Digital health is one of the highest growing technology markets. It’s also a very competitive one, with 60% of startups failing within their first five years. Misunderstanding end user needs, poor interoperability of data systems, and the glacial pace of health implementation are common reasons why health technology startups struggle.
TRANSFORM HF is excited to introduce The Digital Hub – our research translation arm dedicated to helping researchers and companies overcome these challenges. Through the Digital Hub, TRANSFORM HF is leveraging its position within Canada’s top hospital (University Health Network) and connections with global leaders to bridge the gap between laboratory research and real-world application – getting innovative solutions into the hands of those who need them most.
When asked what sets the Digital Hub apart, scientific associate Dr. Ben Kim references its unique placement at the intersection of clinical practice, patient experience, and innovation. “Our vision and drive stem from our daily interactions with cardiologists, patients, and scientists,” says Kim. “We are committed to making a tangible impact on care delivery and improving patients’ lives, all while working closely with the people and technologies that will shape the future of digital health.”
Well versed with the obstacles facing startup medical technology companies is Dr. Andrew Smith, ER Physician and co-founder. Smith’s company, JVPLabs, is developing a non-invasive medical device for accessible monitoring of cardiac filling pressures via assessment of the jugular venous pressure height – a key indicator of heart function. “Gaining traction via early clinical testing is a common challenge,” explains Smith. “Emerging companies need access to a friendly and adaptable clinical environment to increase their likelihood of success.”
Dr. Ben Kim, Digital Hub, and Dr. Andrew Smith, ER Physician and Co-founder of JVPLabs
Smith and JVPLabs are currently working with the Digital Hub to conduct an international, multi-centre clinical trial, that will act as the basis for FDA and Health Canada device classification and entry to Canadian and US markets.
For Smith, the Digital Hub’s strength lies in the team’s deep domain knowledge and clinical trial expertise. “We’re able to leverage the collective expertise of world-leading clinicians and researchers to iteratively develop a clinical trial protocol that meets regulatory requirements in Canada, the US, and beyond.”
Dr. Surath Gomis, Co-founder and Director of R&D for Arma Biosciences
The Digital Hub also supports companies seeking to clinically validate their technologies against gold standard medical devices. Arma Biosciences is using the Digital Hub to compare the diagnostic accuracy of their point-of-care diagnostic tool against the standard-of-care instrumentation at UHN’s Toronto General Hospital.
“The greatest benefit of working with the Digital Hub is that we are able to generate a clinical dataset very early in our product development process,” says Dr. Surath Gomis, co-founder and Director of R&D for Arma Biosciences. Gomis is hoping to use the outcome of this study to kick off the next round of fundraising for his device.
Dr. Ivana Culjak, a postdoctoral researcher at the KITE Research Institute is working with the Digital Hub to investigate if non-invasive measurements of fluid distribution can predict patient response to intravenous diuretics treatment and major clinical outcomes.
Dr. Ivana Culjak (front left), a postdoctoral researcher at the KITE Research Institute
Integrating research protocols into a busy clinical environment was proving to be a substantial barrier for Culjak, so she engaged the Digital Hub team. “The Digital Hub was crucial in helping me navigate these complexities and ensure that the study is seamlessly integrated into the clinical environment within the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre,” says Culjak. “I felt fully supported at every stage of the process, knowing that I had a team of experts ready to assist with any challenges.”
Culjak believes that the comprehensive support she received – including protocol development and access to patients, data, and clinical technologies – will significantly enhance not only the accuracy of her research, but the likelihood of achieving meaningful results.
But beyond research support, Culjak appreciates the opportunity to collaborate: “This kind of collaboration between researchers and clinical teams is, in my opinion, exactly what is needed to achieve the best possible outcomes. When we work together, we can accomplish so much more.”
Visit the Digital Hub webpage to learn more.
