OGI investment promotes water safety, cancer treatment and safe crops

The Ontario Genomics Institute (OGI), through its Pre-Commercialization Business Development Fund (PBDF), has invested in three collaborations in the proof-of-principle (validation) phase of research that have short-term potential to secure a significant next step towards the marketplace.

WATER SAFETY
ENDETEC, a global company focused on innovative sensor solutions for water safety, in collaboration with Drs. Heinz-Bernhard Kraatz (University of Toronto) and R. Stephen Brown (Queen’s University), will develop a DNA biosensor for simple, low-cost, fast, on-site detection of bacteria in water samples.

Current culture-based techniques for water monitoring are time-consuming and expensive, which can lead to delayed results and decision making for users that manage water resources.

The PBDF funding will support proof-of-concept experiments validating the performance of the DNA biosensors with environmental samples. The first applications will be for recreational water (including beaches) and treated wastewater. “DNA biosensor technology can potentially be a game-changer for water monitoring, providing truly rapid monitoring and expanding the range of organisms that can be detected,” said Doug Wilton, VP Operations for ENDETEC.

CANCER TREATMENT
Formation Biologics Inc. (formerly AvidBiologics) is an oncology drug development company dedicated to anti-cancer biologics. Through PBDF funding, the company aims to develop AVID200, a novel anticancer agent targeting a protein expressed by a variety of solid tumours including lung, breast, and head and neck. Specifically, Formation Biologics is developing antibodies that are linked to highly toxic chemotherapeutic drugs, and these antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) target a specific cell surface receptor known to contribute to the etiology of various cancers. ADCs can selectively recognize specific proteins in cancer cells without damaging most normal tissues. This type of cancer therapeutic has the potential for superior safety and efficacy compared to older generation treatments.

Using the PBDF investment, the company will perform a pilot safety study of this ADC to accelerate their drug development process for AVID200.

“We are very grateful to have received an investment from the Ontario Genomics Institute to further development of this important anti-cancer therapeutic,” said Ilia Tikhomirov, president and CEO of Formation Biologics. “Programs like OGI’s Pre-commercialization Business Development Fund are crucial to the success of early stage biotechnology companies in Ontario,” he continued.

SAFE CROPS
Global soybean production is threatened by an aggressive fungus responsible for Asian Soybean Rust (ASR), which can cause yield losses of up to 80 per cent. ASR is currently controlled by fungicides. However, resistance to these chemicals can be seen.

Dr. Charles Després (Brock University) is identifying activators designed to stimulate soybean plant immunity, an alternative mode of action to protect the crop. These chemicals can be used alongside traditional fungicides to ensure long-term global food security.

With the help of the PBDF and support from Syngenta, Dr. Després will validate his product. Potentially, his technology platform will allow the agriculture industry to identify new chemicals that will optimize production and safety from ASR and support precision agriculture for better decision making, and high yields.

“These are promising areas of research to solve some of life sciences’ challenges,” said Dr. Mark Poznansky, president and CEO, OGI. “The development of products, technology platforms and therapeutics through PBDF funding are excellent examples of Ontario companies translating research into applications that have significant impact on health, water safety and agriculture.”

OGI’s PBDF program invests in opportunities — based in genomics, proteomics or associated technologies. Previous recipients have included Ontario universities, research institutes and companies.