nir-vana innovation network

Since 2005, a small Danish company has developed, manufactured and marketed disposable medical devices, working closely with patients, patient associations and healthcare professionals to make products that facilitate their lives.

The company started when a stoma nurse at a regional hospital had the idea for a disposable sleeve which could help ileostomy patients empty their ostomy bags in an easy and hygienic manner. A disposable, flushable sleeve was developed, made from eco-friendly and biodegradable paper, to allow easy and hygienic emptying of ostomy bags, avoiding risks of spillage. The sleeves are available in two standard sizes, 72cm and 100cm.

Shortly afterwards in 2008, the company developed a disposable stool collector, which is used to collect stool samples in connection with medical testing. Since 2014, the company’s disposable tool collectors have been used in Danish hospitals to check for intestinal cancer screening, which is offered as a standard service to all residents between the ages of 50 and 74. An alternative version was designed for the North American market, where toilet bowls have a higher water level. The company also manufactures a number of customised solutions, including working with the Danish Cancer Society on tools for collection of DNA.

The patented special paper is produced in Finland, and all models are certified by Eurofins in France, where they have passed flushing and biodegradability tests. The eco-friendly paper is designed to avoid air pockets in pipes and thus also blocking of drains when the paper is flushed out. The products are CE-marked under UN 3373/P 650.

Nowadays, the company operates in several international markets in Europe and the USA and in some countries, the products are a standard element in the national healthcare service.

In order to continue their expansion, the company is looking for distributors, who are currently selling equipment, ideally consumables and disposable products, to laboratories and hospitals. They expect the distributor to have a relatively limited product range already, but be interested in expanding their portfolio with new products with a proven efficiency based on consumer and hospital feedback.

Advantages & innovations

The products facilitate the emptying of ostomy bags and reduce the risk of spillage onto clothing, or make it easier and more convenient to collect stool samples, used in medical testing, including cancer screening. All products are documented as effective, being used for over a decade in national healthcare services and developed together with patients and patient organisations. The products are 100% biodegradable and flushable, making disposal both easy and not damaging to the environment.

Stage of development

Already on the market

Partner sought

Ideally, the partner would be a small distributor, with a proven record of selling consumables within the hospital and laboratory sector. The company expects that the distributor would not already be selling competing products, but would be looking for a new range of disposables to complete or expand their portfolio. The company is however, also open to other types of partner, including start-ups, if there is sufficient experience on a given market.