Nutraceuticals • Profiles of Innovators • Capital Ideas

Health Trends – Nutraceuticals • Biotech’s Century in Alberta • Capital Ideas Health Trends – Nutraceuticals • Profiles of Innovators • Capital Ideas

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF ALBERTA'S BIO-INDUSTRY

2005

Opening Doors to Bio-Industry in Alberta ��

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6 Pursuing a Strategy BioAlberta executive director Myka Osinchuk writes Alberta’s bio-industry has matured in the past few years and needs to become engaged in determining its future. 8 Charting Sustainability BIOTECanada sets a course for better regulation and continued federal commitment to Canada’s biotech industries. BY RHOWAN SIVEL 10 The Innovators Alberta is a hot spot for biotechnology research and development. BIOZINE proﬁ les Alberta scientists making 14 great strides and gaining worldwide recognition. BY CONNIE BRYSON 14 Biodiversifying Alberta bio-industry spreads its wings in the emerging industrial bioproducts sector. BY TERRY BULLICK 18 Alberta Bio-Industry Map A look at the development of the Alberta’s bio-industry players. 20 A Century of Alberta Innovation BY DR. RICHARD PERRY AND RYAN LESKIW 22 Trendy Health Success of Alberta’s natural health products show growing consumer acceptance in nutraceuticals. BY WILL GIBSON 27 Seeking Capital Funding from the public markets fuel growth, but it also 22 creates a lot of change. BY GORDON COPE 30 Front-Runners Alberta’s award winners. 34 BioAlberta Members and Board of Directors

2005 • BioZine 3 ��

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BioZine is the official magazine of Alberta’s bio-industry. Published by Venture Publishing Inc. for BioAlberta PUBLISHER/EDITOR Ruth Kelly [email protected] ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Joyce Byrne [email protected] EXECUTIVE EDITOR Myka Osinchuk [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR Ryan Radke [email protected] EDITOR Malcolm Sword [email protected] ART DIRECTOR Vanlee Tran [email protected] CONSULTING ART DIRECTOR Jennifer Windsor [email protected] DESIGN & PRODUCTION Gunnar Blodgett, Catherine Lizotte CIRCULATION Rob Kelly [email protected] ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Elizabeth Dennehy, Anita McGillis, Kelly Sysak CONTRIBUTORS Connie Bryson, Terry Bullick, Gordon Cope, Will Gibson, Ryan Leskiw, Dr. Gordon Perry, Rowan Sivel

Phipps McKinnon Building Suite 1730 10020 - 101A Ave NW Edmonton, AB T5J 3G2 T: 780 425-3804 F: 780 409-9263 E: [email protected] EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Myka Osinchuk BIOPRODUCTS MANAGER John Christensen MANAGER, INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT Ryan Radke EVENTS COORDINATOR & MEMBERSHIP ADMINISTRATOR Sherry Kully ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Sandra Wilburn

PRINTED IN CANADA MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Pursuing a Strategy

Executive director Welcome to the latest edition of BioZine. I’m across Canada brought the biotechnology Myka Osinchuk very proud of this magazine, a collaboration community together. BioAlberta held an of BioAlberta and Venture Publishing Inc. – MLA/CEO luncheon, intended to build the looks at the direction it is truly a snapshot of all that is exciting profile of Alberta’s biotechnology innova- Alberta’s bio-industry and successful in our industry. tors with key political decision makers. needs to pursue for As I sat down to prepare my message We also enjoyed wide media coverage, and continuing success for the magazine, I reflected on the events hosted company CEOs at a dinner. Finally, of the past year. BioAlberta has had an we marked the week with the launch of extremely active and successful year, which our state of the industry report. Thanks go mirrors the growth that we have seen in our out to BioAlberta and BIOTECanada staff, industry. members of the Biotech Accord, and our Early 2004 saw the development of founding partners: AstraZeneca Canada BioAlberta’s advocacy platform, “A Blueprint Inc., Aventis Pharma Inc., Bayer Inc., for Success”, which identified policies that Council for Biotechnology Information, will improve the competitive environ- GlaxoSmithKline Inc., KPMG LLP, and QLT ment for the bio-industry in Alberta. We Inc. continue to pursue the strategies outlined Finally, we celebrated BioAlberta’s fifth in the Blueprint, with a specific focus on anniversary this year with a gala event. implementing provincial scientific research Through BioAlberta, the industry now has and experimental development (SR&ED) a common, credible, unified voice. And, tax credits, and on facilitating investment together, we got a few things right over the in our companies through taxation instru- past five years. ments and creation of new sources of capi- Our organization is inclusive: we repre- tal. A task force of our members is leading sent the bio-community from academia to the charge on these policy priorities. companies to government. Our largest and We also looked closely at the current sta- smallest companies have learned that by tus of our industry, and prepared the well- working together they can capitalize on the researched BioAlberta State of the Industry significant benefits of having one unified Report 2004. We found that Alberta is home bio-industry voice. to more than 60 biotechnology companies, We’ve maintained a focus on marketing, 40% of which were established during the advocacy, and providing services that our three-year period between 2000 and 2003. members find valuable. Our first priority Seventy-five per cent of Alberta’s companies was increasing awareness of this industry are involved in health, and 15% in agricul- in Alberta. Now the focus is on ensuring ture. The estimated employment impact of that Alberta is a competitive environment our industry is 3,600 jobs. Our industry is a for the growth of our industry. nascent one, with 10 companies reporting Our approach to advocacy has been a products in the pre-clinical stage of devel- collaborative, positive one that has placed a opment, seven in Phase I clinical trials, four priority on finding solutions and opportu- in Phase II, and eight companies reporting nities, and ways for industry to work with products in Phase III clinical trials. government. In the fall, BioAlberta was proud to par- As we enter our next stage of develop- ticipate in the first National Biotechnology ment, BioAlberta has a new challenge: as Week. From Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, nearly 100 our membership grows and evolves, we events, meetings and announcements from must also change to respond to their needs.

