Leading Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia

IR Scientific Inc. begins pilot production of its new desensitizing product, Sensi-IP, to help strengthen teeth

July 3, 2019 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
From the discovery of insulin to the invention of the pacemaker, Canada has a strong record of developing health innovations that attract investment, retain talent and provide more effective treatment options that improve patient outcomes. That is why the Government of Canada invests in Canadian-based companies like IR Scientific Inc., which has engineered a new product, Sensi-IP, to help strengthen damaged teeth and provide immediate and long-term protection for the three out of four Canadians who suffer from dentinal hypersensitivity.

Unlike existing products that have limited long-term effectiveness, Sensi-IP exhibits controlled abrasion for everyday use, promotes the natural process of rebuilding tooth mineral, completely dissolves in water, and can be added to any clinical or over-the-counter toothpaste, oral rinse, mouthwash or tooth varnish. IR Scientific will undertake product development and quality assurance for the commercialization of Sensi-IP, allowing the early-stage company to attract new investors, establish its production process and hire five full-time employees.

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 the Government of Canada’s support to IR Scientific Inc. for the project.

This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which supports strategic investments that build on the region’s competitive advantages, including its growing innovation ecosystem and skilled workforce.

Quotes
“The health and well-being of Canadians is at the core of our society and represents a sizeable proportion of our country’s spending, which is why there has never been a better time to leverage this investment to produce greater oral health outcomes and economic prosperity for Atlantic Canada. The Government of Canada is proud to help Canadian-based innovations and companies to grow within the country as they move towards global leadership, focused on value-added products that aim to improve patient care and outcomes.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“IR Scientific’s advanced science has a wide variety of applications in oral health, from store brand toothpastes to clinical treatments, and is a game-changing solution for millions of Canadians suffering from dentinal hypersensitivity. It also has huge potential in the global marketplace. Transforming traditional oral healthcare with better solutions will give Canadians, and the world, something to smile about.”

– Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism and Member of Parliament for Halifax

“IR Scientific has been able to advance its technology quickly thanks to the support of ACOA. Creating a new oral care ingredient to change the way the world relieves sensitive teeth was given a direct boost from ACOA programming. We set up a research lab, a production facility and hired required staff in weeks versus months because of our secure funding. Global Industry contacts are impressed with what we have managed to accomplish in a relatively short period time.”

– Dr. Daniel Boyd, Chief Scientist and Co-Founder, IR Scientific Inc.

Quick Facts
 IR Scientific is receiving a $500,000 repayable contribution through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP).
 Dentinal hypersensitivity occurs when the tooth’s dentin tubules, connected to the nerves of the tooth, are exposed.
 Sensi-IP uses a controlled release help block those passageways, stopping pain and helping to strengthen the teeth.
 Sensi-IP also promotes remineralization by supplying calcium and other minerals to repair damaged tooth enamel.
 Canada’s universal health-care system is a source of national pride, and the Canadian health and biosciences sector is a key source of high-paying, quality jobs, employing more than 91,000 people directly and approximately 2.1 million within the broader health system.
 The health and bioscience industry has tremendous growth potential, with areas poised for highest growth including precision medicine, which is set to be an $88 billion market by 2023.

Associated Links
Innovation and Skills Plan

Contacts

Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
[email protected]

Andrew Doyle President & CEO IR Scientific Inc.
902-877-8071 (cell)
[email protected]