Brian Webb: Bridging Science, Innovation, and Practice

 In entrepreneurial innovation, the fusion of academia and industry yields groundbreaking advancements that transcend conventional boundaries. This convergence catalyzes transformative solutions aimed at addressing pressing societal challenges, ushering in a new era of progress and possibility. At the heart of this dynamic landscape lies a fervent commitment to innovation and impact, driving individuals to navigate uncharted territories in pursuit of pioneering ventures that redefine the status quo.

Amidst this backdrop of innovation stands Brian Webb, poised at the forefront of entrepreneurial ingenuity. Armed with a vision and passion for entrepreneurship cultivated during his academic journey, the CEO & Co-founder of Laetech & Toothpod embodies a relentless pursuit of excellence and societal betterment. His trajectory, shaped by formative experiences at Trent University and the University of Toronto, epitomizes a symbiosis between academic rigor and entrepreneurial acumen, laying the foundation for his transformative contributions to the healthcare industry.

With an unwavering dedication to bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and practical application, Brian’s entrepreneurial endeavors transcend traditional boundaries, bringing to life a paradigm shift in healthcare innovation. Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transformative change, Brian exemplifies the ethos of entrepreneurial resilience and societal impact, propelling forward a future defined by innovation, accessibility, and holistic well-being.

Navigating the Path of Entrepreneurial Innovation

During his tenure as an undergraduate and graduate student, Brian harbored an endless passion for entrepreneurship, aiming to develop products with broad accessibility and a profound positive impact on users and society. This ardor took root during his undergraduate studies at Trent University, where he encountered the clinical and research realms, identifying a notable disparity between clinical product offerings and the potential achievable in laboratory settings. His graduate studies at the University of Toronto in Biomedical Engineering, under the guidance of Dr. Paul Santerre, played a pivotal role in shaping his perspectives on research, science, and product development. Brian’s graduate research illuminated a tangible opportunity for the development of related technology, prompting him to delve deeper into the conceptualization of this idea. This involved delineating the logistical aspects of product development, validating its efficacy, and addressing specific business-related considerations such as financing, regulatory compliance, and team building, culminating in the establishment of Laetech.

Regarding Toothpod, during the initial years of his PhD in 2021, Brian received an email from Vishar Yaghoubian, his current co-founder, seeking a science-savvy intern. Intrigued by the prospect, Brian joined the endeavor and discerned the potential for creating a convenient product aligned with the mission of alleviating the burden of cavities. The inception of Toothpod aimed to offer on-the-go oral care solutions in situations where traditional tools like toothbrushes and toothpaste were not readily available. The product underwent multiple iterations, evolving into a functional chewing gum containing three active ingredients: an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and remineralizing agent. Recognizing a deficiency in innovation within the oral care sector, Brian identified a clear opportunity to enhance care standards and modernize existing practices through convenience. His efforts in building the company commenced with formulating the product in his kitchen, followed by the procurement of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution channels. Recent developments have seen significant traction, with the product currently available for pre-order and a comprehensive product launch scheduled for Fall 2024.

Bridging Science and Practice

Drawing from an academic background has provided Brian with invaluable insight and expertise in the field of biomaterials engineering. This foundation has equipped him to discern the disparities between laboratory advancements and clinical applications. Furthermore, it has facilitated a nuanced understanding of the potential for translating laboratory innovations into clinical solutions, thereby addressing gaps in the tools available to healthcare providers. Brian acknowledges that without a solid grasp of fundamental scientific principles, identifying and addressing clinical gaps would have been considerably more challenging.

Innovative Solution for Gum Recession

Gum recession, affecting approximately half of the adult U.S. population, presents both aesthetic and health challenges. Exposing the root surface of the tooth to harmful bacteria heightens the risk of dental issues like caries and loss. Current treatment options, primarily autologous grafts, often entail pain, bleeding, and the risk of infection. However, the limited availability of viable tissue from the palate restricts the effectiveness of such procedures, necessitating multiple follow-ups. Although acellular membranes exist, their outcomes are inconsistent due to the absence of essential cells for tissue regeneration, maintaining autologous grafts as the standard approach.

Laetech, an emerging biotech firm, pioneers advanced reconstructive and cosmetic solutions leveraging patients’ own cells to enhance surgical outcomes. Their flagship innovation focuses on addressing gum recession efficiently and with reduced patient discomfort. By developing a soft tissue membrane utilizing a patient’s own fat-derived cells, Laetech aims to revolutionize gum recession treatment. This innovative approach eliminates the need for palate tissue harvest, offering quicker healing and mitigating infection risks. The product kit includes a degradable membrane and a fat-processing device, facilitating on-site cell isolation and membrane preparation during surgeries.

This groundbreaking technology not only provides an effective alternative to traditional grafts but also extends treatment possibilities for more severe cases where conventional methods fall short. With abundant fat tissue as the cell source, this solution broadens the scope of surgeries to encompass larger defects currently lacking viable solutions. Beyond gum recession, the technology holds promise for various soft tissue grafting needs, including post-lumpectomy or mastectomy breast reconstruction. Laetech envisions empowering surgeons to deliver superior patient care, enhancing both clinical outcomes and quality of life through reduced pain and improved aesthetic results.