6 BioZine • 2005 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Alberta industry is, as I described, still our industry. BioAlberta’s challenge is to and Science) and BioAlberta’s Board of nascent, and our earlier stage companies harness the considerable energy of our Directors. value the opportunities that we provide young innovative companies, and engage Our best wishes for success in 2005. to build networks within the community. them in the process. BioAlberta’s objectives and activities have We look forward to growing with you! focused on uniting the community, build- Our thanks to our many partners (see Myka Osinchuk ing relationships and deﬁning the needs of page 32), patrons (Alberta Science and President the industry. Research Authority and Alberta Innovation BioAlberta However, more Alberta companies are successfully navigating through the State of Alberta’s Bio-industry later stages of development, past regula- Industry Composition Financial tory hurdles and increasingly larger rounds • Alberta is home to 61 bio-industry • Biotechnology companies produce of financing. As our industry matures, companies revenues of about $285 million BioAlberta must actively engage in public • 75% of Alberta’s bio-industry is involved • Alberta companies raised more than policy discussions. with health biotechnology applications $87 million in financing in 2003 • Agricultural biotechnology companies Interestingly and not surprisingly, a Product Development large majority of BioAlberta’s membership account for 15% of the industry • Eight companies reported they have – the young companies – do not focus on Employment product in Phase III clinical trials, while 19 this advocacy component of their business • More than 1,200 employees work directly already have an established product ready at all, for the precise reason that they do not, in Alberta’s bio-industry for revenue generation yet, see it as a part of their business. • Total impact on employment Alberta’s It is the voice of the young, entrepre- • Alberta has 14 publicly traded companies. bio-industry = 3,600 jobs neurial, science and knowledge-based com- Two are listed on both the TSX and the pany that is so important in our eﬀorts to NASDAQ improve the competitive environment for Source: BioAlberta State of the Industry Report 2004.

BIO AWARENESS Sept. 26 to 30, 2005 marks the days for BIOTECanada’s annual Biotech Week. BioAlberta and partners across Canada will work to foster an un- precedented level of awareness among decision-makers, opinion leaders and Canadians about the social and economic value of biotechnology. The 2005 event promises another celebration of the imagination and capacity of Canadian biotech innovators from discovery to commercialized product. Events will take place from Vancouver to Halifax. The first-ever Biotech Week 2004 featured nearly 100 events and announcements, with 2,500 attendees participating across the country. BioAlberta encourages members to participate in this all-important awareness raising event for our industry. For further information, view the website at www.biotech.ca/imageneation. CHARTING SUSTAINABILITY

Charting Sustainability

BIOTECanada sets a Biotechnology advances have brought us to tory reform and intellectual property pro- course for better regulation a point in time that can be compared to the tection in Canada. It also continues to work start of the industrial revolution. This tech- with and meet with government agencies and continued federal nology not only improves the quality of our and departments in developing policies and commitment to Canada’s lives, but also the quality and quantity of the promoting Canadian biotechnology at home biotech industries food we eat, the medicines we receive and and the international community. the health of our planet. The opportunity BY RHOWAN SIVEL to bring ideas into reality has never been Smarter regulations greater than it is today. The 2005 federal budget allocated nearly Canada’s biotechnology sector has $200 million to existing granting coun- expanded rapidly in the last decade. With cils including Genome Canada and the over 500 companies generating more than Canadian Institutes of Health Research. $3.8 billion1 in revenues, Canada is among Furthermore, the federal government’s the most popular places in the world to sustainable energy strategy will put focus work and the most competitive countries in on the work biotech offers for bio-fuels and which to conduct research. environmental remediation. Canada’s biotech industry is comprised Federal government partnerships primarily of small- to medium-sized enter- The Canadian government has made a com- prises. With lengthy and costly life cycles, mitment to being a world leader in such sustainability for these companies is essen- areas as biotechnology, and to helping tial. By creating a more efficient regulatory Canadian companies commercialize prod- regime and working with regulators (for ucts. In fact, over the past eight years, $11 example, the FDA), Canadian companies billion has been invested by the government will be better able to meet the safety stand- into research and innovation in Canada. ards required for product approvals. As the industry association for Canada’s The federal government has shown its biotechnology and research community, commitment to EACSR’s recommendations BIOTECanada advocates the federal govern- to redesign Canada’s regulatory system, ment continue with ongoing support of the recently releasing a 40-point plan as a first community of biotech innovators. The asso- step in moving forward on the initiative. In ciation’s recent activities have included sup- its report, EACSR outlined the need for a porting the External Advisory Committee federal biotechnology regulatory strategy, on Smart Regulation (EACSR) through including international regulatory co-oper- recommendations for a more efficient and ation and engaging Canadian citizens. efficacious regulatory regime. We advocate The report outlined several recommen- the benefits of molecular farming for main- dations related to the sector, including a taining a “Made in Canada” biotech indus- specific chapter on biotech. BIOTECanada try and creating a National Immunization will monitor the implementation of the rec- Strategy. ommendations and continue to meet with All of these initiatives help companies senior bureaucrats at the Privy Council commercialize products, and improve Office on the implementation of these initi- the quality of life for all Canadians. atives. It will also monitor EACSR’s roll-out BIOTECanada is active on the public policy of biannual reports with the aim of creating scene. The association developed policy an industry-wide co-ordination and follow- papers on finance, orphan products, regula- up process.

8 BioZine • 2005 CHARTING SUSTAINABILITY

Molecular farming for the future try across all regions and sectors in Canada. entists are among those leading the world The plant and animal protein production Biotechnology truly is the industrial revo- through this revolution. BZ industry is pioneering the development lution of the 21st century. In the 1800s, no of a new generation of biopharmaceutical one could have imagined the changes to the Rhowan Sivel is the Communications and products designed to fight major human quality of life and to the products available Publications Supervisor for BIOTECanada diseases. The sector has emerged with in a few short decades. Today, we’re already experiencing the 1Statistics Canada, Biotechnology Use and Development Survey the vision that a safe and more economi- 2003 (preliminary), http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/041214/ cal way of producing biopharmaceuticals beneﬁts of biotechnology and Canadian sci- d041214d.htm will soon become critical to meet growing needs. Unique technology platforms are leading industry to develop these products with unseen speed, safety and cost advan- tages. Having demonstrated the capacity of molecular farming, companies are currently in a crucial transition period between technology development and product development. BIOTECanada submitted a white paper �� to the federal government with key recommendations and is working with them on �� this initiative.

