District Digest
May 19, 2020
Appili to Test COVID-19 Drug in Canada
Halifax-based Appili Therapeutics will sponsor a clinical trial of antiviral drug Favipiravir. Working with FUJIFILM Toyama Chemical’s, the company is leveraging its international relationships to help the fight of COVID-19. “We have an ongoing relationship with Appili and are pleased to support the company in its efforts to assess Favipiravir for the potential benefit of Canadian patients,” said Fujifilm Toyama President Junji Okada.
Halifax Farmers’ Market Pilots Online Operations
Last week, the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market introduced an online project to connect sellers and buyers in an effort to support the local vendors. “What we’re doing here is looking for ways in which we can connect our primary producer vendors with the customers during this pandemic situation,” said the Halifax Port Authority spokesman Lane Ferguson.
Tranquility Supports Healthcare Workers
Mental health startup, Tranquility Online and Halifax Charity are collaborating to provide free services to healthcare workers. Patients can access software that leverages cognitive behavioral therapy through a dedicated portal. The general public can also take benefit of a 50% discount on their subscription.
Local Researchers Explore New Materials for N95 Masks
Researchers at Saint Mary’s University are looking to transform wood pulp into N95 masks to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. "We're going to look at whether we can make an all-wood pulp N95 respirator by doing chemical modifications in the lab and we'll be getting a heat press to form our own paper out of this modified pulp," said chemist Christa Brosseau.
HomeEXCEPT Launches Remote Monitoring for Senior Care
Local health-tech company, HomeEXCEPT has introduced a self-install remote monitoring system for senior care homes. “There are a lot of families out there that are incredibly worried about their parents in their homes. They don’t have the same level of access to them that they had before. So, we made this simple enough that it’s what we would classify as a contactless install,” said CEO John Robertson.
What's Open in the District?
Can’t decide what to order for takeout? Whether it’s sushi, tacos, or something you’ve never tried before, we've made it easy to see which local restaurants, cafes, bars, and food shops are open. Let's continue to shop local and support the businesses in our District.
Accelerate Your Health Company with BioNova
BioNova accelerates growth, advocates and assists the health and life sciences sector in Nova Scotia. Through networking and educational events, members have access to a pool of potential funders and business resources.