Leading Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia

ENTREVESTOR: Adaptiiv Lands Clients in 7 Countries

Read the original article here.  Halifax-based Adaptiiv has announced major new clients in Hong Kong and the U.S. as the young medical technology company expands its customer base to seven countries. The company – which uses 3D printing technology to improve radiation therapy in cancer treatment – said Monday it had signed a deal to sell its product to University of Hong Kong and work with the institution as a research partner. That announcement came days after Adaptiiv announced its 3D Bolus technology would be used by the U.S. Military at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  Dubbed “The Nation’s Medical Center,” the Reed is the United States’ largest and most renowned joint military medical facility, providing services in over 100 clinics and specialties. “We have accomplished a lot in a short period of time and I am very proud of the team but I feel we are just getting started,” said CEO Peter Hickey in an email Sunday night. Just two years old, Adaptiiv has quickly found customers for its 3D Bolus product, which revolutionizes the use of a bolus in radiation therapy. A bolus is a piece of plastic placed over the cancerous area, assuming the tumours are close to or in the skin. The radiation hits the bolus, builds up and then is transferred into the tumour. There can be no air pockets between the bolus and the skin, which complicates matters given that every body is unique. Hospitals using the Adaptiiv product buy a system that includes 3D printers with special filaments, so boluses customized to each patient can be printed within seconds. They can be reused as the patient receives repeated radiation dosages. Or, if the patient’s body shape changes over the course of multiple treatments, the medical staff can print off another bolus quickly. In June, the company announced it had received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, allowing the product to be sold in the U.S. That opened the flood gates to more sales, and to announcements of new partnerships and projects. The company’s software is now used in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Israel, Ireland, England and now Hong Kong. The university in Hong Kong will use 3D Bolus in radiation therapy and its Department of Clinical Oncology will work with Adaptiiv to develop new applications. Meanwhile, Adaptiiv last week also released a new product called AccuCALC, which helps cancer centers to assess the business case for offering the 3D Bolus product. AccuCALC was developed by Churchill Consulting, which provides consulting and integrated system solutions to radiation therapy departments. Rules for billing insurers vary from state to state in the U.S., and facilities that offer radiation therapy can use AccuCALC to assess how and when they can charge for using the 3D Bolus product. “We have seen significant demand from our clients for information pertaining to 3D Bolus,” said Jordan Johnson, Churchill’s Director of Compliance. “Yet. as is common with many leading-edge technologies, our clients are unsure of whether they can bill for a new technology or its potential return on investment.  AccuCALC addresses that problem.”]]>

Adaptiiv’s 3D printing technology improves cancer treatments

Read full issue of LINK magazine here.  Halifax-based company Adaptiiv, formerly known as 3D Bolus, is using advanced software to create personalized 3D-printing medical devices to help cancer patients receive more precise radiation treatments and improve their quality of care. Adaptiiv’s customized medical devices have been well received by clinicians, with sales in six countries worldwide. One of Adaptiiv’s most revolutionary medical devices is their 3D-printed bolus. To improve the accuracy of radiation treatment, a tissue-like material called a bolus is applied to the patient’s body. Unlike traditional boluses, Adaptiiv’s advanced software allows clinicians to design 3D-printed boluses using data from the patient’s CT scans to create a personalized design, improving the patient experience. The boluses are cost effective and fit the contours of the patient, which allows for more accurate dosages in the areas that need it most and sparing healthy tissue during radiation therapy. Aside from improving the lives of cancer patients, Adaptiiv also provides high-quality jobs to Atlantic Canadians, stimulating the economy. With recent funding from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and recently receiving FDA (510K) approval, Adaptiiv has big plans to upgrade their marketing strategy and bring their patient-specific solution to the global radiotherapy market.]]>

Adaptiiv’s software provides practitioners with a turn-key solution that enables 3D printing of patient-specific uniform thickness bolus, modulated bolus for MERT (modulated electron radiation therapy), High Dose Rate (HDR) surface brachytherapy and other potential ancillary devices. Adaptiiv software fully integrates with existing treatment planning systems and compliments the existing radiation treatment workflows. Each module of Adaptiiv’s software is designed to solve challenges faced by today’s therapists, dosimetrists, and oncologists such as air gaps in bolus, sparing healthy tissues in electron treatments and the fabrication of complex brachy devices. The company’s software is already used in CanadaAustraliaIsraelIreland and England. “This 510(k) clearance uniquely positions Adaptiiv to fuel the growth of personalized medicine through elegantly simple, intuitive technology,” notes Adaptiiv CEO, Peter Hickey. “Our technology platform is the first of its kind and allows users to easily design patient-specific devices that can be 3D printed and used during radiation treatment.” Coupled with the recent announcement of its global distribution agreement with CIVCO Radiotherapy, the leading global provider of high quality, innovative, patient-centric radiotherapy solutions, Adaptiiv continues to make significant strides in the battle against cancer and transforming novel and experimental ideas into real world applications. About Adaptiiv Adaptiiv Medical Technologies Inc. (formerly 3D Bolus Inc.) is the definitive 3D technology platform for radiation oncology. Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Adaptiiv is shaping the future of patient-specific healthcare through innovation and collaboration with leading Cancer centres throughout the world..  Adaptiiv is ISO 13485 certified and has received a CE Mark.  Our technology is based on the work of Dr. James Robar, Chief of Medical Physics at the Nova Scotia Health Authority, in partnership with Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada.
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ACOA: Adaptiiv Medical Technologies Perfecting Customized Medical Software