Vaccine leaders �� Canada is a leader in vaccine technology. �� Subsequent to the 2005 federal budget, �� the World Health Organization praised Canada’s commitment to researching a vac- �� cine for the avian ﬂu virus and the potential �� benefits to the international community. �� Budget 2005 allocated $342 million in additional funding to combat diseases in devel- �� oping countries. Canada’s efforts in the fight on HIV/ �� AIDS and polio have garnered interna- �� tional attention. At home, the recently created Public Health Agency appointed Dr. David Butler-Jones as the country’s first- ever Chief Public Health Oﬃcer. Partners

in public health and the Vaccine Industry �� Committee of BIOTECanada are work- �� ing with the federal government to create a National Immunization Strategy (NIS) that will improve the lives of Canadians and the global community. The NIS states in its preamble: “Collaboration between �� federal, provincial and territorial public �� health representatives and the other rel- �� evant stakeholders led to the development of the strategy.” Co-operation among these �� stakeholders and others will lead to eﬀec- tive implementation of the plan. �� With clear goals and great opportunities �� for Canadian companies, we can expect to see an increasingly successful biotech indus- THE INNOVATORS

TheInnovators Alberta is a hot spot for Virtual Reality biotechnology research and An Alberta-based multi-million-dollar research project aimed at creating ‘virtual life’ has its roots in Michael Ellison’s self-described mid-life crisis. development. BIOZINE The University of Alberta biochemist leads Project CyberCell, which aims to profiles four Alberta-based create an accurate simulation of a living cell within the virtual environment scientists making strides in of a computer. areas ranging from creating “About five years ago, I began to wonder about my scientific career as a biochemist,” says Ellison, who received his Ph.D. from the University a virtual environment for cell Toronto. He spent six years at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology development, to stem cell and came to Alberta in 1990. “For years, I had been working on a key regula- research, neuroscience and tory pathway in cells, dissecting things one protein at a time. Each protein genome mapping would get an inordinate amount of attention and analysis. I’d been doing this for so long, I was getting bored.” Out of boredom came inspiration – an interest in accurately predicting BY CONNIE BRYSON molecular behaviour. It turns out Ellison’s timing was perfect. “In the late 1990s, an enormous technological base was developing in the life sciences. New technologies were speeding up the process of analyzing molecules, as well as increasing the sensitivity and resolution of the analyses.” To ensure Alberta developed and retained expertise in these new technologies, Ellison founded the Institute for Biomolecular Design at the University of Alberta in 1998. He now serves as executive director of the organization. Like other research groups at the time, the institute began to churn out large amounts of data. “I found this approach a little unsatisfying,” explains Ellison. “It became clear that there had to be a more strategic way to get answers. It was like we were playing a game of chess. We were thinking about the next move, when we really needed to be thinking two or three moves ahead.” This was the genesis of Project CyberCell – a directed way to use the data by simulating an E. coli cell. Other groups, particularly in Japan and Europe, were thinking along the same lines. Collaborations ensued, and Project CyberCell is a founding member of the International E. coli Alliance, a global effort aimed at creating a life-like computer model of a living cell. Project CyberCell is now to a point where it can construct a cell mem- brane and fill the volume with all the metabolic reactions that are necessary for life. This can be done on the scale of a mycoplasma – about one-fiftieth the size of a simple bacteria. “And we can simulate it for one or two seconds of its life,” says Ellison. “So we obviously have a way to go. Our hope is that in 10 years, computers will be much, much faster. This will allow us to tackle large, relevant biological problems. “In the meantime, though, there is lots of work to do. When you do

10 BioZine • 2005 THE INNOVATORS simulation, you can’t be a chauvinist – you can’t say, “DNA is the most important thing.” Each process must be considered to “We want to harness the be important, and that means becoming an expert in just about everything. It’s been a way the brain normally fantastic learning experience.” changes and use that to our advantage.” Mainstream Thinking The international neuroscience community – Bryan Kolb probably doesn’t know how lucky it is. Bryan Kolb, an Albertan who is one of the most influential neuroscientists in the world, might never have followed this career path had it not been for a major difference in provincial public education systems. After finishing his Master’s degree in psychology at the University of Calgary in 1970, Kolb was ready for a change. He applied to forestry school at the University of British Columbia, but was refused admission because he did not have Grade 13 math, having gone to high school in Alberta. Coincidentally, researchers were beginning structure affects behaviour. His team was Forestry’s loss was neuroscience’s gain. to understand more about diseases such the first to show that the mammalian brain Kolb went on to do a Ph.D. at Pennsylvania as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and stroke. can regenerate itself after injury – a finding State, and eventually took a job at the Ian (Whishaw) and I stepped in with this that holds promise for treating brain injury University of Lethbridge in 1976. There, book.” and disease. with his colleague Ian Whishaw, he began The book – Fundamentals of Human Not one to rest on his laurels, Kolb is to develop the foundation of new field called Neuropsychology – is the definitive neu- now pushing the boundaries of research behavioural neuroscience – the study of the ropsychology textbook, now in its fifth into brain plasticity, looking at how experi- complex relationships between brain func- edition. “For a time, we were ‘voices in the ence – both pre- and postnatal – can alter tion and behaviour. wilderness’ – people viewed our work as the brain and behaviour. He has been able At the time there was a real thirst for interesting but not mainstream,” notes to define certain ‘rules’ that govern expe- information about how the brain controls Kolb. However, a series of key discoveries rience-dependent changes in brain and behaviour,” says Kolb. “People wanted to changed all that. Experiments by Kolb pro- behaviour. know more about cognitive behaviour – vided evidence that the cerebral cortex can “These rules essentially summarize our how we think, how we learn things. change its structure and demonstrated how understanding of how the brain changes by itself,” explains Kolb. “Now that we know many of the rules, can we make them work for us? We want to harness the way the “It was like we were brain normally changes and use that to our advantage. Helping people recover from playing a game of chess. brain injury is one application.” We were thinking about The research done by Kolb and Whishaw the next move, when has established the University of Lethbridge as a centre of excellence in behavioural we really needed to be neuroscience. The university is now home thinking two or three to the Canadian Centre for Behavioural moves ahead.” Neuroscience, which employs more than 90 people and attracts visiting researchers – Michael Ellison from all over the world. “When I came to Lethbridge in 1976, people told me the university was too small for neuroscience research,” says Kolb. “But Ian and I were convinced that as long as

