Market assessment for "Detecting and quantifying opioids with a low-cost portable device for use by front line workers"

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The opioid epidemic is a serious health crisis in Canada. A main source of the problem is synthetic fentanyl and its derivatives (e.g. carfentanyl), which are mixed into heroin and other recreational drugs. The variability and lack of control in in the amounts of fentanyl being added to "street" drugs is the primary cause of this epidemic of overdoses and deaths.The first line of attack in an attempt to reduce the number of fatalities resulting from this issue are the first responders (police, fire fighters, paramedics, emergency nursing staff, Canadian Border Services Personnel, and hazmat). These professionals need to quickly assess the level of danger posed by a situation both for their safety and subsequently safeguarding public safety. Given the extreme potency of fentanyl and carfentanyl, and their non-descript appearance in drug samples (e.g. unknown powder), there is significant concern for the safety of first responders, who are at risk of acute opioid intoxication. A new device is proposed that will address this need, one that is low cost, portable, sensitive and provides quantitative results of a number of drug compounds including fentanyl and its derivatives. This market assessment will assess the narcotics detection market to address product positioning and a suitable business model for a potential start-up.