Motivated by a desire to revolutionize oral care by prioritizing convenience, efficacy, and accessibility, Brian and Vishar embarked on a journey to reimagine the concept of oral hygiene. In response to the demands of modern lifestyles and dietary habits characterized by high sugar intake, Toothpod was conceptualized. Designed as a functional chewing gum, Toothpod offers a convenient solution to supplement and sustain oral health, regardless of time or place. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that Toothpods effectively remove twice as much plaque as conventional sugar-free chewing gum. Currently, preparations are underway for an extensive clinical trial to further validate the product’s efficacy and benefits.

Advancing Holistic Oral Care

Brian leverages his expertise and insights in oral health, the dental industry, and market dynamics to drive advancements across both companies. The synergistic alignment between Laetech and Toothpod enables him to enhance care provision both in clinical settings and on the go. With the eventual availability of both products in the market, a more comprehensive approach to oral care will be facilitated, contributing to improved overall oral health outcomes.

Optimizing Time for Dual Ventures

Efficient time management, guided by a comprehensive system that aligns with Brian’s overarching objectives and tasks throughout the day, has proven effective in balancing his dual roles. Brian subscribes to the principles outlined by Dr. Cal Newport, whose extensive writings on time management have influenced his approach. Looking ahead, the convergence of efforts in the dental domain between both companies presents a potential avenue for collaboration in the future.

Transforming Oral Care Landscape

Through the commercialization of both products, there will be a transformative impact on oral care, spanning clinical settings and daily routines. Brian envisions Laetech’s products, along with future innovations, revolutionizing the quality and extent of care available for soft tissue reconstruction procedures. Anecdotes shared after pitching Laetech’s solutions underscore the pressing need for alternatives to painful tissue harvesting procedures from the palate. Many individuals express regret at having undergone such procedures and express a desire for the availability of Laetech’s products during their treatment journeys. This sentiment was further affirmed when Laetech received the People’s Choice Award (and 2nd place) at the Desjardins U of T Pitch Competition in 2023.

As for Toothpod, the product offers a straightforward and convenient solution to a universal challenge. Brian aims to demonstrate that regular use of toothpods can significantly reduce the incidence of cavities. Beyond the direct benefits to oral health, Toothpod has the potential to reshape perceptions of oral care, which traditional methods have often failed to address adequately. Given the broader implications of poor oral health on overall well-being, Brian believes that improving oral health can positively impact one’s quality of life and overall health.

Navigating Priorities and Team Building

One of the primary challenges lies in setting priorities amidst the myriad of distractions that vie for attention and time each day. By adopting a mindful approach to prioritization, productivity can be enhanced, facilitating the delivery of high-quality healthcare products to a broader audience.

Another significant hurdle Brian has encountered is the task of assembling the right team. Overcoming this challenge necessitated the establishment of well-defined roles with clear boundaries outlining each person’s responsibilities. Given the multifaceted nature of start-up ventures, finding individuals who not only align with the company’s vision but also possess the requisite skill set and adaptability is crucial. Brian emphasizes the importance of fostering employee and intern motivation by instilling a shared understanding of the company’s mission. This approach cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability among team members, ultimately contributing to the successful execution of tasks.

Expanding Reach and Scaling Operations

The current growth strategy for Toothpod entails completing the product launch in the US and establishing a presence in over 500 dental clinics within the next two years. Interested individuals can participate in this journey by scanning the attached QR code. Following this, expansion into Canada is a priority, considering the company’s roots in the region and the growing interest in dental clinics. Additionally, Toothpod is exploring partnerships with office spaces, military organizations, and airlines to broaden the consumer base and reach those who stand to benefit the most from the product.

As for Laetech, the growth strategy focuses on team expansion to facilitate the scaling of manufacturing and validation processes for their products. Furthermore, the company is actively cultivating relationships with potential partnering clinics to pave the way for their first human testing endeavors in the near future.

Navigating Challenges with Purpose

Despite encountering setbacks and failures on a daily basis, Brian finds the multifaceted nature of start-up operations intriguing, as it presents new challenges that demand an adaptive mindset. Maintaining motivation amidst such challenges is rooted in a profound understanding and appreciation of his underlying purpose. Brian draws inspiration from his commitment to alleviating pain, enhancing quality of life, and fostering innovation within the healthcare space. These intrinsic motivations drive his actions and fuel his determination to bring innovative ideas to market, ultimately contributing to a positive societal impact.

Navigating Innovation

Beginning with identifying a problem and proposing a solution is crucial, but Brian advises against hesitating to refine the solution to ensure that it aligns with a scalable and profitable business model. While an exceptional product may hold the potential to save or enhance countless lives, securing financial backing can prove challenging if profitability is lacking. Brian emphasizes the importance of recognizing that healthcare products often face lengthy pathways to market approval, underscoring the need to maintain a holistic perspective. He acknowledges that many groundbreaking innovations may initially appear impractical but stresses the significance of perseverance.

Ultimately, bringing a healthcare product to market requires collaboration and a shared vision. Brian underscores the necessity of assembling a team of individuals who are aligned with the company’s goals and aspirations. This collective effort is essential for navigating the complexities of product development and market entry successfully.