2005 • BioZine 11 THE INNOVATORS the science is good, you don’t need to limit yourself to just a few major centres. Time has shown that our science is indeed very “There are still hurdles, good.” but we’re not that far from Creating Maps convincing the medical It took an Australian to kick start Canada’s community that this is a research efforts in bovine (cattle) genomics. Stephen Moore joined the University viable therapy.” of Alberta in 1999 from Australia’s – Sam Weiss Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). At CSIRO, he led a research group that developed one of the world’s first genetic maps of a livestock species. “Coming to Alberta was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” says Moore. “I think the application of genomics has real promise to dramatically improve the economics for technologies give us a way to shortcut the work on the $53-million Bovine Genome livestock producers. First, though, we need conventional breeding process,” explains Sequencing Project. (The first draft of the to develop the science.” Moore, who has a Ph.D. from the University bovine genome was released in October and Historically, Canada has been a leader in of New South Wales. “If we know what work continues on the project.) the quantitative genetics of livestock – the genes to look for, we can predict how an Bovine genomics has been thrust into traditional kind of animal breeding where- animal will perform. In practice, I think the spotlight lately with the three cases of by certain characteristics are selected for. we’ll see the application of both genetics bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) Livestock genomics has not been a major and genomics. The ultimate goal is to create in Canada. BSE is a chronic degenerative focus of research in this country – until a suite of genetic tests that could help the disease caused by the misfolding of a type of recently, that is. cattle industry select the best animals for protein called a prion. Other prion diseases Genomics seeks to map the genes of breeding to produce safe, high-quality and are chronic wasting disease in elk and deer, organisms and their functions. In the case high-value meat.” and scrapie in sheep. One aspect of Moore’s of the bovine genome, this knowledge will And that is the focus of Moore’s research research involves comparative genomics allow researchers to zero in on the genes group at the University of Alberta. His studies of the three prion diseases. By look- responsible for everything from disease bovine genomics program involves 18 ing at the differences in the genes of animals susceptibility, through muscle growth, staff and students. The group collaborates with these diseases, he hopes to understand to carcass quality. “The new molecular nationally and internationally, including more about susceptibility as well as how the prion diseases progress. This work is being done as part of the two major prion research initiatives in Canada – one is a national net- “The ultimate goal is to work of centres of excellence, the other the create a suite of genetic Alberta Prion Science Initiative. tests that could help the While the focus on BSE has added to Moore’s workload, he feels it is vital to cattle industry select the continue genomics research that is related best animals for breeding to production. “As a livestock researcher, I to produce safe, high- think it’s vital that I do work that will ultimately help producers get more value for quality and high-value their livestock. There’s a lot of satisfaction meat.” in developing something that will truly ben- – Stephen Moore efit farmers.” Stem Power After finishing his undergraduate degree at McGill University in 1978, Sam Weiss was determined to continue his studies. But he

12 BioZine • 2005 THE INNOVATORS

also had a lingering ‘ski bug’ from a visit to notes that there is substantial new fund- “The institute is an incredible opportu- the Rockies when he was a teenager. So he ing for collaborative neuroscience research nity to move many discoveries forward, not made the best possible decision: “I applied in Canada. He is also pumped by the crea- just the ones in my lab,” Weiss (the insti- to three graduate schools and two ski hills. tion of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the tute’s director) says. “It provides an enriched The University of Calgary replied first, so I U of C and Calgary Health Region. It brings environment that I think challenges any accepted. When I got there, I immediately together more than 100 scientists and phy- other environment for neurological and bought a season’s pass to Lake Louise.” sicians to work on translating brain-related mental health research worldwide. And it’s While postgraduate work took him away research into new treatments. right here in Alberta.” BZ from Calgary for a time, Weiss returned to the University in 1988 and set up his own lab doing basic research on brain cells. In 1992, he and colleague Brent Reynolds made a discovery that rocked the neuroscience world. They found stem cells – the basic, primitive cells from which all other cells evolve – in the brains of adult mammals. Up until this discovery, it was believed that there was no such thing as a stem cell in the adult mam- �� malian brain – a ‘neural stem cell’. The existence of neural stem cells opened up the possibility of repairing the �� damage done to brain tissue by stroke, �� trauma or disease, by growing new cells to replace those that have died. ‘Possibility’ is �� the operative word – there was much more work to be done before this discovery could become a treatment. In the 13 years since �� then, Weiss and his team have made signifi- �� cant progress toward understanding neural �� stem cells. They found that stem cells were located �� in the lining of the brain – from the front of �� the brain to the tip of the spinal cord. They �� discovered neural stem cells play a major �� role in two functions: the sense of smell �� and the production of oligodendrocytes �� (cells that make the myelin sheaths that �� cover nerve cells). Most recently, they have �� identified a number of powerful molecules �� believed to be key regulators of neural stem �� cells. Experiments show that adding these �� molecules to the brain after a stroke will �� begin to reverse tissue damage. �� “We are harnessing a powerful self- �� repair mechanism,” says Weiss. “In our �� 1992 paper (which announced the neural �� stem cell discovery), we said that if we could �� figure out what makes stem cells tick, we �� might be able to activate them after injury or disease. It’s starting to happen. There are still hurdles, but we’re not that far from convincing the medical community that this is a viable therapy.” Weiss is not alone in his optimism. He BIODIVERSIFYING

Biodiversifying Alberta industry spreads its wings in the emerging bioproducts sector

BY TERRY BULLICK ith oil prices steadily heading north toward $60 a barrel, industries across the globe are looking for products that are lean, green and W clean, affordable and renewable. “Around the world, industry is trying to reduce its reliance on petroleum- based energy and chemicals,” says Keith Jones, president and CEO of AVAC Ltd., the Alberta-based, not-for-profit private company that supports innovative ideas which add value to agricultural commodities. “There’s a real risk of being too reliant on petrochemical resources.” Even in oil-rich Alberta, efforts to diversify are fuelling a drive to find more innovative ways to use abundant and renewable resources − or biomass − such as cereal crops and animal waste. “From a small scale perspective, there are real ‘neat’ opportunities for economic development in bioproducts that make use of waste or low-value products,” Jones says. Indeed, many of Alberta’s biotech businesses are already exploring those opportunities. Canadian Fibretech Inc. in Forestburg is manufacturing strawboard for furniture and other structures. Edmonton-based Ceapro Inc. extracts beta glutens from Alberta-grown oats for use in cosmetics, hand

creams, veterinary shampoo and a diabetic-screening test. And Agri-Boost COURTESYOF THE CITY OF CALGARY FIRE DEPARTMENT

