*This is one in a series of feature articles about companies that received SBIR/STTR funding and matching funds from Launch Tennessee. Companies that have received this funding will be highlighted at this year’s upcoming Innovation Week, Feb. 24-28. Mark your calendars!
Company: Pedia-Dose
Name and title: Tuzdy Currlin, MD, Pediatrician, Co-Founder of Pedia-Dose (pictured above)
Location: Gallatin
When parents are up in the middle of the night with a sick child, it can be difficult to keep track of what medicine is given when, and that leads to unintended errors.
“About half of parents have unintentionally made mistakes when giving medicine to children at home,” Dr. Tuzdy Currlin said.
Pedia-Dose is working to reduce accidental errors in children’s medication through a mobile app that will provide parents with clear and accurate information as well as handy records.
With the help of Launch Tennessee, Pedia-Dose recently received funding from the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, plus additional matching funds from LaunchTN.
“Working with Launch Tennessee has expanded our network, helped us gain insight and exposure to the local startup community, and provided us valuable opportunities and resources to help grow our business,” Dr. Currlin said.
The company will use the funds to gather data through a simulated usability study and then incorporate study participant feedback into an updated and user-friendly mobile app.
Dr. Currlin shared more about the company and the value of growing it in Tennessee.
Q: What makes your work special?
A: We are focused on addressing a societal need, which is reducing children’s medication errors at home. These rates are even higher in populations with healthcare disparities. At Pedia-Dose we see a real opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families in our community.
Q: What makes Tennessee the right home for your company/research?
A: Beyond the fact that Nashville is a top hub for healthcare, our company has received such incredible support from LaunchTN, the Wond’ry at Vanderbilt, BioTN and the Mentor Network. We recently participated in [LaunchTN’s] 3686 conference. It was invigorating to see such energy and innovation going on in our community.
Q: Tell us about a recent success that you’re particularly proud of.
A: We recently began our usability study, and early feedback has been incredibly encouraging—especially from individuals with limited access to healthcare. One mother, moved to tears, shared her own experience of struggling to find the right medicine dose for her sick child. She hoped her participation helps other parents take care of their children.
Q: What’s one thing you know now you wish you knew when you started?
A: Seek out diverse mentorship early and see what resources are available to startups. There are many skills needed when starting a business. We have really benefited from having our business located in Tennessee and receiving support from organizations, such as LaunchTN and the Mentor Network.
Q: What are your long-term goals for your company/research?
A: Our goal is for Pedia-Dose to be available to any parent or caregiver that takes care of young children. The need for a product like ours is real, in fact the American Academy of Pediatrics has called for more research funding to reduce children’s medication errors at home. We believe Pedia-Dose can help children and families, particularly those with limited access to healthcare.