Proven Success
Sleep Apnea Solutions
Innovate Calgary’s most successful licensing activity originated from the research of Dr. John Remmers, an expert and thought leader in the field of sleep physiology and sleep medicine.
Dr. Remmers, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, was the first investigator to develop a practical solution to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) through positive airway pressure. OSA is caused by an anatomical narrowing of the upper airway during sleep. This narrowing in turn causes interruptions in breathing during sleep. OSA is very prevalent affecting an estimated 10% of the adult population. Dr Remmers has developed a number of technologies and medical devices to treat OSA and other respiratory-related sleep disorders most notably the Tranquility CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).
In 2001 a broader license for OSA treatment technologies including AUTO CPAP was concluded and in 2008, a deal was finalized for a low flow CPAP or controlled re-breathing device.
Dr. Remmers’ continues to be highly inventive and his research results continue to have broad reaching impact within the area of sleep physiology and have improved the lives on many patients around the world.