BIOZINETHE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ALBERTA’S LIFE SCIENCES INDUSTRY

2015

A look inside Canada’s first 3D Virtual Heart Centre

At the Heart of Technology in Alberta

Looking andLeading ForwardOrganizations fuelling Alberta’s life sciences industry

Eye on InnovationA spotlight on inventive companies

DevelopingFuture LeadersThe Sanofi Biogenius Canada competition prepares the next generation of leaders in life sciences

2 | BIOZINE 2015

Biomedical engineering

located in the engineering capital of canada, the

University of calgary’s biomedical engineering program

is advancing knowledge and solving problems in animal

and human biology, medicine and health-care by

educating the next generation of leaders.

Ready to contRibute

our undergraduate students have the strengths of a traditional engineering

degree at the Schulich School of engineering, advanced knowledge of

biomedical engineering and valuable hands-on work experience.

Multi-disciplinaRy teaMwoRk

our graduate students participate in teams with researchers in engineering,

kinesiology, medicine, nursing, science and veterinary medicine at an

institution committed to investing significantly in biomedical research.

paRtneRs in ReseaRch

researchers work towards making an impact through scientific discoveries,

innovative and market-driven technologies, and solutions to enhance

the wellness and well-being of all throughout the lifespan. We look for

opportunities to link with industry and international entities to provide

market-ready graduates and r&d solutions.

collaborative, skilled and experienced – the university of calgary’s biomedical engineers are ready to help your team make a difference today.

For inquiries email bme@ucalgary.ca | ucalgary.ca/bme

Ready to make a difference

BioMed_BioZineAd.indd 1 2015-04-20 10:00 AM

BIOZINE 2015 | 3

04

06

10

17

21

28

30

Message from the Executive Chair

Eye on Innovation

At the Heart of Technology in Alberta

Looking & Leading Forward

Developing Future Leaders

BioAlberta Members

bioalberta.com/bioalberta-beat

facebook.com/bioalberta

twitter.com/bioalberta

linkedin.com/company/bioalberta-alberta-biotechnology-association

youtube.com/bioalberta

BioAlberta Partners

Want to know what’s going on in the life sciences industry? Join us online:

BIOZINE is the official magazine of Alberta’s life sciences industry. Published by ctrl alt design for BioAlberta.

16917 108 Street NWEdmonton, Alberta T5X 3B2

t 780.265.6659ctrlaltdesign.ca

PrincipalMolly Bujold

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the

written consent of the publisher.

The views and opinions herein do not necessarily represent those of ctrl alt design or its principal

Molly Bujold or BioAlberta.

314 Ledgeview Business Centre9707 - 110 Street

Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2L9t 780.425.3804f 780.409.9263

e admin@bioalberta.combioalberta.com

Interim PresidentAggie Mikulski

Executive ChairmanDavid Cox

Manager, Memberships & Partnerships

Nicola McFarlane

Manager, CommunicationsMichael Flood

Special ProjectsJohn (Sony) Robbins

Administrative CoordinatorDonna Parker

contents

4 | BIOZINE 2015

Executive Chair

message from the

Thank you for picking up the 2015 edition of BioZine, the premier magazine of Alberta’s life sciences industry. The year since our last edition has proved to be a challenging one for Alberta. We have all been shocked by the dramatic fall in crude oil prices and the devastating impact that this has had on Alberta’s economy. With adversity comes opportunity and so the conversation about diversification has moved up the agenda once more.

The life sciences represents one of the best and most compelling avenues for diversification and we anticipate that the business and financial landscape for our life science companies could actually improve considerably during these challenging times. Indeed, we have seen some thrilling developments in the sector in recent months, notably the novel antibiotics licensing deal struck by Fedora Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Edmonton) with Roche and Meiji Seika Pharma, thought to be one of the largest biotech licensing deals in Canadian history. Our medical device sector is burgeoning and we are seeing some major strides in the agri-foods, bio-industrials and natural health products sectors.

I have been involved with BioAlberta since its inception in 1998 when life sciences essentially meant drug development. Now the sector itself has diversified dramatically as powerful new tools in biosciences have opened up new, hitherto undreamed of business opportunities. This is one reason why biotech stocks have been one of best performers on global stock exchanges in the last year.

I want to close on a personal and sad note. In March of this year we saw the passing of Dr. Cy Frank, CEO of Alberta Innovates Health Solutions. His contributions to health research and innovation in Alberta were incalculable. He was a visionary, a pioneer and he will be greatly missed.

David Cox, Executive Chairman

innovation

6 | BIOZINE 2015

CanBiocin Inc.www.canbiocin.ca

CanBiocin Inc. is a University of Alberta spin-off company founded in 1998 by Drs. Michael Stiles, Lynn McMullen, and John Vederas. Their current scientists and company founders are experts in food microbiology, medical microbiology, immunology, and chemistry. Recently, they received GLP facilities recognition and are currently pursuing full GLP recognition through the Standards Council of Canada. CanBiocin specializes in developing and commercializing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for use in food, agricultural, and health applications. One of their main products, the bio preservative Micocin® is applied to prepackaged deli meats to prevent contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a common food pathogen. The company’s current focus is on developing a line of species-relevant probiotics for use in companion animals to promote health and prevent infections. In recent years, CanBiocin has also branched into a new realm – microbiological contract testing. They have performed contract testing experiments encompassing a wide range of experimental designs and using a variety of microorganisms (including pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, yeasts, and molds). With more than 17 years of experience behind them, their team of scientists are able to design, consult, conduct, and analyse experiments of any complexity for their customers.

