Scotiaderm has developed a proprietary natural active agent in a skin barrier formulation that protects against Moisture Associated Skin Damage caused by exposure to urine, feces, sweat and chaffing.
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Can Natural Ingredients Heal Painful Skin?
Scotiaderm has developed DermaShield, a revolutionary barrier cream that incorporates a plant-based enzyme inhibitor to treat Moisture Associated Skin Damage (MASD)—a painful condition affecting millions of hospitalized patients, elderly individuals, and those with incontinence. Their natural active ingredient achieves 97.5% efficacy in inhibiting fecal enzymes, offering the first targeted solution for a condition that has relied on outdated treatments for decades.
The Opportunity
The global MASD market represents a $38 billion opportunity, with Scotiaderm’s obtainable market estimated at $380 million in a sector projected to grow 20% by 2040 as populations age. Current barrier products offer no active ingredients to address the origin of MASD, positioning DermaShield as a first-in-class solution that could command premium pricing while addressing a significant unmet medical need affecting millions of vulnerable patients worldwide.
The Challenge
Scotiaderm needed to advance their promising DermaShield technology from laboratory validation to clinical proof-of-concept to secure Health Canada’s Class III Natural Health Product approval. With MASD affecting up to 80% of elderly patients in care facilities and current treatments relying on trial-and-error approaches with products unchanged since the 1950s, the company required rigorous clinical validation and real-world market testing to demonstrate their plant-based enzyme inhibitor’s superior efficacy.
“For too long, patients suffering from moisture-associated skin damage have endured painful, lengthy healing processes. Scotiaderm’s plant-based enzyme inhibitor represents a breakthrough—directly targeting the root cause of MASD by neutralizing harmful fecal enzymes rather than simply creating a barrier. We’re not just treating symptoms; we’re addressing the biochemical process that causes this painful condition, offering hope to millions of vulnerable patients who deserve better care.”
NPC’s Solution
NPC’s Proof of Concept funding will facilitate both clinical trials and early adopter market research trials across Canadian long-term care and home care facilities. This allows Scotiaderm to validate their plant-based enzyme inhibitor technology in both clinical and market settings while simultaneously gathering the evidence base needed for regulatory approval and commercial launch.
NPC is committed to the creation of natural products that are better for people, animals and the planet. We propel early-stage Canadian innovators with the advice, connections and capital they need to develop and de-risk their solutions quickly and efficiently.
Scotiaderm
Description:
Sector(s):
Household, Personal CareFunding Type:
Proof of ConceptProvince:
Nova ScotiaFunding Amount:
$138,898
Year of Funding:
2025
Name:
Johanna Mercer
