Archive for 2023
BIOVECTRA Signs Service Agreement with Acuitas Therapeutics for Unique Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Delivery System Used in Manufacturing mRNA-Based Therapies
BIOVECTRA and Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that they have entered into a technology transfer service agreement under which BIOVECTRA will accept, on a non-exclusive basis, Acuitas’ best-in-class LNP technology platform for manufacturing mRNA-based therapeutics.
“We are thrilled about this partnership with Acuitas Therapeutics, a global leader in LNP delivery systems,” stated Marc Sauer, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, BIOVECTRA. “Our work together will provide their licensed partners with faster market access to cGMP-quality LNPs for early and late-stage products. BIOVECTRA looks forward to continuing to make a difference in patients’ lives by supporting GMP and commercial-ready LNP formulation at our new mRNA biomanufacturing facility in Atlantic Canada.”
Au Naturel Solutions transforms lives as trailblazing social enterprise
Revolutionary all-natural breast prosthesis Comfort ‘n’ Confidence improving quality of life for breast cancer survivors
Au Naturel Solutions is partnering with organizations across North America to transform lives by providing access to an all-natural breast prosthesis. Comfort ‘n’ Confidence is Au Naturel Solution’s silicone-free breast prosthesis, crafted from all-natural materials, offering a remarkable, comfortable, and safer solution for individuals who have undergone mastectomies or breast-related surgeries. Au Naturel Solutions is a client of Emergence Bioscience Incubator and a member of the bioscience sector community.
Driven by a strong sense of social responsibility, Au Naturel Solutions is supporting the Cancer de Mama clinic, extending its impact to breast cancer survivors in La Penita, Mexico, who have had mastectomies as a treatment for breast cancer. Au Naturel Solutions plans to donate prostheses to the 2024 campaign and has created a Go Fund Me to raise contributions in support of these efforts.
Simonne Cormier, CEO and Founder of Au Naturel Solutions says that Cancer de Mama’s mission of “helping women in Mexico survive breast cancer with comfort and dignity” aligns very well with her own mission and why she began this journey.
“Our goal is to send 100 or more Comfort ‘n’ Confidence all-natural breast prostheses to Mexico to support this initiative,” said Cormier. “We are dedicated to improving the quality of life of these women and look forward to contributing a more comfortable and safer prosthesis, one that is lightweight, breathable, hypo-allergenic and easy to care for.”
Based in Prince Edward Island, Au Naturel Solutions has made significant strides in the last year in the development of the Comfort ‘n’ Confidence breast prosthesis. With 80% of breast cancer diagnosis being hormone receptor-positive with sensitivity to estrogen stimulants, external breast prosthesis made of all-natural, plant and animal-based materials show promise as a healthy alternative and closer to the body’s own physiology, eliminating risk otherwise experienced with silicone-based prosthesis.
“It was important for me to ensure that the prosthesis closely emulated the natural feel and density of the breast,” said Cormier. “Because our prostheses are made of all-natural materials, it also addresses concerns associated with long-term exposure to silicone, including the possibility of endocrine disruption, skin irritation, and even relapse.”
Au Naturel Solutions is also proud to partner with the Canadian Cancer Society, donating 5% of their profits to CCS contributing to their ongoing investment into world-leading research and the delivery of compassionate support programs for people diagnosed with the disease, their families, and caregivers.
The Comfort ‘n’ Confidence prosthesis is available to purchase through the Au Naturel Solutions website and at select retail partners including Murphy’s Pharmacies, select Jean-Coutu Pharmacies in Quebec and Eastern Ontario and New Brunswick. The prostheses will also soon be available at 11 Lawtons Home HealthCare locations across Atlantic Canada, with plans for expansion in 2024 through other distribution channels across Canada and into the United States.
Collaboration remains at the heart of Au Naturel Solutions’ journey. By continuing to partner with medical professionals, prosthetists, and users, they are ensuring that the Comfort ‘n’ Confidence prosthesis delivers patient satisfaction by empowering the wearer to adjust the fit according to their own need.
“Together we aim to embrace the future with comfort and confidence,” said Cormier.
Prince Edward Island BioAlliance receives Gold Label of Excellence from international cluster audit organization
Prince Edward Island BioAlliance the first in North America to receive gold label recognition
Charlottetown, PE – As Canada celebrates Global Biotech Week, the Prince Edward Island bioscience cluster continues to establish its reputation nationally and internationally. The Prince Edward Island BioAlliance has been awarded the Gold Label of Cluster Management Excellence by the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis (ESCA). The ESCA provides benchmarking and quality labelling of cluster management organizations worldwide.
The PEI bioscience sector has been recognized nationally and internationally for the collaborative economic cluster model that has advanced and grown the sector to 60 companies earning more than $600 million annually, employing 2,200 people and attracting $100 million in investment in 2021. The BioAlliance is a partnership of private sector companies, academic and research agencies, investors, and federal and provincial government partners strongly aligned through a shared vision for the sector and a unique strategy for growth.