Metabolomic Technologies Inc. www.metabolomictechnologies.ca

Metabolomic Technologies Inc. (MTI) is an Edmonton-based life sciences company that is developing a new screening method for the detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. The company was formed from a research program facilitated by Drs. Haili Wang and Richard Fedorak, who were interested in using the new science of metabolomics to explore how colorectal cancer and adenomatous (precancerous) polyps affected cellular metabolism. MTI is committed to developing advanced metabolomic-based diagnostic tests for ‘high-value’ diagnostics and the management of chronic diseases. Their initial focus is on developing highly novel, patented, metabolomic-based, diagnostic tests to detect adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer (CRC). CRC is a leading cause of death in North America, but is curable if identified through early screening processes. However, current fecal-based screening methodologies are suboptimal due to a lack of sensitivity and acceptability. Their flagship product, PolypDx™, a spot urine diagnostic test, innovatively offers a significantly higher sensitivity in detecting adenomatous polyps and thus significantly advances the prevention of CRC.

innovation

Bertech Pharma Ltd.www.bertechpharma.com

Bertech Pharma Ltd. is a privately-held company based in Edmonton focusing on the development of innovative, next generation products to address the needs of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Their products improve early detection, increase screening compliance, and improve survival rates for patients with CRC. In gastrointestinal cancers early detection can make an enormous difference to patient outcomes. Bertech is advancing the ability of physicians to diagnose and treat CRC by utilizing biomarker assays to increase early detection, undertake patient stratification, improve treatment selection and assessment, and enhance post treatment monitoring, as well as developing new, targeted compounds to treat CRC more effectively. There is a growing demand for enhanced colorectal cancer diagnostic tests, personalized treatment assessment capabilities and new targeted therapies in this multi-billion dollar global market. Bertech’s lead products include a novel blood test, currently in clinical trials, for the detection of early-stage CRC; a proprietary blood test, currently in pilot studies, to monitor patients’ immune response to CRC treatment, allowing clinicians to modify treatment regimes in order to maximize the effectiveness of the patient’s immune system to fight their disease; and novel chemotherapies in preclinical studies which feature increased potency, reduced side effects and the capability to reverse multi-drug resistance in cancers. Bertech has also spun out a new company, Bertech Diagnostics Ltd., which has in-licensed The Lung Cancer TestTM for the Canadian market. The clinically proven test detects lung cancer in its early stages for current and former smokers leading to higher survival rates.

BIOZINE 2015 | 7

innovation

8 | BIOZINE 2015

Quest Pharmatech Inc.www.questpharmatech.com

Quest PharmaTech Inc. (Quest) is a publicly traded (TSX-V: QPT), Alberta-based pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and commercialization of products for the treatment of cancers. Quest, through its wholly-owned subsidiary OncoQuest, Inc., is focused on exploring combinatorial immunotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment using immunoglobulin G or E with chemotherapy, as well as immune-adjuvant or photodynamic therapy to enhance tumor specific immunity and clinical outcome. OncoQuest has recently completed enrollment in a risk mitigating confirmatory clinical trial involving 80 ovarian cancer patients in Italy and the United States. The company is also studying Oregovomab clinically in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancers, and plans a combinatorial study with the immune stimulator, Hiltonol™ (a TLR3 agonist licensed from Oncovir Inc.) in conjunction with standard chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. OncoQuest’s second generation products are based on immunoglobulin E licensed from UCLA, Stanford University and Advanced Immune Therapeutics. These antigen specific monoclonal IgE antibodies are currently under preclinical development to evaluate changes in the tumor microenvironment. Quest also has an ownership interest in two other companies: (1) Bioceltran, which is focused on SP Technology for transdermal delivery of drugs for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes; and (2) Bellus Skin, which markets a premium anti-wrinkle skin care serum licensed from Korea.

Alberta Research Chemicals Inc.www.arciglobal.com

Alberta Research Chemicals Inc. (ARCI) is engaged in the development of novel therapeutics for infectious diseases and cancers, the two major health issues raising alarm in contemporary society. To date there is little or no effective protection against scourges like HIV, Ebola and common food borne bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella. In the veterinary world, cattle, domestic and companion animals face culling to prevent the spread of disease outbreaks. In a major departure from the current paradigm, ARCI’s research is exploring ways to counter viral and bacterial challenges with heightened immune defences using novel technology.

Cancer research has advanced today to the point that targeted therapeutics are the choice for cancer chemotherapy as standalone drugs or in combination. ARCI is currently developing large compound libraries in search of epigenetic targets against angiogenesis. Their mission is to develop solid proof of principle, protected by worldwide patents covering both constitution of matter and therapeutic applications, while exploring early out-licensing opportunities. While developing strong intellectual property and technologies, ARCI also provides contract research services and consulting to various researchers and various organizations to strengthen ARCI revenues for their drug discovery and development programs.

