ݮƵ Pharmacy students’ cultural and dietary interaction checker, Praxis, wins the 2025 Pharmasave Business Competition
An observation during a co-op work term has inspired a group of students from the University of ݮƵ’s School of Pharmacy to develop an innovative and inclusive tool that can help pharmacists source medications that meet specific dietary restrictions more effectively.
Many medications, including pill capsules, may contain gluten or ingredients derived from animal products or alcohol, which directly impacts individuals with diverse cultural, dietary or religious restrictions. While most software on the market integrates common allergies, it often lacks the capacity to address food intolerances and restrictions, leaving pharmacists to spend additional time sourcing suitable options for their patients.
ճPharmasave Business Competition awards a third-year ݮƵ School of Pharmacy student team a $5,000 prize for an innovative business model in the field of pharmacy. Students work in teams to develop a startup that solves a current health care issue aligned with Ontario health care regulations and pitch their ideas to a panel of pharmacists, entrepreneurs and financial advisors.
When Doctor of Pharmacy students Julia Regina Cervantes, Jessica Chionglo, Anoosh Hajira and Giya Joseph began brainstorming business ideas for their course, they were inspired by Hajira’s observation from a co-op work term. She noticed that the pharmacy team frequently wasted valuable time manually researching the patients’ questions and concerns about their medications and whether they meet their cultural, religious or dietary needs.
"Together, we reflected on our co-op work terms and despite encountering different patient dynamics, we realized we had all faced the same challenge," Joseph says.
“With a more diverse population, alternative medications were increasingly requested,” Hajira adds. “I thought to myself, ‘There has to be a more efficient way to look up restrictions and offer options tailored to patients’ needs.’”
Through extensive market research, the team confirmed this is a significant and recurring challenge pharmacists face. This inspired the creation of their business idea, Praxis – a healthcare resource designed to help pharmacists navigate cultural and dietary restrictions to tailor patient-specific medications. From halal-friendly gel capsules to gluten-free options, Praxis addresses the dietary and cultural challenges that are present in community pharmacies.