14 BioZine • 2005 BIODIVERSIFYING

Ltd. of Leduc has developed an organic pel- al months. If the test proves successful, the the plant’s basic process, anaerobic diges- let that improves soil more quickly and com- city expects see more of its fleet use biodie- tion, is similar to those in Europe which pletely than fertilizer and manure. As well, sel, which has 15% fewer greenhouse gas process liquid manure. The Highmark facil- in 2003 the University of Alberta’s Faculty emissions than regular diesel but provides ity is modified to deal with the challenges of of Agriculture, Forestry and Nutritional roughly the same power. Alberta’s cold winters and high-solid waste Science undertook a research project, sup- materials. When fully running, Kotelko ported by $500,000 of funding from AVAC, “This is real life − if expects the $6.5-million facility to process to study ways to use canola and flaxseed in we don’t survive in the some 100 tonnes of manure a day, about the commercial production of biodegrad- market, we don’t survive,” 20% of the feedlot’s 36,000-cattle daily pro- able plastics (polymers). duction. Eventually, he expects the plant to says Greg Hemstad, expand threefold, processing up to 70% of Elsewhere across the province, businesses CFO of Red Deer-based the feedlot’s manure. and municipalities are considering and Permolex. “Right now the capital costs are high,” developing equally innovative bioproducts. says Kotelko, whose company offset those In April 2004, the City of Calgary launched After four years of research, design and costs with support from a range of public its Ecofuel Demonstration Project, a test construction, Highmark Renewables, a and private agencies, including Alberta project using biodiesel (80% diesel fuel subsidiary of Highland Feeders Limited of Research Council, Agriculture and Agri- mixed with 20% bio-fuel from oil seed Vegreville, launched a pilot project for an Food Canada, Environment Canada, crops and waste cooling oil) in a fire depart- integrated manure utilization system in Natural Resources Canada, Sustainable ment vehicle. The first project of its kind in November 2004. The company’s plant proc- Development Technology Canada, Alberta, the city reports early results have esses manure from the feedlot into methane Technology Early Action Measure (TEAM) been encouraging. The truck used in the gas, electricity, fertilizer and reusable water. and others. “I think there’s a pretty good demonstration did not require retrofitting Mike Kotelko, Highmark’s project co-ordi- opportunity to reduce costs in future plants and has operated without incident for sever- nator and Highland’s vice-president, says and see revenue streams improve,” he adds. BIODIVERSIFYING

“Technology has a lot of potential to reduce technology at a co-operatively run plant. the (electrical) grid,” he suggests. The feasi- odour, waste and greenhouse gas emissions. “This is a case where two plus two equal bility study will be completed in December And green energy has good attributes.” five,” says Tofani. If the plant proceeds, he 2005. “We’re not doing this just for the says as many as 30 local livestock produc- money,” Tofani adds. “We want to see more The potential is so good, that in the County ers could haul more than 100,000 tonnes widespread use of bioenergy.” of Red Deer, one of the province’s most of manure a year to a bioenergy plant on The county and livestock producers also intensive agricultural areas, Rick Tofani the outskirts of the city. “We have enough see the manure plant as a means of proac- of Innogy Consulting Services is heading a manure in Red Deer County to power the tively dealing with other emerging concerns study examining the merits of using similar whole county and still have some go onto – the split between urbanites and the agricultural community as the city of Red Deer grows. Tightening manure regulations are costing producers precious time and money in transportation costs to ship manure further distances. The facility has the potential to mitigate these issues. Greg Hemstad, vice-president of opera- tions and CFO of Red Deer-based Permolex, says the demand for the ethanol the firm’s plant produces from grain is huge. “We run 24-7, and we sell it all.” A unique grain processing facility, Permolex mills wheat from 200 grain producers into patent flour and starch. The flour is sold to food proces- sors in Alberta and the starch is converted to sugar and ultimately made into alcohol, or ethanol, most of which is sold in the United States. Detractors have long criticized ethanol for using as much energy as it produces and being expensive to manufacture, but Hemstad says that’s an outdated view. “The technology for producing ethanol has changed a lot in 20 years,” he explains. “Now we’re doing it because it’s a viable production source.” Moreover, Hemstad says the technology is economically feasible today. “We don’t have government subsi- dies. This is real life − if we don’t survive in �� the market, we don’t survive.” He predicts the technology will only improve and that within five years a commercial technique will exist to produce ethanol from straw, � � � � �� not just the grain kernel. How long global oil and gas supplies will �� last, and how high prices will go, is any one’s guess. Bioproducts research is developing viable, profitable and sustainable options – not only to combat spiraling energy cost, but to ease growing environmental concerns. “Bioproducts have tremendous opportunity,” says AVAC’s Jones. “And because biomass exists in rural Alberta, it �� represents a strong opportunity for rural economic development.” BZ ��

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Novolytic Inc. 2002 MBEC BioProducts Inc. 2002

Maxima Pharmaceuticals 1997

NeuroInvestigations Inc. 2002 New Era Nutrition Inc. 1996 Biomira Research 1994

Epsilon Chemicals Ltd. 1990

SemBioSys Genetics Inc. 1992 Biomira Inc. 1985

TS Biotech 2003 Salpep Biotechnology Inc. 1996 Norac Technologies Inc. 1985 CRIT 1980

Bayer CropSciences Canada

NeuroSpheres Ltd. 1992

AB BioPharma Inc. 2001 University of Calgar y University of Alberta

CytoStore Inc. 2002 Banner Pharmacaps (Canada) Ltd. 1981 Norwest Labs 1975

KS Avicenna Inc. 2001 Intelligene Expressions Inc. 1994 Somagen Diagnostics Inc. 1988 Chembiomed Ltd. 1977

Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. 2004 Neurogenesis Biotech Corp. NeuroStasis 1995

ACT Pharma Inc. 2001 Alberta Research Council

Oncolytics Biotech Inc. 1998

United BioInformatica Inc. 2001 PBR Laboratories Inc. 1984 Synsorb Biotech Inc. 1994

Legend GrowSafe Systems Ltd. 1990 Year 1990 Company no longer in operation Pulmonox Medical Inc. 1993 Health Biotech Bioinformatics Ag-Biotech QRS Phenotyping Inc. 2003 Global International Quality Medical Research Inc. 1999 Functional Foods Environ-Biotech SciMed Laboratories Inc. 1999 Chemicals Resverlogix Corp. 2001 AltaChem Pharma Ltd. 1999 Merger/Acquisition New company Spin-off from existing company Celonex Inc. 2000 Year 2000

18 BioZine • 2005 ALBERTA BIO-INDUSTRY MAP

Virexx Medical Corp. 2003 bio Virexx Research Inc. 2001 Oncodigm Biopharma Inc. 2004 alberta By Ryan Radke and Alex Hou Norac Industries Inc. April 6, 2005

AltaRex Corp. 1996 Chenomx Inc. 2000

Biomira Research 1994 Micralyne Inc. 1998 Novokin Biotech Inc. 2005

BioCyDex Inc. 2003

Alberta Microelectronic Corporation 1982 BioTools Inc. 1995 Cybercell Technologies Inc. 2001

CV Technologies Inc. 1993

Kinetana Group Inc. 1998 HistoBest Inc. 2001

Isotechnika Inc. 1993 Raylo Chemicals 1963 (Aquired by Degussa) CanBiocin Inc. 1997

University of Alberta Ceapro Technology Inc. 2003

Vexco Laboratories 1987 CEAPRO 1997

J.A.R Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 1987 SPI Synthetics Peptides Inc. 1986 Ceapro Veterinar y Products Inc. 2003

Dow Agro Sciences Canada Inc. 1989 SPI Diagnostics 1993 Cytova x Biotechnologies Inc. 1998 Monsanto Canada Inc. 1960 Biotex Laboratories Inc. 1993

SynPhar Laboratories Inc. 1987 Ovo-Biotechnica Inc. 1991 BioMS Medical Corp. 2000

EquiTech Corporation 2002

DrisCorp Inc. AgriGenomics Inc. 1999 Cevena BioProducts Inc. 2002

Year 1990 Metabolic Modulators Research Ltd. 1997 KMT Hepatech Inc. 2002

TheraCarb Inc. 2000

Cardiometabolics Inc. 2000

Alta Genetics Inc. 1993

Aims Fine Chemicals Inc. 1998

NAEJA Pharmaceutical Inc. 1999 NemaRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2003

Year 2000 QSV Biologics Ltd. 2002

2005 • BioZine 19 A CENTURY OF ALBERTA INNOVATION

A Century of Alberta Innovation BY DR. RICHARD PERRY AND RYAN LESKIW

In 2005, Alberta celebrates its Centennial and Chembiomed Ltd.(which became Synsorb public companies such as BioMS Medical the first century of bio-innovation in the Biotech Inc. in 1994) and Biomira Inc. in Corp., Resverlogix Corporation, Stem Cell province. In light of the province’s 100th 1985. The later part of the 1980s saw the Therapeutics Corp., MBEC BioProducts year, it is a good time to reflect on the growth development of other spin-off companies, Inc., Virexx Medical Corp. and Equitech of our industry over the past century, and some with a focus on cancer. Corporation. As well, private companies what the future holds for Alberta. Another key event of the era was the like KMT Hepatech Inc., Cardiometabolics establishment of the Alberta Heritage Inc., NemaRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., AB From humble roots in brewing and food Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR). Biopharma Inc., and Chenomx Inc. appeared products, Alberta’s biotechnology industry Founded in 1980, with a $300 million on the Alberta bio-industry map. has grown to become the fourth largest in endowment from the provincial govern- The new millennium looks promising Canada. It is comprised of approximately ment, AHFMR provides research support for drug approvals in Alberta. In 2004, 60 biotech companies and an equal number for Alberta-based investigators and stu- eight human health biotechnology compa- of associated supporting service busi- dents and facilitates recruitment of lead- nies had Phase III products. The activities nesses. Like many jurisdictions, Alberta’s ing medical researchers. AHFMR initiated have created the development partnerships research institutions were the catalyst one of Canada’s first Technology Transfer that include Biomira and Merck Frosst for the development of the industry. The Programs investing $18 million into 200 Canada Ltd., AltaRex/Virexx Medical University of Alberta commenced in 1908 technology commercialization projects. In Corp. and United Therapeutics and the larg- with just 45 students. Nearly 60 years later, its 25-year history, AHFMR has contrib- est bio-industry partnership in the country the University of Calgary became a separate uted more than $780 million directly to the between Isotechnika and Roche. Positive academic institution in 1966, followed by medical scientific community. clinical trial results are expected to lead to the University of Lethbridge in 1967. The additional co-marketing and partnership Scientific and Industrial Research Council Building on the foundations of the previous agreements for Alberta companies. of Alberta was founded in 1921 and became decades, the biotechnology industry expe- Continued biotechnology developments the Alberta Research Council in 1930. rienced rapid growth through the 1990s. at Alberta’s research institutions are impor- With increased public interest in biotechnol- tant for further growth of the Alberta bio- The roots of Alberta’s biotechnology industry ogy, the maturation of world-class research industry. Consequently, the government were planted in the early 1960s with the for- being conducted at universities and institu- announced an additional $500 million mation of the first two biotechnology-relat- tions, more experienced commercialization in funding for the AHFMR in February ed companies in the province – Monsanto practitioners and a positive investment 2005, and a similar amount for the Alberta Canada Inc. in 1960 and Raylo Chemicals climate, the bio-industry flourished in Ingenuity Fund. These funds allow Alberta’s Inc. in 1963. Raylo was a key event for Alberta, as in North America. During the universities to maintain research excellence Alberta, being the first significant biotech- ’90s, 27 new biotechnology companies were and develop new scientists in leading edge nology company to be spun-off from the founded in the province with bio-industry areas of medical research. Their innovations U of A. It fostered the development of the clusters evolving in ag-biotechnology/bio- will provide the new technologies to sustain first generation of biotechnology entrepre- products, cancer therapeutics, natural and grow Alberta’s bio-industry. neurs; many from this group later became health products, infectious diseases and involved in start-ups and continue to serve diagnostics. These companies raised hun- Over the past 100 years Alberta’s biotechnol- as mentors and investors. dreds of millions of dollars in financing and ogy industry has emerged as a major part Following these two pioneering com- created new jobs in Alberta. This decade also of a knowledge-based economy, and a key panies, the industry grew slowly between witnessed the growth of a strong service driver for the diversification of the provin- 1970 and 1980. A handful of new ventures industry to support further expansion and cial economy. With mounting pressures emerged out of the universities and two development of Alberta’s bio-industries. facing the worldwide healthcare system, new multinational agricultural firms set up there will be new opportunities in the pre- Canadian headquarters in Alberta. Along The next 100 years looks bright for Alberta’s vention, diagnosis and treatment of dis- with new analytical testing and contract biotechnology industry. Since 2000, 18 new eases. Leveraging its solid foundation, the manufacturing companies, the period biotechnology companies have been cre- bio-industry in Alberta is well positioned to also saw the creation of Alberta’s first two ated in Alberta, or nearly 20% of all active meet these challenges and become a global human health drug discovery companies: companies in the province. These include leader over the next century. BZ