FREDsense Technology Corp.www.fredsense.com

FREDsense Technology Corp. was founded in 2012 by a group of six dynamic young students and alumni from the University of Calgary, interested in changing how the world operates using the powerful new field of synthetic biology. Their passion is using biology and engineering together to tell the world what is in their water. Developing powerful diagnostic tools is of key concern to numerous industries. FREDsense’s first product, which is presently in development, is a water monitoring autonomous device to rapidly determine mining contaminants in any body of water. The system is fast, easy-to-use, hands-free, accurate and represents the first of a platform of products designed to detect compounds in any water source. FREDsense’s unique technology will dramatically change the way we think about monitoring water in our world. The company won numerous awards including over ten accolades at the world’s largest synthetic biology competition, iGEM, and various business plan competition awards including the Queen’s Entrepreneurship Competition, the ENV Hunter Competition and the Nicol Award. FREDsense is the start of something different here in Alberta, looking to bring new synthetic biology-focused technology and environmental consciousness to the market.

Deloitte is proud to partner with BioAlberta to provide insight into the life sciences industry with the bi-annual State of the Industry report.

deloitte.ca

10 | BIOZINE 2015

A look inside Canada’s first 3D Virtual Heart Centre

BIOZINE 2015 | 11

Edmonton is now home to Canada’s first 3D

virtual heart centre, revolutionizing how

doctors detect and treat complex heart

conditions. Located amongst the surgical suites in

the world-renowned Mazankowski Alberta Heart

Institute, the Servier Virtual Cardiac Centre (SVCC)

is an advanced visualization lab for cardiac imaging

that uses high performance computers and advanced

technology to depict the heart in 3D.

12 | BIOZINE 2015

The SVCC is a multi-disciplinary environment, allowing cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, radiologists, engineers, computing scientists and mathematicians to collaborate and make better medical decisions by using sophisticated technology to predict surgical and interventional outcomes. The heart and blood vessels can now be viewed and analyzed in three dimensions on large screens. The imaging allows for cardiac care specialists to see realistic details and examine all areas of a heart, both inside and out. “Because it’s more like a view of what sits in your body, you can hone in on it the way you would as a surgeon.” explains Dr. Michelle Noga, Medical Director at the SVCC. “You aren’t limited by being on one plane so you can better deal with complexities.”

Noga came up with the idea for 3D imaging through her work as a cardiac radiologist. She tried 3D printing initially, but found the technology didn’t accurately represent all the data and information a surgeon would need. “They don’t feel like the real heart - they don’t pump, it’s just basically plastic. I saw virtual display happening in other areas and thought that would be a more ideal option.”

Thanks to a $1 million gift from Servier Canada to the University Hospital Foundation’s Caring Campaign and the procurement of a suitable space in the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Dr. Noga and her team, including Dr. Kumaradevan Punithakumar (Kumar), the centre’s Operational and Computational Director, opened the doors of the SVCC in October of 2013.

3D imaging applies the knowledge that humans see things with two eyes that are set slightly apart to reproduce

a sense of depth. Since there is separation between them, each eye sees the world from a different angle. A combination of the individual images seen by each eye creates a perception of depth and dimension in the brain and is the basis on which 3D imaging was created. The shutter glasses used by the centre allow only the left image to seen by the left eye and right image by the right eye by blocking the other image. This repeats so rapidly the user does not see the interruptions of the left and right images, which provides a perceived vision as a single 3D image. The rendering technology at the centre was created using free, open-source software called Visualization Toolkit (VTK) that allows for the development of 3D computer graphics and visualization applications. Dr. Kumar, who holds a PhD in computer engineering and a background working with medical image processing algorithms, used the toolkit for rendering the volumetric medical data which significantly reduced the amount of time needed for the development of the software used at the SVCC.

BIOZINE 2015 | 13

Crop & animalyield improvement

Biological controlagents

Ag big data Advancedbreeding platforms

Seed technology

www.verdexcapital.com

The process starts with an echocardiogram, which provides the medical image information as a Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) file, and then the VTK software reads and displays the DICOM image formats directly. The DICOM image file contains multiple volumes corresponding to different phases of the cardiac cycle, and iteration of the display over these volumes creates the animation of a beating heart. Adjustments can be made to the colour and transparency of the tissues to make distinctions in the anatomy. “You would have different values and colours for different tissues, for example, bone would have a certain value and colour so it appears as a white object whereas heart tissue would be slightly different.” explains Dr. Kumar. “We also use image enhancement tools to make

edges sharper or more realistic shadows. We’re continually working on the technology to improve the picture level.”

The intent is for the technology to be used in the instance of more complicated cases that require certain

types of complex procedures such as valve replacement surgeries, where precise measurements and an idea of what could be wrong with the valve are important. “You see what’s there ahead of time, in as much detail as possible, so you can make a plan and have it in place before you move forward to the operation. It makes it easier to discuss with the patient because you’re more certain of what you are going to do, especially if someone is going to undergo a surgery that’s considered higher-risk.” explains Dr. Noga. “Since surgeons can work more efficiently

when they’re in the operating room, surgery times can be quicker [which is] better for the patient because the time that the heart is arrested is reduced. Ultimately you’re

If the surgeons know ahead of time exactly what’s going to be there, they can work more efficiently when they’re in the operating room

14 | BIOZINE 2015

looking at better patient outcome, because your decision-making is better.”

In this day and age – when self-diagnosis is a Google-click away – patient education and communication is of utmost importance. Patients today are more involved in their diagnosis, and the technology at the SVCC allows them to sit in a room with their surgeon and gain a better understanding of their disease and discuss surgical options. “3D technology is so intuitive, you don’t need somebody to stand there and explain exactly what you’re seeing on the screen – which is a problem with the other imaging, it’s not intuitive, so we tend to do a lot of standing and pointing at what certain things are.” explains Dr. Noga.

