When Carla du Toit, MSc., formally trained as a Kinesiologist, started her graduate studies at Western University, she never would have guessed she’d end up on an entrepreneurial path and eventually become CEO of a MedTech company. Sound familiar? It’s not as uncommon as you may think. While on campus looking for a lab, she unexpectedly ended up being recommended to Dr. Emily Lalone and Dr. Aaron Fenster’s labs – the two people who would eventually end up Co-Founding their company together. Dr. Aaron Fenster, PhD, FRSC, O.Ont, is a Professor of Medical Imaging and Medical Biophysics at Western University with extensive knowledge and experience in medical imaging, specializing in 3D and 4D ultrasound technology. Dr. Emily Lalone, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Western University. She specializes in upper limb biomechanics, medical imaging techniques and osteoarthritis research.
The three of them were offered a very exciting opportunity – to work on a novel project designed to dig deep and explore the options of what ultrasound imaging can really do. The imaging technology that they worked on in Dr. Fenster’s lab was the building block of the device the company is working with today. Dr. Lalone works extensively in upper limb injuries and biomechanical engineering applications, and she identified the potential application of this device they created for imaging biomarkers that are typically associated with early onset osteoarthritis. This led to the creation of a musculoskeletal section of Dr. Fenster’s lab. Fast forward a few years, and now two other Medical Biophysics graduate students are brought on board, Randa Mudathir and Megan Hutter, who would eventually become CMO and CTO of NovaSonix, respectively. However, the journey of entrepreneurship often brings unexpected opportunities. While Carla decided to go back to medical school in 2024, she passed the baton to Randa Mudathir, who is now the CEO of NovaSonix Healthcare Inc.
All their research at Dr. Fenster’s lab culminated in an idea for a product that they believed could close a significant market gap in osteoarthritis diagnosis and treatment: NovaVue, a comprehensive 3D ultrasound scanning device for the application of imaging soft tissue in MSK diseases for diagnosis and disease monitoring. NovaVue’s 3D- ultrasound technology is used to detect biomarkers that can indicate early signs of osteoarthritis in the hands and knees. Why is this critical? In simple terms – the application of this technology allows for earlier disease detection and more effective monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. Why not just use a traditional X-ray for screening? X-rays are limited when imaging osteoarthritis as they are not able to capture key characteristics of the disease, specifically swelling, and changes in the supporting muscles and ligaments. This means that patients are being diagnosed with osteoarthritis at later stages of the disease which limits the available treatment options. How about MRI technology? Far less portable and affordable than a 3D ultrasound device. NovaSonix’s product MSK NovaVue is the solution that no one else was providing: portable, accessible, and cost-effective ways for clinicians to image and monitor musculoskeletal diseases.
Many health and life sciences startups go through the traditional process of ideation: identify a gap in the market, develop an innovative product, and then conduct the necessary clinical research to test and prove. NovaSonix followed a less traditional path; years of extensive clinical research were used to identify an opportunity for a unique technological application in the healthcare market, and a product was developed using this research and market insights.
In their early days, even before NovaSonix Healthcare was born, they were simply team RCM Sonic Solutions. Their first major product validation came after they were encouraged to enter Western’s Bone and Joint Institute MSK Innovation Competition – which they won a $30K cash prize for in May of 2023. This award was designed to help teams demonstrate and improve the commercial value and potential of their innovative solutions. After receiving this non-dilutive investment, the NovaSonix team was able to officially incorporate in June of 2023 and start creating their prototype. Growing traction for their innovation led to the company eventually acquiring funding through grants, and winning multiple competitions, including the Orthopedic Research Society Business Innovation Competition. Receiving this kind of enthusiastic support from the health sciences research community and leveraging valuable mentorship from respected advisors such as Dr. Martin Smith from TechAlliance has provided the team with the confidence to take their idea to new heights.
Even though the venture is still in its early stage, it’s clear that exciting and big things are coming down the pipeline for them: they are in the end stages of research and development, moving into pre-market approval. .
As an early-stage venture, this team has overcome many barriers by leveraging the full benefits of their research lab at Western as well as their participation in the BioNext MedTech incubator, housed within Robarts Research Institute at the university. For example, they were able to get access to Federal grants and even match the prize money they received from the Bone and Joint Institute. At a later stage, the resources and funding opportunities the lab and BioNext provided helped NovaSonix navigate challenges within their business plan and raise funds to cover various steps in the rigorous MedTech commercialization process. The strong community support system they have built around them is giving them a massive advantage in navigating a complex sector, from the community they have within Western, as well as an excellent advisory board of local physicians.
The team is confident in the scalability and future growth potential of their venture; NovaVue is a platform technology (universal 3D ultrasound scanning device). What does this mean? Their technology could be easily applied to any other health conditions where soft tissue is affected and where ultrasound scanning could be useful. For NovaSonix, this would only require securing additional approval for various applications of their ultrasound technology. A key advantage they have is that two of the patents MSK NovaVue utilizes are licensed personally from Dr. Fenster, and the other two are through the Center for Imaging Technology.
What’s next for NovaSonix? Their technology is getting great traction, as evident from their recent win at TechAlliance’s Polaris Pitch Competition and Showcase, where they took home incredible prize including cash and custom services.
As NovaSonix continues to innovate and grow, their journey reflects the power of collaboration, research, and perseverance in solving real-world healthcare challenges. With the NovaVue technology on the verge of transforming the landscape of osteoarthritis diagnosis, the future holds immense promise for the future of medtech in Canada, and beyond.
To learn more about NovaSonix Healthcare and MSK NovaVue visit their website here.