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Government of Canada supports targeted marketing plan, regulatory approvals and research commercialization  May 14, 2018 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Helping Atlantic Canadian businesses succeed by fostering greater innovation through the commercialization of research creates well-paying jobs and improves the lives of all Canadians. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting Adaptiiv Medical Technologies’ revolutionary ideas in the creation of patient-specific boluses to improve the delivery of more effective and accurate radiation doses to targeted areas. Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced a $328,943 investment of behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The contribution is being made through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized companies’ innovation to improve competitiveness in export markets. The assistance will help Adaptiiv Medical Technologies obtain regulatory approval to expand into new markets in the United States, and to execute a new marketing plan featuring promotional materials and a demonstration video to showcase the company’s software to aid with its increased market reach. The funds will also help Adaptiiv finalize the commercialization of its High Dynamic Range (HDR) Imaging-Surface Bracatherapy Module, which is a form of treatment where sealed radiation is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. Bracatherapy is commonly used to treat cervical, prostate, breast and skin cancer, and can also be used to treat tumors in many other body sites. The investment builds on the commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. The Strategy supports targeted investments in initiatives that build on the region’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential and skilled labour to expand business activities between the region and international markets.

Quotes

“Canada is a country of innovators. Curiosity, courage, and creativity are what lead to the kind of innovations and technologies that improve our daily lives and drive our economy, and our country, forward. Adaptiiv Medical Technologies, a pioneer in medical solutions to deliver better, more accurate treatment, is an example of the adaptability we need to foster in our home-grown businesses to maintain our competitive edge in the global economy.” –       The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA “For businesses to grow and create good, well-paying jobs, they must be supported in their endeavors to turn their new ideas into products that can compete in the global marketplace. Adaptiiv Medical Technologies is well-placed to help countless individuals with its technologies that can improve medical treatments, providing a strong foundation on which to build new partnerships with both clients and consumers.” –       Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Halifax “Adaptiiv’s software enables clinicians to design and 3D print accessories for radiation therapy treatment. Our goal is to democratize the delivery of patient-specific treatment. To that end, Adaptiiv is thrilled with the support it has received from the Canadian Government and Atlantic provinces and their continued role in encouraging innovation as we work to provide our patient-specific solution to the global radiotherapy market.” –       Peter Hickey, CEO of Adaptiiv Medical Technologies 

Quick facts

    • A conventional bolus is a flat piece of rubber-like material placed on top of the patient’s skin to increase the radiation dose to the skin and to the tissues right below it. However, conventional boluses are unable to accommodate or correct for anatomical irregularities, making them less than optimal.
    • Conventional boluses often have air cavities between the bolus and skin, which can cause an under dose of medication.
    • Adaptiiv overcomes the challenges of conventional boluses and other accessories currently used in radiation therapy.
    • Adaptiiv is a software application that fully integrates with existing treatment methods, using 3D printing to produce treatment accessories on demand.
    • Adaptiiv’s algorithms automatically calculates a customized design that changes the surface shape of the bolus to allow for tailoring of dose distribution. The application produces objects that are accepted directly into the planning software and used to accurately develop a treatment plan.
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ENTREVESTOR: N.S. firm promoting new cancer treatment