The technology at the SVCC is constantly evolving. The unique lab creates collaboration between practicing physicians and the research team allowing for continuous improvement. “They can tell us what they would like us to improve, and we can respond directly to their needs.” says Dr. Noga. “There are enormous possibilities – we can create simulations and predict what would happen if we do the procedure this

way; we can simulate how the blood would flow if we put an implant in this position.” adds Dr. Kumar. Also in development are tools to create a virtual surgical experience of being able to feel and hold the heart and mimic a scalpel cut. If this technology was applied to other areas of the body as well, the educational benefits would be immense. Surgical, pathology and radiology residents could learn and study anatomy in an electronic environment. “There’s a huge advantage to this,” explains Dr. Noga, “in real life you can only cut things apart once.” It could allow for

BIOZINE 2015 | 15

the study of unique and rare medical conditions as well. According to Dr. Kumar, “we could catalogue a thousand different medical cases. Students could pick whatever case they want to use as a learning tool very easily.”

The location of the Centre in the Mazankowski Institute allows for a partnership that encourages further growth and leadership in its field. “Innovation of this kind is only possible in an advanced academic medical centre, where clinical practitioners from the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and researchers and scientists from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Faculty of Computer Sciences are collaborating to develop new technology and expertise,” states Joyce Mallman, President of the University Hospital Foundation, “moving the one-of-a-kind Servier facility from concept, to clinical patient use.”

About The Program

The Master of Biomedical Technology degree is provided in a one year graduate program that focuses on a strong foundation in life sciences and business aspects of biotechnology. It includes a 12 week practicum in areas such as:

Our Graduates

• Research & Development• Manufacturing and Production• Quality Control• Technology Commercialization• Clinical Research• Regulatory Affairs• Business and Marketing• Intellectual Property

Our multi-disciplinary program is unique in Canada and provides students with the flexibility and excellence they need for future success in business, academia and government.

In the past decade we have over 200 graduates now working in a wide varietyof roles:

Contact

MBT Graduate Program AdministratorFaculty of Medicine, HSC G345BUniversity of CalgaryCalgary, AlbertaT2N 1N4 Canada

E-mail: mbtgrad@ucalgary.cawebsite: www.biotech.ucalgary.ca

The partnership between the SVCC and Servier Canada is also of a unique nature. “The model of research grant-funding is a bit harder for us to do, because a lot of medically-related research funding relies on you already having results. When you’re developing something that’s completely different and unique as we are, it’s much harder to show results because you’re in the process of building it.” Dr. Noga credits Servier Canada for their encouragement during the development process. “They’ve been very patient and very supportive of us.”

The Servier Virtual Cardiac Centre is not only the first of its kind in Alberta, but in Canada, and is a credit to the innovation of the life sciences industry in this province. According to Dr. Noga, “Alberta is an interesting place for technology. There is a wish on the part of people in this province to move forward with technology and use it in innovative ways.”

Photo courtesy University Hospital Foundation

16 | BIOZINE 2015

Forward

FORWARD

Strong industry clusters are built

with leading and learning structures

that cohesively intertwine. In the

case of Alberta’s life sciences

industry there have been, and

continue to be, many individuals,

organizations and companies that

lead and support the innovation

ecosystem. Here’s a look at some of

the organizations that are fuelling

Alberta’s life sciences industry.

GILEAD CHOOSES ALBERTA

The past winter has seen construction crews hard at work on Edmonton’s Hayter Road, building a state of the art laboratory for Gilead Alberta ULC. When completed, the 44,000 square foot facility will house nearly 170 full-time staff working to produce active ingredients for Gilead’s worldwide research programs. They will join 300 scientists and other Gilead personnel working at the Gilead Alberta headquarters across the road.

The new multimillion-dollar facility and an upgrade to the original site will represent a $200 million investment in Alberta. With a market value of more than $150 billion US and over 6,000 employees worldwide,

BIOZINE 2015 | 17

Gilead had many potential locations to choose from to build its new lab. So why did the multinational biotech firm, headquartered in Foster City, California, choose Alberta?

Gilead Alberta grew out of Raylo Chemicals, a specialty chemical company that was spun-off from the University of Alberta in the 1960s. Gilead had a strong working relationship with Raylo, contracting them for custom intermediates and research chemicals. In the mid-2000s, as Gilead began to expand its research and development focus into HIV and respiratory ailments, they required a ramp up in production of exploratory substances and it made sense to build upon a trusted and proven relationship.

The skills and knowledge at Raylo Chemicals that made them attractive to Gilead did not grow in a vacuum.

By working with Raylo, and later purchasing them to found a local subsidiary, Gilead was able to take advantage of the strong support infrastructure that drives the success of Alberta’s life science companies.

