The Calgary Tower will be lit up in NanoTess blue on Monday, June 1st, marking the start of Wound Healing Awareness Month and highlighting the impact of complex wounds on Canadian families.
The initiative is being led by NanoTess, a Calgary-based biotechnology startup that manufactures NanoSALV Catalytic, a wound healing gel used by physicians, surgeons, and healthcare systems across Canada.
Wound Healing Awareness Month is an annual international campaign focused on raising awareness about the impact of living with wounds, the benefits of early intervention, and effective care strategies for patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers.
In Canada, the cost of wound care is estimated at $13 billion annually, while NanoTess says one in four families are affected by non-healing complex wounds or skin conditions. In Alberta, NanoSALV Catalytic is covered through public health benefits programs including Coverage for Seniors, Non-Group Coverage, Palliative, and AISH.
Megan Leslie, NanoTess’ co-founder and CEO, said lighting up one of Calgary’s most recognizable landmarks is intended to remind Calgarians living with complex wounds that they are not alone.
“At NanoTess, we strive to reduce barriers to skin and wound care. Part of that mission is visibility for people living with wounds,” said Leslie. “We know from experience that people living with wounds can feel marginalised and isolated and there is a stigma around chronic wounds which can make it hard to share that experience with friends and family.”
“By shining a light on wounds, literally, we hope to empower more people to seek out care, explore alternative options, and learn about healthcare innovations, like NanoSALV Catalytic, which may support their healing.”
Made in Calgary, NanoSALV Catalytic is a Health Canada-authorized medical device powered by NanoTess’ proprietary catalytic technology, CTM, which was also developed in Calgary.
According to the company, CTM employs micron-scale catalysts that work on the surface of injured tissue at any stage, leveraging copper to fine-tune regenerative signalling and re-establish key biochemical signals. NanoTess says the technology enables accelerated healing, modulates inflammation, and acts as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antiviral.
Mariam Botros, CEO of Wounds Canada, said wound care solutions focused on prevention and early intervention are critical for patients and healthcare systems.
“Wounds are a serious and often under-recognized health issue in Canada, affecting not only a person’s skin health and healing, but also their mobility, independence, dignity and quality of life,” said Botros. “When wounds are prevented, identified early and treated with evidence-informed care, suffering is reduced, outcomes are improved, and pressures on families, communities and health systems are eased.”
As part of Wound Healing Awareness Month, NanoTess is also launching a national community healing and compassionate care campaign called Heal One, Heal Another.
“NanoTess is a company built on social enterprise values and we’re very proud of that,” said Leslie. “Since inception, we have supported more than 100 marginalised groups, non-profits, and individuals experiencing barriers to wound care, and we are excited to continue this work under Heal One, Heal Another.”
Leslie said the campaign is encouraging Calgarians to check in with people in their community who may be struggling with skin or wound challenges, including people with diabetes, neighbours with reduced mobility, seniors, and family caregivers.
“Through conversation and education, community action and healthcare innovation, we can make a difference in the lives of people living with wounds,” she said.
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