South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) celebrates investment in Johns Island based SafeMedWaste

Columbia, SC — SC Launch Inc., the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority, has announced a $400,000 investment in SafeMedWaste. The Johns Island-based startup created a better way to dispose of controlled substances without incineration. “On-site chemical destruction of controlled substances is a gamechanger for safer and more cost-effective drug, specifically opioid, disposals,” said SCRA President and CEO Bill Kirkland. “We’re proud to partner with these innovators who have improved the disposal process for safety and a better environment.”

At SCRA’s quarterly Startups on Tap event, Charleston area’s entrepreneurial community members gathered at Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. last night to celebrate SafeMedWaste and other startups that are new SCRA member companies, investees, and grantees.

Formerly named Okra Medical, SafeMedWaste became an SCRA member company in September 2020 and an SC Launch Inc. portfolio company with this investment. “Traditional onsite disposal products for opioids often lack sufficient data to support safe and permanent drug destruction,” said SCRA Regional Director Kevin Eichelberger. “Off-site incineration for opioids is a more lengthy and complex process, which can result in a greater window of exposure to drug-related risks and higher costs.”

“When we began working with the team at South Carolina Research Authority many years ago, they understood our mission and supported our growth,” said SafeMedWaste President and CEO Justin Stas. “The opioid crisis continues to evolve, and SafeMedWaste is focused on reducing risk at the source. Our technology is designed to chemically degrade controlled substances, providing a safer, more responsible disposal solution that helps limit diversion and environmental impact. We also appreciate the role the South Carolina Research Authority and the state of South Carolina play in retaining top talent by supporting innovators building companies here at home.”

In 2020, SafeMedWaste secured a patent for a first-of-its-kind drug disposal technology designed to chemically destroy pharmaceuticals, validated across a broad range of controlled substances.

The company is poised to revolutionize the future of controlled substance waste management. It serves all types of health care facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies, and government clients, including the military, prisons, and coroner offices. In the future, single-use products will be available for in-home use. SafeMedWaste’s home product is positioned to be the first FDA-cleared medical devices for in-home drug disposal.