It’s not just big companies that benefit from the Alberta advantage. LOCAL INNOVATORS

Alberta is home to a wide variety of small life sciences firms pursuing everything from medical devices and pharmaceuticals to industrial biotechnology and agricultural innovations. Fedora Pharmaceuticals Inc., an Edmonton-based drug discovery company, benefitted from groundbreaking made-in-Alberta research that enabled them to sign an historic $750 million development deal with Roche Pharmaceuticals and Meiji Seika Pharma. NanoSpeed Diagnostics Inc. creates test kits for Vitamin D deficiency that are distributed worldwide. These tests are simple enough to be used in a doctor’s office and produce results in ten minutes, rather than the hours or days traditional lab tests take. Ceapro Inc., a natural health products company that counts Johnson & Johnson and Burt’s Bees as customers, identifies and extracts functional ingredients from plants to promote human health. Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc., an innovator in the medical software field, creates software to evaluate data from MRI and CT images, improving the speed and accuracy

of diagnoses. Delta Genomics provides affordable genotyping of livestock animals to assist selective breeding, improving the rate of beneficial trait development in cattle, pigs and sheep. Forge Hydrocarbons converts rendered fats and cooking oils into vehicle fuel. Enerkem Alberta Biofuels is part of a comprehensive municipal waste-to-biofuels initiative in partnership with the City of Edmonton and Alberta Innovates Energy and Environment Solutions. This facility takes non-recyclable and non-compostable garbage from the City of Edmonton and converts it into methanol, ethanol and other widely used chemical intermediates.

These companies have all benefited from Alberta’s business-friendly environment with government-backed initiatives to support economic diversification.

A SUPPORTIVE ECOSYSTEM

The support available to companies operating in Alberta is diverse and comprehensive. There are government-funded initiatives like TEC Edmonton, Innovate Calgary, and the Alberta Innovates corporations along with the National Research Council, all of which assist entrepreneurs with turning technological breakthroughs into startup companies. There are private networks, like the A100 and the University of Alberta’s Venturing Mentoring Service (VMS), groups of experienced technology executives who mentor startup founders. There are also academic initiatives like the Biorefining Conversions Network, which encourages industry-relevant research to support life science companies.

BIOZINE 2015 | 19

Technologies ready for licensing through Innovate Calgary:

Just askinnovatecalgary.com

Discovery that could change the world?

To learn more about these and other technologies ready for licensing, Just ask.

Non-invasive, fast, inexpensive detecti on of solid organ transplant rejecti on (ID #1097.1)An alternati ve to current biopsy-based tests. This technique involves limited sequencing of cell-free DNA isolated from recipient plasma and using a novel method to assess the relati ve contributi on of recipient versus donor DNA, the latt er showing to be increased during organ rejecti on.

Method to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease (ID #965.1)A novel method to prevent and treat atherosclerosis that involves higher concentrati ons of a protein shown to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood and artery walls.

Metabolomics Research & Licensing Opportuniti esMetabolomics, a rapidly emerging fi eld that holds great promise for novel diagnosti c and prognosti c methods, is being advanced by the University of Calgary’s Metabolomics Research Centre via access to research experti se, clinical samples and specialized industry support. A range of partnership and licensing opportuniti es are available.

For more information visitwww.ceapro.com

PGX TECHNOLOGYA novel green technology for processing biopolymers

PGX Technology can generate unique fine structured morphologies with superior properties, such as very large specific surface areas, improved dissolution properties and many more...

• Drying• Purification• Micronization

• Functionalization• Impregnation• Extraction

native corn starch granule

pgx corn starch

2 microns

10 microns

ACCELERATING INNOVATION & COMMERCIALIZATION

One strong part of this innovation support ecosystem in Alberta is the TEC Health Accelerator, a program run by TEC Edmonton. The accelerator assists new life science startup companies with their initial business plan through to making connections with funding and scale up to being self-sustaining corporations. Along the way they provide entrepreneurs with expert advice. The accelerator has set itself the ambitious goal of accelerating 50 new health companies in the next five years.

Jason Ding, Executive in Residence at TEC, believes that the quality of research coming out of Alber ta’s research institutions, as well as the increasing collaboration between provincial health stakeholders and industry partners, will help them reach their goals. He also notes a

strong entrepreneurial streak in Alberta’s graduates that helps them succeed, whether in founding their own companies or contributing to existing companies. “Albertans are strong in our ability to execute,” Ding said, “we have a ‘can-do’ attitude that helps us overcome hurdles and get our products to markets that will ultimately help patients.”

One of the Accelerator’s major strengths is i ts diverse knowledge base – the organization employs academics, regulators, industry consultants, as well as current and former executives to help advise and assist new companies. Kevin Ens is one such Executive in Residence. A veteran manager of several life science companies, with experience bringing medical innovations to market, he brings a wealth of knowledge in advising startup companies.

“I really enjoy the startup space,” Ens says, “TEC is a great place for someone like me to get the opportunity to work with a large number of entrepreneurs and early stage companies.” The TEC Health Accelerator, and TEC Edmonton as a whole, are working to crack open silos of knowledge and bring them together, alerting entrepreneurs to opportunities existing within the health system and other places in the province.

ALBERTA: A PLACE TO GROW LIFE SCIENCE BUSINESSES

World leading research, innovative thinking, and a government friendly to diversification made it possible for Alberta to turn its vast oil reserves into wealth. That innovative spirit turned a natural curiosity into a source of jobs and opportunity for tens of thousands of Canadians and has contributed to provincial growth for the past forty years. But rather than rest on its laurels, Alberta reinvested its wealth in growing its strengths.

Now the province and its creative, entrepreneurial, and industrious people have begun the next surge of diversification. Drawing once again on our world class universities and strong incentives to commercialize innovative research, new companies are leading the way to take advantage of the opportunities.

Now is a great time to be in Alberta.

