U of A Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine spins off new company with
wireless monitoring technology for health care
September 17, 2009
Soon people with diabetes may have a wireless monitoring system that connects them with a clinician through Bluetooth technology. University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine professor, Masako Miyazaki, PhD, is the principle investigator who helped launch the spin-off company, Kanata Health Solutions Inc., which developed the Wireless Wearable Physiological Monitor (WWPM) as part of the new monitoring solution.
"This is an exciting event, transforming seven years of research into a commercial reality," says Miyazaki.
"This is an important milestone in the history of our Faculty," adds Martin Ferguson-Pell, PhD, Dean, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. "It is the first spin-off company from Rehabilitation Medicine and an important indicator of the contribution our faculty can make to the future of health care in Alberta and globally."
Kanata Health Solutions' monitoring solution consists of a wrist-watch as a physiological monitor collecting pulse data, other sensor systems, such as a glucose monitor for blood sugar levels, and a wireless base station that receives Bluetooth data transmissions and also has connection ports for other physiological monitoring equipment. Data is communicated through the central server software to technical and clinical staff while managing device inventory and patient schedules. Diabetes patients are able to better manage the disease while being connected to a health professional that is able to advise them with the most current patient data available.
The WWPM initiative helps people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, keep better track of their exercise, pulse rate, blood glucose levels, weight and more. It is worn as a piece of jewelry and replaces the paper chart patients usually fill out. Nurses, caregivers or physicians can set their patients up with the device. Because the data is readily available, clinicians know what a patient needs ahead of time and can intervene to help the patient if needed.
“The WWPM is an excellent example of how innovative remote monitoring technology can support patients and enhance the treatment and health maintenance process,” says Doug Horner, Minister of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. “This project reflects the kind of collaboration across government, industry and academia that our government is enhancing in Alberta’s new innovation system.”
In 2002, Western Economic Diversification and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology funded the WWPM team to start a collaborative development of homecare technologies. In 2004, the first prototype was created. Through 2006 and 2007, clinical trials of more than 100 patients were conducted using the latest WWPM prototype. TEC Edmonton played an integral role in the commercialization of the WWPM technology.
"Our government is committed to building a more innovative and competitive Canada," says the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour. "Together, through the Science and Technology Strategy in 2007 and through Canada's Economic Action Plan, we are assisting our researchers to move ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace and creating new opportunities in this growing sector."
Kanata Health Solutions Inc. launches into a global market of remote patient monitoring focused on providing home health services using telehealth technologies. "Our company's goal is to deliver improved quality of care to patients, while reducing costs associated with avoidable emergency room (ER) visits and the management of chronic diseases by providing timely intervention and care," says Tom Ogaranko, president, Kanata Health.
In 2003, the US remote patient monitoring devices market was estimated at $54.5 million. By 2010, total revenue for the remote patient monitoring devices market is forecast to reach $260 million at a compound annual growth rate of 25 per cent from 2004 to 2010. Market analyst Datamonitor is projecting that the homecare telehealth market, otherwise known as remote patient monitoring, will grow at a five-year compound annual growth rate of 56 per cent. That far surpasses the 9.9 per cent growth projected for the clinical telehealth market. Datamonitor expects to see the global telehealth market hit $8 billion or more by 2012.
About Kanata Health Solutions Inc.
Kanata Health Solutions Inc. is a new University of Alberta spin-off company commercializing break-through remote monitoring solutions developed jointly between the University of Alberta, Seiko Instruments and Sony’s MI Labs. Kanata Health provides remote patient monitoring solutions designed for a variety of wellness and chronic care applications that provide peace of mind to patients, their families, care providers and clinical staff. Kanata Health’s solutions also empower patients and their families to take more responsibility for their care while reducing costs for providers and insurers. For more information visit www.kanatahealth.ca.
About the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine
As the only free standing faculty of rehabilitation in Canada, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine balances its activities among learning, discovery and citizenship (including clinical practice). A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries and common spinal disorders (back pain), the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to improve the quality of life of citizens in our community. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.
About Western Economic Diversification Canada
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy; coordinates federal economic activities in the west; and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making. WD provided contributions of $2,840,000 to help the University of Alberta implement the Wireless Wearable Physiological Monitor (WWPM) project.
About Alberta Advanced Education and Technology
Alberta Advanced Education and Technology is responsible for post-secondary education and high-tech research and development policy advice, as well as developing business opportunities in information and communications technology research. The ministry is committed to ensuring that world-class research conducted in the province is being commercialized to its fullest potential. AET provided non-repayable contributions of $500,000 to help the project.
Tom Ogaranko, president, Kanata Health Solutions, and Masako Miyazaki are available TODAY for interviews and demonstrations of the WWPM devices TODAY from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Contact Information
Tom Ogaranko, president
Kanata Health Solutions Inc.
780-994-8076
togaranko@kanatahealth.com
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