovascular procedures. By creating a versatile, disposable and relatively inexpensive catheter that uses ultrasound to create 3D images inside the body, physicians will be able to do their procedures with improved safety and success rates in less time with lower overall procedure costs.
• The technology is being developed in collaboration with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Prostate Imaging Processing Software and Coil Technology

• Sentinelle Medical’s project is designed to further the field of prostate imaging using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) through the development of two new products. The first product will involve a software algorithm that will be used to automatically segment the prostate gland from previously obtained MR images to create a three‐dimensional view for the radiologist, which can then be modified to his or her liking. The endorectal prostate MRI coil technology will act as an accessory to existing MRI units to produce higher quality images.
• The technology is being developed in collaboration with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

Mass Cytometry: Identification of Multiple Biomarkers

• DVS Sciences is developing a novel cell analysis instrument, based on mass cytometry, to determine the presence of multiple biomarkers in individual cells at high‐throughput, for the diagnosis of rare diseased cells in patient samples (e.g., stem cells).
• The technology is being developed in collaboration with University of Toronto’s Department of Chemistry.

Remote Monitoring Platform for Personal Health Management of Chronic Diseases

• NexJ Systems’ project involves the development and evaluation of a novel remote patient monitoring system which integrates NexJ’s eHealth Suite with Bluetooth‐enabled medical devices using technology developed at the University Health Network (UHN). The project will enable health coaches and physicians to monitor blood pressure and blood glucose for patients with chronic illnesses, specifically economically challenged diabetic patients, in their home using a BlackBerry device.
• The technology is being developed in collaboration with the UHN’s Centre for Global eHealth Innovation and with York University.

Eye‐Gazing Head Display for Wearable Low Vision Assistive Device

• eSight is developing a head‐worn assistive device for people who experience inoperable, low‐vision resulting from disease or trauma. The device consists of a high‐resolution video camera and two “micro‐displays” to significantly improve the wearer’s view of the world by optimizing the use of his or her remaining visual function. The incorporation of gaze tracking technology will enable contextual, local application of image enhancement algorithms based on the wearer’s specific point of focus within the device’s broader field of view.
• The technology is being developed in collaboration with the Vision Research Program of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Automated Sample Preparation System

• Certo Labs is developing an automated sample preparation system for analytical and contract research laboratories. Standard sample preparation laboratory techniques are expensive, time‐consuming, error‐prone and operator dependent. Certo’s system will help alleviate the burden placed on many labs that face manual preparation for the analysis of nutrients, drugs and toxins at a low throughput of 20 samples per technician per day.
• The technology is being developed in collaboration with the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Waterloo and with the Toronto‐based engineering company, Kangaroo Design and Innovation Inc.

3G Word Prediction

• WordQ is writing software for individuals with disabilities that helps predict words. The software offers plug‐ins including SpeakQ, which provides speech recognition and keywords in combination with word prediction and speech output. Quillsoft, the maker of this technology, is currently developing new prediction algorithms that will consider contextual information, as well as improve accessibility for disabled‐individuals, often compromised within‐browser writing applications.
• The technology is being developed in collaboration with Bloorview Kids Rehab.

FUNDING PARTNERS:

About htx.ca – The Health Technology Exchange (HTX) (www.htx.ca)

From Invention through to Innovation to International Invoice, HTX helps Ontario‐based companies develop and commercialize innovations in medical technologies. Our core programs and services include Research & Development and Commercialization and Market Development, which assists the medical technology sector from product evaluation, company creation and commercialization to international market readiness. HTX is funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Research and Innovation.

About The Ministry Of Research and Innovation (MRI) (www.ontario.ca/innovation)

Ontario is making innovation a key driver of its economy. Through the $3.2‐billion Ontario Innovation Agenda, the province is capitalizing on its creative environment, diverse culture, highly skilled workforce and internationally recognized education system. By supporting research and innovation, Ontario is helping pioneer new knowledge and new discoveries that will create high‐value jobs, a strong economy and better lives for Ontario families.

About National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC‐IRAP) (www.nrc‐cnrc.gc.ca)

The NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC‐IRAP) provides a range of both technical and business‐oriented advisory services along with necessary financial support to qualified innovative Canadian small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises. The program is delivered by a field staff of 240 professionals in more than 100 communities across Canada. NRC‐IRAP is committed to working with small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises while they realize their full potential, turning knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.

About Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. (www.oce‐ontario.org)

Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Inc. drives the commercialization of cutting‐edge research across key market sectors to build the economy of tomorrow and secure Ontario’s global competitiveness. In doing this, OCE fosters the training and development of the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs and is a key partner with Ontario's industry, universities, colleges, research hospitals, investors and governments. OCE’s Centres work in communications and information technology, earth and environmental technologies, energy, materials and manufacturing and photonics. OCE is funded by the government of Ontario and is a key partner in delivering Ontario’s Innovation Agenda. OCE through its Centre for Commercialization of Research (CCR), an initiative supported by the federal government, also acts as a catalyst which allows innovative businesses to grow and achieve sustainable, commercial success and global competitiveness.

Contact:
Marcelle Canido
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Tel: 416‐673‐8480
Email: mcanido@htx.ca