20 | BIOZINE 2015

We want to make Alberta the place to come for health innovation, and not just pharma either; we’re supporting innovation in medical IT, medical devices, agriculture and health products.Randall Yatscoff, TEC Edmonton’s Executive Vice-President for Business Development

BIOZINE 2015 | 21

Enter the Sanofi Biogenius Canada (SBC) challenge, a high school competition that encourages student involvement and development in the life sciences industry.

For over two decades, the SBC program has fostered these bright young minds by presenting an opportunity for students to carry out cutting-edge research projects that tackle some of today’s toughest challenges in the field of biotechnology.

But make no mistake; this is no ordinary science fair.

Every year, thousands of talented graduates emerge from post-secondary programs related

directly to the life sciences industry, specializing in disciplines such as

chemistry, biology, agriculture and human health. Yet many lack the practical research experience to

step directly into jobs with Canadian biotechnology companies.

Every year, thousands of talented graduates emerge from post-secondary programs related

directly to the life sciences industry, specializing in disciplines such as

chemistry, biology, agriculture and human health. Yet many lack the practical research experience to

step directly into jobs with Canadian biotechnology companies.

22 | BIOZINE 2015

The SBC competition challenges high school students to undertake university-level research projects. Those selected for the competition are matched with mentors and given the opportunity to conduct real-world, hands-on research in a professional lab setting. For many of the students,

with limited connections to the world of research, this is their first opportunity to immerse themselves in the research culture. “We were given an opportunity to be in a lab for an extended period of time, from November to April, instead of just 4-6 weeks in the summer like most university students.” says Tracy Mah, who competed twice in the competition in 2004 and 2005, placing first at regionals and second at nationals in her second year. “It gave us a better representation of what the field of research is like. Being able to do continuous research two or three times per week over a longer time frame gave us a more accurate picture instead of a small snapshot.” Mah’s award-winning project focused on immunology research based on the Edmonton Protocol – a U of A-pioneered islet cell transplantation technique – and examined post-operative consequences. In past SBC competitions, topics of the research projects have ranged from cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, to agriculture and the environment. When he competed in his first SBC challenge while still in grade nine, Sarthak Sinha’s research focused on trying to understand if Vitamin A receptors played an important role on dermal stem cells. When he competed two years later in 2013, he looked at the possibility of using skin stem cells to treat neurological deficits, especially those caused after a nerve injury. “I wanted to understand if these stem cells could be used as a source of transplantation to reverse some of the debilitating outcomes following a nerve injury.” Sarthak’s findings from his project are soon to be submitted to a scholarly publication.

When twin siblings Mustafa and Hazal Babadagli competed in their first SBC challenge in 2007, their project analyzed the antioxidant activity of bay leaves and their effect on connective tissue cancer cells. In 2008, they developed a delivery system of small interfering RNA (siRNA) into breast cancer cells to prevent the cells from spreading. Their results paid off – Mustafa and Hazal earned first place in the Edmonton regional competition both years, and came in fourth place at nationals in 2008. To Hazal, it was more than winning for them. “The competition was a great opportunity for me to develop communication and presentation skills, which came in very handy throughout my university life as well as my current professional life.” she explains. “I learned how to plan, analyze, and conduct research, which enabled me to become successful in the research I did later on as a university student.” For her brother Mustafa, an eye-opener of the challenge was being introduced to the commercialization aspects of the biotechnology industry. “Getting your research out of the lab and into the real world was one thing, but getting the opportunity to present at nationals to CEOs and industry leaders was a truly great experience.” Another aspect of the competition that makes it truly unique is the mentorship opportunities made available to these researchers. The role of the mentor is to help students understand and successfully navigate research activities – from proposal and experiment design to data collection, analysis and eventual conclusions that will withstand the judging process. It is a role that cannot be undermined according to

BIOZINE 2015 | 23

AREAS OF EXPERTISEBUSINESS DEVELOPMENTFINANCING & FUNDING

TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENTENTREPRENEUR DEVELOPMENT

#1 Incubatorin Canada

#3 in NorthAmerica

www.tecedmonton.com

AREAS OF EXPERTISEBUSINESS DEVELOPMENTFINANCING & FUNDING

TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENTENTREPRENEUR DEVELOPMENT

#1 Incubatorin Canada

#3 in NorthAmerica

www.tecedmonton.com

24 | BIOZINE 2015

Mah. “There were no limitations, no restrictions on what we could do. It takes a lot of trust to invite high school students into your multi-million dollar labs.” These ties didn’t end after the competition. Many SBC participants maintain personal and professional relationships with their mentors long after its completion. “I still pick their brains occasionally – the value they’ve added to my life is incredible.”

When asked what advice they would give to students considering the challenge, the former participants offered encouragement to seize the opportunity. “Get to learn as much as you can when it comes to planning, conducting and presenting research. Develop friendships and professional relationships which could last a lifetime.” says Hazal Babadagli. Despite being a competition, it’s not necessarily about winning, adds Mustafa, “it’s about realizing the value of the opportunity given while still in high school.”