20 BioZine • 2005 ��

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�� TRENDY HEALTH

TrendyThe success of Alberta’s natural health products shows growing consumer acceptance in nutraceuticals Health here are few Canadians as ‘old school’ Commercial success has taken time for as Don Cherry, the CBC commenta- CV’s president and CEO Jacqueline Shan, T tor with in-your-face jackets and who founded the firm with Peter Pang even brasher opinions. A decade ago, the in 1992 to capitalize on research at the idea of ‘Grapes’ endorsing a cold remedy University of Alberta. derived from chemical molecules extracted At that time, the pair developed a pat- from North American ginseng would seem ented process called ChemBioPrint, which about as likely as the blue-collar icon swill- identified biological activity and the chemi- ing Heineken or dining on sushi. cal profile in extracts of herbs, plants and Today, however, Canadians can watch other natural health products. The process and hear the bombastic hockey commenta- ensured consistent quality and allowed tor pitching COLD-fX, the flagship product the fledgling start-up to develop natural of Edmonton-based CV Technologies Inc. extracts into products with a batch-to-batch The decision to make Cherry the new face of consistency that equalled that of big-name the product has coincided with CV’s trans- pharmaceutical manufacturers. formation from struggling start-up into a About the same time, Shan saw the profitable company that has caught the eye demand for natural health products rap- BY WILL GIBSON of the national media. idly expanding beyond its traditional

22 BioZine • 2005 TRENDY HEALTH

SPEAKING FOR HEALTH: CV Technologies pitchman Don Cherry RIGHT: Cherry with Premier Ralph Klein and Jacqueline Shan

niches. “At the beginning of the 1990s, the health issues or conditions through foods or raising awareness about health issues such industry started going through double-digit other products. as cholesterol levels,” he adds. “For example, annual growth, which it maintained until That’s a huge market for Cevena large pharma companies like Pfizer Inc. and 2000, when it started to level off a little Bioproducts Inc., makers of Viscofiber, an Merck & Co. Inc. have brought it to people’s bit,” Shan outlines. “The aging baby boom- oat and barley fibre-based product that con- attention through major advertising cam- ers drove that explosion in growth. People trols cholesterol. paigns, but functional foods and nutraceu- were becoming better educated about their “More and more people will take nat- ticals have benefited because people are health because they wanted to live healthier ural health products because they are looking for solutions other than taking a and longer.” seen as more friendly than traditional pill.” pharmaceutical drugs, which have – And while the entire natural health Some of the growth for nutraceuticals also fairly or not – negative connotations and functional foods market has grown, resulted from North American consumers attached to them,” says Cevena’s president there are few niches hotter than the heart shying away from traditional pharmaceuti- and CEO Kim Lucas, who spent a decade in health segment targeted by Cevena. The cals. A recent Natural Marketing Institute marketing traditional pharmaceuticals. Nutritional Business Journal estimates survey suggested 90% of North American “While natural health products have the American market alone at almost $850 consumers would prefer not to be stuck increased advertising in recent years, a million US annually, forecasting a yearly popping pills for the rest of their lives. Of much bigger factor is that the pharmaceuti- growth rate of 13%. that group, 75% wanted to manage personal cal industry has done a tremendous job in Lucas links this growth to the North

2005 • BioZine 23 �� TRENDY HEALTH

�� American epidemic of obesity and weight- �� related diseases such as hypercholestero- �� lemia, hypertension and diabetes. “Not only �� is there a real problem, there is increasing media awareness about the problems asso- �� ciated with these diseases,” Lucas says. �� In addition to lifestyle trends, politics has also �� helped shape some consumer behaviour. �� Rising health care costs in the United States �� and the political wrangling over health �� care reforms in Canada have also moti- �� vated more consumers to look at preventa- tive health measures, something that has �� shown up on CV Technologies’ bottom line. �� The company, which used to sell $1 million �� every quarter, now grosses that in a week with a major marketing push into Ontario led its plaid-clad pitchman Cherry. �� “People have become more serious about �� protecting their health. There are so many statistics, but one really sticks out for me – �� more than half of Canadians now take vita- �� mins or other supplements,” Shan says. The federal government could further help the industry through a stricter regulatory regime, which Shan sees as building consumer conﬁdence in products. During the 1990s, too many ﬂy-by-night operators peddling modern-day snake oil wound up hurting the industry as a whole. “As an industry, we need more guidelines and more science. We need to provide better information to the public,” Shan says. “It will take the whole industry some time to conduct the clinical research to validate their health claims, but we see it as a positive,” she says. “It ensures the industry is clean. In the 1990s, people got into the industry that didn’t do a lot of work on the science and quality control. Our industry doesn’t need that.”