“This international recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our cluster partners, who together have established the bioscience sector as a key pillar in the economic foundation of the province and Atlantic Canada,” said Oliver Technow, Chair of the Board of Directors, PEI BioAlliance, and CEO, BIOVECTRA. “The BioAlliance has proven the value of an aligned strategy for cluster development, creating an innovation ecosystem that addresses priorities such as infrastructure, access to a talented workforce, and attraction of technology, people, and capital.”
The ESCA began the audit process earlier this year and evaluated the BioAlliance against 31 indicators and numerous sub-indicators. Strengths noted in the report praised the sector’s strategic planning and execution, the degree of cooperation and participation within the cluster, and the quality of services provided to cluster participants.
Based in Berlin, the ESCA provides hands-on advice to cluster managers on cluster development and supports cluster policy makers and program owners with advice on program development. They offer three quality labels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Of the more than 1,500 clusters evaluated by ESCA in 46 countries, PEI is the first from North America to have received this recognition, with only 144 clusters worldwide who have received gold (three in bioscience).
“The PEI Bioscience Cluster has great momentum and unlimited opportunity,” said Rory Francis, CEO, PEI BioAlliance. “The BioAlliance team and our collaborative cluster development model have been essential elements in catalyzing key initiatives that have created the enabling conditions for new business attraction, technology commercialization, and business success.”
Dedicated to celebrating science, innovation and solutions, this year’s Global Biotech Week is being held from Sept. 24 – 30, 2023. The purpose of Global Biotech Week is to raise awareness of the industry and its global potential among policymakers, policy influencers and the general public more broadly.
New Canadian Venture Fund Takes Aim at Food Insecurity
As the impacts of food insecurity and climate change persist, a sustainable, homegrown biotechnology sector will be key to a sustainable and resilient economy in the coming years. It’s with these challenges in mind that Nàdarra Ventures, a new Canadian venture capital fund at the forefront of investing in sustainable biotechnology for food, agriculture, and materials, today announced its launch with founding investments of $20 million from Farm Credit Canada (FCC), Natural Products Canada (NPC), and family offices across the country.
The PEI BioAlliance is a founding partner of Natural Products Canada and continues to be a node partner in its national ecosystem.
PEI BioAlliance seeking expressions of interest for BioAccelerator leasing
Application form now available for companies interested in leasing BioAccelerator space
Charlottetown, PE – The PEI BioAlliance is seeking expressions of interest from companies that wish to lease space in the new BioAccelerator, due to be completed in 2025. The BioAccelerator will include 15,000 sq. ft. of R&D incubation suites, as well as four 3,000 sq. ft. biomanufacturing units for medium term leasing. It will also include 12,000 sq. ft. of pilot plant suites for process development and optimization (with a focus on fermentation and natural product chemistry) which will be available for short-term leasing. Those interested can submit their interest through the BioAccelerator lease application form.
Earlier this year, the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island announced a $50 million investment in the BioAccelerator, the largest single investment in economic development infrastructure in PEI history. Situated in the BioCommons Research Park in Charlottetown, the BioAccelerator will be a unique multi-function facility with 75,000 sq. ft. of biomanufacturing space that will provide facilities and services to researchers, entrepreneurs, and bioscience-based companies operating along the full continuum from research and product development, process development, manufacturing scale-up, and biomanufacturing skills and training. The BioAccelerator will be a biomanufacturing centre of expertise and a national asset, and support bioscience-based research and development in Atlantic Canada.
Tenants in the BioAccelerator will include early-stage companies, small, and medium-sized enterprises from Atlantic Canada, across Canada, and from international locations. It will also include the facilities and expertise of the National Research Council of Canada’s atypical fermentation labs as well as the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL), providing hands-on biopharmaceutical manufacturing training for the talent pipeline that will be essential to Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. The BioAccelerator will be CASTL’s national headquarters and expanded lead training facility.
The BioAccelerator will be operated by the PEI BioAlliance. Once detailed engineering design is complete, construction tenders will be issued and awarded, with construction expected to be completed by end of 2025.
For more information on the BioAccelerator, visit peibioalliance.com/bioaccelerator.
Save the Date: VetHealth Global 2025
Save the date for VetHealth Global, the premier international animal health and nutrition business conference, being held in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada, from June 24-26, 2025 and hosted by the PEI BioAlliance.
Mark your calendars and join us! Want to learn more? Check out our conference video to hear about the unique experience from some of our delegates.
What’s up in a down market? BioNetworking session with Keiretsu Forum Canada
Emergence invites you to attend a networking event featuring Kevin Sterling, President – Toronto of Keiretsu Forum.
As part of Global Biotech Week: Sept. 24 – 30, please join us for a Bio Networking Session, presented by Emergence. This session will be hosted in person and virtually and will feature a presentation by Keiretsu Forum Canada, followed by a short Q&A.