See original story here The executive team of Halifax-based Adaptiiv, fresh with a recent round of financing, is attending an international radiotherapy conference in Barcelona this week to announce a new distribution partnership. Formerly known as 3DBolus, Adaptiiv is a company that has been gaining notice in Halifax biotech circles for a couple of years, even though it just released its first public statement this week. The company has developed software that works with 3D printers to produce a personalized bolus — a plastic fitting used in radiation therapy. Adaptiiv has launched three different products, booked sales in six countries and raised almost $3 million in equity funding. Last week Adaptiiv announced it had signed a distribution agreement with Iowa-based CIVCO Radiotherapy, which will give it sales representatives in all main districts of North America. “This is a special company,” CEO Peter Hickey said in an interview Tuesday before jetting off to the Estro Conference in Spain. “When I was first approached by the team I initially thought, ‘This isn’t for me,’ because I was in IT. But the team, especially (board member) Bruce Ross, kept driving home the point that this is a software play. It was one of those cases where I fell in love with the company.” Hickey is best known in the community as a serial entrepreneur in the IT space, most recently for being the CEO of Oris4, which shut down two years ago. In Adaptiiv, he’s teamed up with James Robar, chief of medical physics at the Nova Scotia Health Authority and director of medical physics graduate programs at Dalhousie University, and serial tech entrepreneur Alex Dunphy. What Adaptiiv does is revolutionize the use of a bolus in radiation therapy. A bolus is a piece of plastic placed over the cancerous area, assuming the tumours are close to or in the skin. The radiation hits the bolus, builds up and then is transferred into the tumour. There can be no air pockets between the bolus and the skin, which complicates matters given that every body is unique. Hospitals using the Adaptiiv product buy a system that includes 3D printers with special filaments, so unique boluses customized to each patient can be printed within seconds. They can be reused as the patient receives repeated radiation dosages. Or if the patient’s body shape changes over the course of multiple treatments, the medical staff can print off another bolus quickly. The company has received its CE Mark certification, meaning it can sell into several countries including members of the European Union. It already has clients in the U.K., Ireland, Israel, Australia and Canada. It has applied for its 510k approval in the U.S. and Hickey said it hopes to receive approval “soon.” Adaptiiv recently closed a round of funding which included investment from Alexander Capital in New York, an investment boutique that makes direct investments and rounds up angel investors to back companies. Hickey said Adaptiiv has now raised almost $3 million and is planning a larger raise once it receives its 510k approval. Adaptiiv has three products in the market, including one that helps to prevent healthy organs from being damaged during radiation therapy. With nine employees (soon to be 12), the company continues to develop new products. “We have a pipeline with some really great innovation,” said Hickey. “That’s what we are. We’re a Nova Scotian-based innovation company that’s producing solutions to problems that people haven’t solved yet.”]]>

Newswire: CIVCO Radiotherapy & Adaptiiv Join Forces to Expand 3D Bolus for Radiotherapy

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CORALVILLE, IowaApril 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — CIVCO Radiotherapy, the leading global provider of high quality, innovative, patient-centric radiotherapy solutions, and Adaptiiv (formerly 3D Bolus), the definitive 3D technology platform for radiation therapy, are excited to announce their collaboration in bringing more personalized medical devices to the market. This initiative aligns with the missions of both companies to focus on improving patient outcomes in radiotherapy worldwide.
CIVCO will be distributing Adaptiiv software applications as a turn-key solution that enables 3D printing of patient-specific simple or modulated thickness bolus and high dose rate (HDR) surface brachytherapy applicators. The software application integrates directly with existing treatment planning systems allowing the planning software to calculate the treatment plan and provides the ability to 3D print a patient-specific radiotherapy bolus or applicator. This innovative technique requires less time and replaces the need for hard-to-fit simple bolus and expensive applicators and provides a more comfortable fit for the patient. “Adaptiiv’s solutions truly align with our mission of improving patient outcomes worldwide. The ability to utilize images from the treatment planning system and provide customized three-dimensional bolus and applicators is yet another way we are involved in improving the quality and efficiency of care as well as the patient experience,” said Nat Geissel, president of CIVCO Radiotherapy. “CIVCO and Adaptiiv are aligned in our vision of the importance of personalized health solutions. As the innovators of software that enables clinicians to design and 3D print radiation therapy treatment accessories, our goal is to democratize the delivery of patient-specific treatment. To that end, Adaptiiv is thrilled to partner with CIVCO Radiotherapy. CIVCO’s highly professional sales team and international distributors give us global reach and will play a significant role in our efforts to provide our patient-specific solution to the global radiotherapy market,” stated Peter Hickey, CEO of Adaptiiv. About Adaptiiv Adaptiiv (formerly 3D Bolus Inc.) is the definitive 3D technology platform for radiation oncology. Headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada our technology platform seamlessly integrates into existing procedures to provide an end-to-end solution which facilitates the design and fabrication of personalized medical devices using 3D printing. Adaptiiv, formerly 3D Bolus, is ISO 13485 certified, has received a CE Mark and is pending approval by the FDA for a 510k. Currently in the USA the software is an investigational device limited by Federal law to investigational use. About CIVCO Radiotherapy CIVCO Radiotherapy has over 35 years’ experience developing, manufacturing and providing high-quality, innovative, patient-centric solutions in radiotherapy. These solutions include:  advanced patient immobilization and positioning hardware and consumables, fiducial markers, couchtops and overlays, software, patient care products and advanced 6DOF robotic patient positioning. Corporate information is available at www.CivcoRT.com.
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