As for the lasting effects of competing, Mah sums it up clearly – “If it hadn’t been for the SBC competition, I never would have entertained research as an option. It completely changed the trajectory of my career.” After the SBC competition, Mah was asked to present her findings to the Royal Family as part of Alberta’s 2005 Centennial celebrations, and in 2007 was named one of Youth in Motion’s Top 20 Under 20. She is

currently taking time off from medical school at the University of Calgary to focus full-time on her current research examining the effects of sports concussions and traumatic brain injuries. “I’d love to be involved in both research and clinical medicine; treating patients is an absolute joy but I find research to be so fascinating.” The SBC experience has come full circle for Mah as she has since

been invited back as a judge for the competition, has welcomed high school students into her research lab and has acted as a mentor for the new crop of SBC participants. Mustafa Babadagli is currently completing a PhD in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta where he is applying engineering optimization principles and techniques to solve clinical problems. “I am focusing on optimizing brachytherapy in treatment of a significant global health issue – cancer.” He is developing a large-scale optimization model that will potentially be used to produce personalized treatment plans for prostate cancer patients at the Cross Cancer Institute. He also has a dream to one day run his own biomedical engineering company.

Hazal Babadagli obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree in 2013 followed by a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2014, both from the

University of Alberta. She is currently a clinical pharmacist practicing in inpatient cardiology at the University of Alberta Hospital. “The first year that I attended the competition, one of the guest speakers was a pharmacist working for Isotechnika Pharma Inc. Her work intrigued me, which led me to researching pharmacy as a profession. And here I am today, almost eight years after the competition, working as a pharmacist.” The list of accolades for Sarthak Sinha continues to grow. Since the SBC competition, he’s been recognized as a Top 20 Under 20 in Canada by Youth in Motion, Under 25: Ones to Watch by Maclean’s magazine and a Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue magazine. Sinha, currently completing his undergrad education in neurosciences at the University of Toronto, has recently delivered two TEDxTalks, the most notable being The Future of Education at TEDxEdmonton. Sinha’s goal is to become a clinician scientist. “I love the idea of seeing science help people and solve real world problems. I think we stand at a very exciting time where we are asking some very interesting questions in a range of medical-related fields which will ultimately contribute to progressing human health. I would find it extremely rewarding to help people as a clinician and then take those problems back to a lab bench and ask if there’s some way we can improve treatment, care or our understanding of what causes diseases.”

BIOZINE 2015 | 25

The 2015 Sanofi Biogenius Canada (SBC) competition was held on April 25th & 26th at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary. A patron since the competition’s inception, BioAlberta continues its tradition of supporting and encouraging the future leaders of the life sciences sector in Alberta.

This year’s event saw 32 participants from Calgary and Edmonton high schools vying for an opportunity to represent Alberta at the national competition in Ottawa. Past winners have gone on to establish themselves as creative thought leaders in the life sciences industry. The regional winner in 2013, Arjun Nair, went on to win the national competition and represent Alberta and Canada internationally at the International BioGENEius Challenge held at the 2013 BIO International Convention in Chicago.

Supported by the University of Alberta, this year’s winner was Patricia Yan, a grade 12 student from Harry Ainlay High School in Edmonton. Patricia’s focus was to design a cheap and effective alternative for the antimicrobial susceptibility testing method currently used in the market. The emphasis of her research was to develop this testing method using simple and commonly available materials, such as tape and paper, for antibiotic testing instead of petri dishes.

Above: David Lloyd, Alberta Regional Coordinator, congratulates Patricia Yan, this year’s SBC Alberta Regional winner

Below left: Best Elevator Pitch winner Ambika Agrawal Below right: Most Commercially Viable winner Stephanie Li

Bottom: Participants in the Alberta Regional 2015 Sanofi Biogenius Canada competition

Dr. Bernhard SeifriedSenior Scientist and Engineer at Ceapro Inc.

Dr. Seifried has co-invented, commercialized and scaled up a novel platform processing technology called Pressurized Gas Expanded Liquid Technology or PGX, which is used to purify, micronize, impregnate and functionalize biopolymers. PGX has several key advantages over conventional drying and purification technologies. PGX is ideally suited for processing challenging high-molecular weight water soluble bio-polymers and has the ability to make ultra-light, highly porous polymer structures, also known as aerogels with a huge specific surface area (>250 m2/gram) on a continuous basis – something that is not possible using today’s conventional technologies. This game-changing technology is suitable for a wide range of industries including functional ingredients and cosmetic ingredients, drug delivery, hydrogels, absorbents, biomedical devices, wound healing/scaffolding and biocomposites.

BioNeutra North America Inc.

BioNeutra manufactures and distributes VitaFiber™, a high fibre, prebiotic and low calorie sweetener. With distribution worldwide, the company has recorded five successive years of 100% growth. In this fiscal year, BioNeutra is targeting greater than $14 million in revenue and is listed on the CSX. Currently they have nine employees and are looking to expand. Their new facility will be operational this year. BioNeutra North America Inc. is a private company founded in 2003 to move science-based processes into the commercial product marketplace. From its Edmonton, Alberta head office and manufacturing base, BioNeutra focuses on providing consistent, quality ingredients for formulators and manufacturers.

Scientific Achievement and Innovation AwardPresented to an individual or a team who is responsible for a

breakthrough innovation with a commercial application

Company of the Year AwardPresented to a company that has shown significant

commercial achievement within Alberta’s business

community through strong performance or a leadership role

26 | BIOZINE 2015

Jeff Kasbrick of Janssen Inc. (right) presents BioNeutra President & CEO, Dr. Jianhua Zhu, with the Company of the Year Award Beth Kidd, Senior Manager,

External Relations at AstraZeneca (right)

presents Dr. Bernhard Seifried, Senior Scientist

& Engineer at CEAPRO Inc. (left) with the

Scientific Achievement and Innovation Award

th

ANNUAL AWARDS GALAA night to honour the founders, researchers and entrepreneurs of Alberta’s life sciences industry

BioNeutra is a fast growing company that focuses on research and

on transforming agricultural material into high value food ingredients. TM , we are

added agricultural industry. BioNeutra is proud to have been named the 2014 Company of the Year by BioAlberta and to Alberta Venture’s 2015 Fast Growth 50 List.