What’s up in a down market?
Creating interest and raising capital in an investor-friendly ‘grizzly’ market. Understanding the ripple effect of a bear market on raising early-stage capital and strategies to drive investor interest.
Presentation by: Kevin Sterling, President – Toronto, Keiretsu Forum Canada
Date: September 28, 2023
Time:
10 – 10:30 a.m. – Coffee and Networking
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Presentation
Location: Dunes/Beach Room, Holman Grand Hotel, Charlottetown, PE
Virtual Option: Zoom link to be provided.
Emergence continues to be an official Network Partner of Keiretsu Forum. Under this agreement, Keiretsu will provide access and support from their global investor network as well as a range of education and training opportunities to Emergence companies.
Transforming animal health globally, TARGAN joins bioscience business incubator
Charlottetown, PE – TARGAN Inc. is the latest company to join Emergence, Atlantic Canada’s bioscience business incubator dedicated to assisting start-ups and growth-stage companies in the commercialization of bioscience-based technologies and services. The region’s unique ecosystem and collaborative network drove TARGAN’s decision to join as the company seeks to create a more sustainable food supply chain, improving animal health, and eliminating disease.
Emergence plays a pivotal role in attracting innovative companies like TARGAN to Atlantic Canada. The region’s commitment to fostering innovation, bolstered by organizations such as the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Innovation PEI, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), The Center for Aquaculture Technologies Canada (CATC) and PEI BioAlliance, makes PEI an ideal hub for TARGAN’s growth and success.
“Selecting Prince Edward Island for future aquaculture operations is a decision underpinned by the region’s collaborative spirit,” said Ramin Karimpour, founder and CEO at TARGAN. “We’re entering an environment primed to nurture and accelerate TARGAN’s transformative animal health technologies. The access to these valued organizations combined with the region’s strong aquaculture industry presence and private industry base, forms a unique environment that aligns seamlessly with our objectives.”
Founded in 2015, TARGAN aims to empower animal protein producers to maximize efficiency and minimize losses through effective, humane vaccine delivery with breakthrough technologies. The company has successfully commercialized products in the poultry industry and is now planning to expand offering into aquaculture and livestock. TARGAN’s presence in PEI will focus on developing products for the aquaculture industry and partnering with Atlantic Canada-based design and manufacturing companies to improve products across all species served. The business’s proprietary solutions harness the latest in software and hardware innovations, including high-speed imaging, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, to meet the world’s growing food demands.
“We are very pleased to have TARGAN join the Emergence Incubator,” said Jason Cleaversmith, Director of Incubation, PEI BioAlliance. “Their unique and highly disruptive technology is positioned to maximize production yields, while prioritizing animal health, and we look forward to working with them on their innovative approach to aquaculture vaccination and AI-powered data systems.”
Emergence provides companies with business incubation services including the Critical Path program, one-on-one and team mentorship, business strategy and advisory services, as well as access to the Emergence Performance Network.
Learn more about Emergence at emergencebioincubator.com.
About TARGAN
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, TARGAN is a biotechnology systems company poised to transform animal protein production industries worldwide by bringing affordable, individualized care technologies to the market. World meat consumption is expected to double by 2050. The world’s growing population, along with the popularity of animal protein, is responsible for the growth in meat consumption. The industry continues to evolve to meet market expectations, including the trend towards antibiotic-free production. Producers are seeking novel solutions to improve health standards and vaccination procedures while allowing for a similar level of productivity in the absence of antibiotics and other chemicals. TARGAN is bringing advanced technology solutions to the poultry, aquaculture and swine industries to address this demand. For more information, visit TARGAN.com.
Quannessence Skincare: The Beauty of Business
BioAlliance releases Annual Report for 2022-23
The PEI BioAlliance has released the Annual Report for 2022-23 (April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023) with key highlights and milestones from the year. Our BioAlliance Annual Report presents an important opportunity to highlight the achievements and milestones accomplished by the dynamic and growing bioscience sector here in Prince Edward Island.
Thank you to the over 2,300 executives, scientists, technicians, support and operations staff in businesses, research and academic institutions, investment firms, and government agencies, who together as a community have made these achievements possible. Our bioscience cluster has already surpassed 2025 growth targets and is well on its way to becoming a billion-dollar industry by 2030. In 2021, private sector company revenues reached $575 million, a $200 million increase over 2020.
It is the combination of strong growth of the cluster’s larger companies and the commercial success of earlier stage companies which has been an excellent recipe for sustained development of the cluster. It has been truly remarkable to see the range of breakthrough technologies and products coming from our cluster companies that are bringing new solutions to global challenges in human, animal, and fish health. Collaboration and cooperation among businesses, academic and research partners, and governments at all levels continues to make PEI a great place to grow bioscience-based businesses.
Read the full report to learn more about the growing biosciences cluster in PEI.