Enhanced Medical Nutrition is a life sciences start-up focused on clinical nutrition, especially as it relates to surgery.

Preparing for high risk cancer surgery is similar to preparing for a marathon or a title fight. It is a very risky, lengthy, and dangerous undertaking. In order to give patients the best chance of success, they need to be prepared for surgery. Enhanced Medical Nutrition has developed INergy: a beverage designed to boost the immune system and reduce risk of infection in high risk cancer surgery.

We spoke with Co-Founder Eric Zimmerman about innovation, inspiration, and why Enhanced Medical Nutrition is well-positioned in the clinical nutrition space.

Enhanced Medical Nutrition participated in our Synapse Life Science Competition this year. The competition pairs innovators with McMaster students to develop key business components. Through the competition, they were able to create a commercialization plan for their innovation and present an informational poster at our final event.

Pictured: Henry Hu [L] of Enhanced Medical Nutrition and Zachary Lin, a McMaster student.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR COMPANY?

Having worked in surgical sales, I would often discuss gaps in the Canadian healthcare system and potential solutions with my colleagues. After being introduced to a special surgical protocol called “ERAS” (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) it was obvious that nutrition is viewed only as an afterthought in surgery. However, evidence-based research shows the crucial role nutrition can play in surgery. We want to advocate for that.

WHAT ROLE DOES INNOVATION PLAY IN YOUR BUSINESS? 

Surgical innovation is the platform for our business. Healthcare systems and hospitals are realizing how the whole process of surgery needs to be changed in order to improve outcomes and reduce costs. Nutrition is a big part of that.

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING ABOUT BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR? WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING?

It is rewarding to support meaningful research. It is also rewarding to provide patients and hospitals with an affordable way to reduce dangerous infections. However, all this is challenging too!

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS? 

We are part of a very obvious shift in surgical culture and healthcare innovation. I think the best way for us to measure success as a premarket start-up is the engagement, adoption, and enthusiasm we have received from clinical partners.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES YOU FROM YOUR COMPETITION?

In the clinical nutrition space, we are very small and agile. We don’t have the corporate rigidity of a massive subsidiary and that is an advantage for us.

WHAT IS THE BEST RECOGNITION YOU HAVE RECEIVED? 

The provincial government brought us to Dubai on a healthcare trade mission recently. It was really exciting to see how global this shift is.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT YEAR AND BEYOND?

Bringing our evidence-based solutions to market and helping create positive change in patients’ experience/outcomes in surgery. Our focus right now is Canada, but we know that this is a global market.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS WHO MAY JUST HAVE AN IDEA? 

Ask questions and be honest. It’s okay not to know the answer to everything. Believe in yourself.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR COMPANY? 

We’re committed to advocating for evidence-based change in surgical nutrition. Do your part – help your friends and family be prepared for surgery.

HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU?

Website
www.enmednut.com

Twitter
@enmednut