BioNeutra.ca

28 | BIOZINE 2015

AbbVie Inc.

Accumol Inc.

Afinity Life Sciences Inc.

Ag-West Bio Inc.

Akshaya Bio Inc.

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development

Alberta BioPhotonics Inc.

Alberta Glycomics Centre

Alberta Health Services

Alberta Innovates - Bio Solutions

Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions

Alberta Innovation and Advanced Education

Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations

Alberta Research Chemicals Inc.

AMGEN Canada Inc.

Aqua Air Systems Ltd.

Aquila Diagnostic Systems Inc.

AstraZeneca Canada Inc.

ATB Financial

AVAC Ltd.

Bennett Jones LLP

Bertech Pharma Ltd.

Best Environmental Technologies Inc.

Best Management Services Inc.

BioNeutra North America Inc.

Biorefining Conversions Network

BioTalent Canada

BIOTECanada

Botaneco Inc.

Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx & D)

Canadian Bio-Systems Inc.

Canadian Strategy Group Inc.

CanBiocin Inc.

CEAPRO Inc.

Centre for Bioengineering Research and Education

ChemRoutes Corporation

Chenomx Inc.

Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc.

CQI Consulting Ltd.

Deloitte LLP

Delta Genomics

Drug Development & Innovation Centre

EMD Inc.

Epsilon Chemicals Ltd.

Exciton Technologies Inc.

FREDsense Technologies Corp.

General Intermediates of Canada Ltd.

Genome Alberta

Genzyme Canada Inc.

Gilead Alberta ULC

GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP

GrowSafe Systems Ltd.

Hannibal Ventures Inc.

Hicks & Associates Intellectual Property

iHear Unicare Inc.

IMBiotechnologies Ltd.

Inkubate Packaging Inc.

Innovate Calgary

Innovative Trauma Care Inc.

Janssen Inc.

Keystone Labs Inc.

platinum

platinum

silver

patron

silver

silver

silver

silver

gold

gold

gold

gold

Companies

BioAlberta MEMBERS 2015

BIOZINE 2015 | 29

KMT Hepatech Inc.

Laporte Engineering Inc.

McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd.

Merck Canada Inc.

Metabolomic Technologies Inc.

Monsanto Canada Inc.

MTN Consulting Associates

NAEJA Pharmaceutical Inc.

NanoSpeed Diagnostics Inc.

NATIONAL Public Relations

Northern Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre

Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.

Odvod Media Corp.

Oncolytics Biotech Inc.

Optempus Ltd.

Orpyx Medical Technologies Inc.

Osteometabolix Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Parlee McLaws LLP

PBR Laboratories Inc.

Pfizer Canada Inc.

Poultry Research Centre, The

Prev Biotech Inc.

QiQ Inc.

Quest PharmaTech Inc.

Radient Technologies Inc.

Resverlogix Corp.

Sanofi Aventis Group

Shire Canada Inc.

SinoVeda Canada Inc.

SmileSonica Inc.

Surface Medical Inc.

SynInnova Laboratories Inc.

Taiga BioActives Inc.

Takeda Canada Inc.

Tangent Design Engineering Services Ltd.

TC Scientific Inc.

TEC Edmonton

Technology North Corporation

TerraVerdae BioWorks Inc.

Transcriptome Sciences Inc.

Translational Laboratories

UCB Canada Inc.

University of Lethbridge

ViaGen Inc.

VWR International Ltd.

W. A. Cochrane & Associates Inc.

WAI BioProcess Solutions

Western Economic Diversification Canada

XORTX Pharma Corp.

Zenith Epigenetics Corporation

Zymetrix Inc.

Braconnier, Paul Bricker, Ross Cox, David (Dr.) Cravetchi, Xenia Desai, Pete (Dr.) DeWitt, Sean Gourley, Al Huestis, Garth Ilesanmi, Josephine Lai, Chien-Tsai (Dr.)Lakey, Ben

McKay-Carey, Mary Jane McKertcher, Adam McLellan, Lloyd Rimes, Bob Smith, Katherine Smith, Rick Sustrik, Gordon Tauh, Poonam (Dr.)Welsh, MichaelWissman, Andreas (Dr.)

silver

silver

gold

gold

gold

gold

gold

Individuals

patron

30 | BIOZINE 2015

BioAlberta PARTNERS 2015

The world is looking for green solutions. And maybe you are an Alberta researcher or company with an idea for a new or improved industrial bioproduct.

Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions works with researchers and industry. We offer:

Funding | Advice | Connections | Research and Bio Innovation News

Funded by the Government of Alberta

bio.albertainnovates.caGrowing prosperity in Alberta’s agriculture, food and forestry sectors

Three funding areas: Equipment Utilization, Product and Technology Commercialization, Research and Innovation. For eligibility details and how to apply for a grant, go to:

bio.albertainnovates.ca/funding/abfFocusing on innovative use of sustainable Alberta biomass from the agriculture and forestry sectors.

If this sounds like you, then let’s talk.

Alberta Bio Future A major new funding program from Alberta InnovatesBio Solutions