Breathing life into research on asthma in the workplace

Asthma is a disease that does not discriminate. It strikes young and old alike, and its numbers are climbing all over the world. For many, the workplace can be a breeding ground for many forms of allergens. SCL Medtech, a young firm specializing in occupational asthma screening, has developed a new device, the SCL GenaSIC, which promises to advance research in the area.

A technological breakthrough that will facilitate research

The SCL GenaSIC is a closed-circuit chamber that creates the kind of conditions often responsible for triggering a respiratory attack. “Our device is capable of generating vapours, liquid aerosols and solids, like wood dust, paint and formaldehyde,” explained Simon Leblond, one of the two co-founders of SCL Medtech. “In this way, we are able to bring the workplace to the doctor rather than the other way around. It is a far less costly solution for employers.”

The one-of-a-kind SCL GenaSIC is a particle generator that will safely and accurately further research into occupational asthma. The technology has everything it takes to appeal to hospitals and industries from both here and around the world. In fact, a group of Finnish doctors were recently in the region to learn more about the innovation. SCL Medtech, which has Montréal’s Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur as its major partner, is so convinced of the economic potential of this invention that the company decided to launch it on Canadian, U.S. and European markets.

Boosting opportunities

To stack the odds in its favour, SCL Medtech turned to Canada Economic Development for help in promoting its know-how and finding promising market opportunities. The financial assistance provided by the Agency enabled the company to bring its device to market, create three new jobs and consolidate five existing positions. SCL Medtech’s efforts paid off on both domestic and foreign markets: within 18 months, the firm had already doubled its sales, half of them abroad.

Simon Leblond and Simon Caron, the two visionaries behind SCL Medtech, firmly believe that innovation and entrepreneurial spirit go hand in hand. Making their dream come true meant taking the plunge into business. The future looks bright for the SCL GenaSIC and Montréal’s life sciences sector thanks to the support of Canada Economic Development.