MedMira takes Canadian technology global

MedMira Inc. is a Canadian company with a global reach, exporting its diagnostic tests to countries as diverse as Romania, Sierra Leone, China and India, not to mention the United States.

The Halifax-based company develops and manufactures rapid diagnostic tests for diseases including HIV, hepatitis C and other infections. Hospitals, labs and individuals can use these tests to diagnose infectious diseases in three minutes. The rapid flow-through HIV test is the only one in the world approved by regulators in Canada, the United States, China and the European Union.

Since the company was founded in 1994, MedMira has expanded its business throughout the world. “There are regions of the world where our rapid tests are in greater demand due to the sheer numbers affected by these diseases,” says Andrea Young, Director of Communications at MedMira.

Africa and India are both huge markets but also have their challenges, she says. “Generally, these two markets have been tough to crack because of cultural differences, complex regulatory systems and some very deep-rooted competitors,” says Young. “So we’ve learned to do our due diligence and really look for the right fit before we jump in.”

Our technology is why organizations like the U.S. military want to work with us. They see the infinite potential in it like we do.”

Young credits MedMira's success to both the company's unique technology but also to the help of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS).

“The TCS has been instrumental in our success in various markets around the world,” she says. “They are always opening their door to us and willing to assist in providing key contacts and background information as we explore new markets.”

Young says MedMira has worked with the TCS in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Poland, and China.”

“They are truly one of the best representatives of our government, providing both domestic and international assistance to Canadian companies such as MedMira,” she says.

The company will continue to “pursue opportunities in every corner of the globe,” says Young, and she advises other companies looking to expand their business globally to call the TCS.

“Build on the fact that you are a Canadian company,” recommends Young. “Our country is tremendously respected around the world.”

For more information, visit the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.