Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform and revolutionize healthcare – both for humans and animals.  Benefits may include faster and more accurate diagnoses, improved access to medical and veterinary care, and better treatment decisions.  Today we explore how AI is already being used in the animal health space, and the potential for future uses to continue to improve animal health.  We will also talk about the lack of regulations and legislation pertaining to the use of AI in healthcare and the potential risks.  

Assessing whether regulatory hurdles are stifling access to innovative animal health products and technologies in Canada. In this episode we discuss this critical issue with Kira Salonius, CEO of Previwo, a Norwegian based bio-technology company with biological health products for aquaculture. The company has patented technology for the use of good bacteria for microbial reinforcement via baths, especially with regard to salmon and cleaner fish.  

When it comes to animal health, Canada is a small player, representing between 2-3% of the total global animal health market.  The small market size combined with stringent regulatory requirements is an important consideration for companies when deciding which markets to pursue with their products.  They are for-profit companies, and the Return on Investment is a key driver in deciding whether it makes good business sense to pursue the Canadian market at all.

To explore this further, Lauren Carde, V.P. Operations and Regulatory Affairs for Paul Dick & Associates, full-service consulting firm for the human and animal health industries, speaks with Dr. Steven Theriault, the Chief Executive Officer of Cytophage Technologies, a Canadian company that ultimately decided not to bring their products to Canada because of the regulatory burden.