Zilia and Anasens take top honours in Phase B Competition

The two innovative projects each developed advanced diagnostic tools for the early detection of health conditions

Montreal, April 7, 2021 – Patrick Sauvageau, CEO and founder of Zilia, developers of a retinal camera that measures, among other conditions, oxygen saturation in the eye, has won first prize in the Phase B medical innovation competition, while Nancy Schoenbrunner, CEO of Anasens, developers of a biosensor for home use that detects a variety of markers and molecules in blood, took second place. Launched in January by Biron Health Group, Phase B aims to propel innovators in the development of accessible, cutting-edge solutions in the fields of preventive and predictive medicine.

“Among 68 entrants, we were really impressed by the level of innovation of these two companies, but also by the practical and human aspects of their technologies. Brought to market, these methods could prevent harmful consequences resulting from certain diseases and improve the lives of millions of people,” said Dr. Nicolas Tétreault, Clinical Biochemist, Scientific and Innovation Director at Biron Health Group and judging committee member.

Zilia: Avert irreversible damage by measuring oxygen in the eye

Unfortunately, the majority of diagnoses for the prevention of ocular disease are too late and clinical tools currently in use can only evaluate existing damage. With a view to prevention of these conditions, Zilia has developed a technology platform that combines imaging, spectrometry and artificial intelligence and allows the measurement of early biomarkers in the human eye. Zilia Ocular is the only retinal camera in the world that allows measurement of oxygen saturation levels in the eye, a critical biomarker in ocular illnesses such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. Not only does oxymetry permit the diagnosis of ocular disease years in advance and helps avoid irreparable damage, it paves the way to a number of other medical applications in neurology, cardiology, in neonatal and intensive care, etc.

Zilia and its founder Patrick Sauvageau win the Phase B Grand Prize, a $25,000 grant in support of the development and launch of its technology, personal accompaniment for one year by mentors and experts as well as a chance to work with a start-up accelerator.

For more details, visit ziliahealth.com

Anasens: Like having a lab in your home!

Unlike many of the traditional technologies used in labs, the biosensor in development by the Anasens team enables the detection of a large variety of markers and molecules present in blood, and it can be used by patients at home and provides results in just minutes. This technology can be used for rapid, remote intervention in patients with heart or kidney disease. For example, by modifying their medication, adapting their dosing schedule or by moving up a doctor’s appointment, a doctor could save a lot of time and prevent complications. Nancy Schoenbrunner, Dr. Alexis Vallée-Bélisle, Clinical Biochemist and their entire team win second prize in the competition, a grant for $5000 and a chance to work with a start-up accelerator to help with the launch of their experimental platform.

For more details, visit anasens.com

On behalf of the entire Biron Health Group team, my sincerest thanks go out to the judging committee members who joined me in evaluating, with great interest and rigour, the projects submitted, namely: Dr. Robert Amyot, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer, MEDFAR Clinical Solutions, Michel Nadeau, CEO and founder, Tactio Health Group,** Nathalie Ouimet**, Vice-President, Montréal InVivo as well as my colleague Dr. Nicolas Tétreault, Clinical Biochemist, Scientific and Innovation Director” said** Geneviève Biron**, President and CEO, Biron Health Group.

See you again next year!

With the success of the first edition, Biron Health Group has decided to hold the competition once again next year. We invite all innovators working in predictive medecine and preventive medicine, whether they are students, experts or startups, to consider entering the competition’s 2022 edition to take advantage of the Phase B springboard for their projects.

For complete competition details, please visit phaseb.biron.com.

About Biron Health Group Inc.

Founded in 1952, Biron is today a leader in the Quebec health sector. Having first built its reputation through its medical laboratory expertise, it is recognized for the quality of its services, its exemplary execution and its speed of access. Over the years, Biron has diversified its service offering in medical imaging, sleep disorders, genetics and occupational health while maintaining the same level of excellence. Throughout its growth, Biron has remained a company with a human dimension that takes its role in the community to heart. Today, the company has more than 800 employees who operate more than 100 points of service in most regions of Quebec. Its team of experts and dedicated professionals is increasing its efforts every day to offer each client medical expertise through a process that is simple, fast and efficient. Biron Health Group is accredited by Accreditation Canada and holds an operating permit from the LSPQ. For more information on the company visit biron.com. Follow Biron Health Group on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.