Aiding hearing loss with new diagnostic solutions

News release

Audioptic's non-invasive diagnostic imaging technology

Audioptics Medical receives federal support to further test and develop its inner ear imaging technology

May 11, 2021 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Research and development play important roles in continuing to create non-invasive healthcare solutions for Canadians and people around the world. That’s why Audioptics Medical is working to test, develop and prototype the Ossiview Middle Ear Imaging system to help clinicians provide safe and accurate diagnoses to people experiencing inner ear conditions.

Federal support for innovative healthcare

Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced contributions totalling up to $732,052 to Audioptics to help further develop its imaging technology and establish manufacturing capabilities. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

This project will help the company produce and test five Ossiview prototype systems and obtain regulatory approval for its technology to meet international quality standards. The prototypes will help the company validate its manufacturing processes, creating jobs and helping to grow Halifax’s life sciences ecosystem. This project will result in the creation of six full-time, permanent jobs at Audioptics.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to help Canadian businesses innovate and bring new products to market. Funding for strategic projects like this one will help the region seize new opportunities to build a stronger, more sustainable economy in communities throughout Atlantic Canada.

Quotes

“During these difficult times, we are here to help Canadian businesses, innovators and workers continue to grow and remain strong. By helping companies like Audioptics further develop their innovations and become more competitive in international markets, we are taking an important step on Canada’s road to economic recovery.”

Darren Fisher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (ACOA) and Member of Parliament for Dartmouth – Cole Harbour 

“The life sciences industry in Halifax continues to grow, fueled by innovative businesses  leveraging our infrastructure, support and academic networks to create the right healthcare solutions to address global challenges. This investment in Audioptics further demonstrates that Halifax is the place to grow and start a life science business.”

Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax

“We greatly appreciate the support of ACOA in our efforts to improve diagnostics for ear disease. The funding received through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program will allow us to complete a planned run of prototype imaging systems and to put this made-in-Nova Scotia technology into the hands of our worldwide network of clinical collaborators. This is a critical step in proving the abilities of our middle ear imaging technology and to getting it adopted into clinical practice.”

-   Dan MacDougall, CEO, Audioptics Medical Incorporated

Quick facts

  • Ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinics conduct millions of screening tests and middle ear surgeries each year worldwide. Currently, due to a lack of non-invasive imaging methods, conclusive middle ear diagnoses must often be made through surgery.

  • The Ossiview Middle Ear Imaging system will help clinicians provide in-house, safe and accurate diagnoses to people experiencing middle ear problems that can result in hearing loss, trouble focusing, loss of balance and vertigo, among other symptoms, without the need for surgery.

  • A $492,000 repayable contribution for this project is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. 

  • Up to $240,052 in funding is provided through the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program in support of advisory services and research and development for Audioptics’ non-invasive diagnostic imaging technology.

Associated links

Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Chris Brooks
Communications Director, Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-830-3839
Chris.Brooks@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Dan MacDougall
Chief Executive Officer
Audioptics Medical
902-476-3469
dan.macdougall@audiopticsmedical.com


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