What the sector could use, particularly in Alberta, is more investor awareness and vehicles. While the province has great infrastructure for start-ups, such as the University of Alberta (which, among other things, spawned CV Technologies), Cevena’s Lucas would like the Alberta government to allow labour-sponsored venture capital funds, which provide a tax shelter to investors looking to put money into high-tech ventures. “I guess labour is a bit of a dirty word here, but it would help so much,” Lucas says, who spends more time pitching investors in Silicon Valley than Edmonton or Calgary. “When I do presentations in other provinces with ag-based venture funds, they get it so much faster.” That lack of venture capital could retard the growth of promising start-ups such as Cevena, whose research funding was pro- vided by industry groups such as the Alberta Barley Commission and Alberta Agriculture Research Institute. The subsequent commercialization of its technology was sponsored by AVAC Ltd., a Calgary-based private non-proﬁt company established by the provincial government to provide advice and venture capital to value-added agricultural businesses. “Alberta is a great place to start a high-tech company,” Cevena’s president says. “There are going to be challenges from both the ﬁnancial and human resources point of view,” says Jacqueline Shan, president of CV Technologies Inc.

“Still, start-ups in the province face difﬁcul- ties in ﬁnding investors,” Lucas admits. “The rule is if investors can’t get into their cars and drive 30 minutes to see their investment, they aren’t interested. And in Alberta, investors clearly understand the oilpatch better.” Shan sees potential labour shortage on the horizon as another issue for the Alberta bio-industry to address if they are going to capitalize on the abundant opportunities in �� the 21st century. “There are going to be challenges from both the financial and human resources �� point of view,” she notes. “We need to �� attract investors to a value-added industry. �� We must attract and educate the necessary skilled people to develop new technologies �� and bring them to commercialization,” Shan says. �� “But I am confident that our industry �� can meet those challenges. After all, we’re �� Albertans.” BZ ��

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�� SEEKING CAPITAL

Seeking Funding from the public markets fuels growth and creates a lot of change CAPITAL ompanies in Alberta’s bio-industry done case-by-case,” Baum says. Obviously, grow in stages. Ideas evolve into the amount of money needed is dependent Cresearch, then through trials and upon what the market will bear and how onto commercialization. Capital, however, underwriters determine that value. is the catalyst that gets products to market, “Find a financial advisor who knows what and obtaining backing to reach the commer- they’re doing in the sector,” says Raymond cial stage can be challenging. While com- King, the senior manager of client develop- panies source several avenues to bankroll ment in Western Canada for the Toronto growth and development, the public finan- Stock Exchange (TSX). “Choose someone cial markets are proven to have the capacity who has the experience to sell stock in your and willingness to fund biotech companies. sector.” He recommends hiring a chief exec- Choosing open market investment to trans- utive with experience in the financial mar- form a biotech research company to a com- kets and dealing with shareholders. “You mercial operation is also a challenge. may have a strong science background, but Tony Noujaim, chairman and CEO of not a strong business background,” King Edmonton-based ViRexx Medical Corp., explains. “You’re going from a research has shepherded five biotech firms through focus to dealing with the expectations of the process in the course of his scientific and stockholders.” business career. “To get a product into clinical trials – to be serious, you need $5 mil- “The reason we went lion,” he suggests. While capital is the seed public is because the to growth, the management and human resources side of the equation is equally, if mezzanine market in not more critical. “Get a CFO who knows Canada is non-existent,” what they are doing,” he says. “Put in legal says Andrew Baum, and accounting people with experience.” CEO of SemBioSys “A public company is expensive in terms of Genetics Inc. cash outlays and senior management,” says Andrew Baum, president and CEO of In Canada, the TSX is split into a sen- Calgary-based SemBioSys Genetics Inc. “It ior exchange (TSX) and junior venture becomes a full-time job for the CFO until it’s exchange (TSXV). “The TSXV is for earlier done.” While there is no set route, or meth- stage biotech companies in pre-clinical trial odology to going public, it’s a lot about where stage (Phase I companies),” says King. “The the company is in terms of development senior exchange is for Phase II and Phase III, BY GORDON COPE and where it is going, he says. “It has to be companies closer to commercialization.”

2005 • BioZine 27 SEEKING CAPITAL ILLUSTRATIONWORKS

28 BioZine • 2005 SEEKING CAPITAL

Reporting and accounting rules differ commercially grown, oil-rich plant (for are in various stages of pre-clinical and clin- between the exchanges. “Companies (on instance, safflower). In order to take prod- ical trials and ViRexx needed investment to the senior exchange) must document every ucts through clinical trials, the company reach commercial status. single step and process they use in order to needed money – several million dollars. “We went public in December 2003 with get their numbers,” says King. “They need a “The reason we went public is because the a reverse takeover,” says Noujaim. The com- completely independent auditor. The proc- mezzanine market in Canada is non-exist- pany started trading on the TSX in April ess takes one year and can cost up to $3 mil- ent,” Baum explains. “It was very clear to 2004, coinciding with an $8.8 million ini- lion. If you’re on the venture exchange, you us that we would (otherwise) have to do tial public offering. “We then did a merger don’t need to do this, but you will go through multiple financings. Going public, you get a with Altarex in December 2004. We now it to get to the senior exchange.” much better deal, the dilution is a lot less.” have a company approaching $100 million Timing is very important in approaching SemBioSys went public in 2001 raising in value. Now we are on the radarscope.” the markets – issuing shares has to coincide $16.5 million in private venture capital and As a public company, senior manage- with strong market interest in the sector. listed on the TSX in December 2004, raising ment’s role is to maintain a sharp focus on “The windows (of opportunity) for biotech $20 million through an initial public offer- shareholder expectations. “You’ve got to open and close,” Baum says. “The market ing. The company is now valued at approxi- execute and deliver on commitments,” Baum was good for the first half of 2004, then mately $50 million. says. Investors look for returns, the value of choppy and difficult in the summer, then the company has to increase and that’s the more favourable in the winter.” Patience Meanwhile, ViRexx is focused on the develop- bottom line. “If you’re going [public] be pre- is a virtue. “Don’t rush, take your time,” ment of products for the treatment of cancer pared for a rollercoaster ride,” Baum says. Noujaim advises. “Select a time when the and chronic viral infections. Its three main “Be prepared for a difficult time. markets are hot, not when the markets are products include a monoclonal antibody “The stock will go up and down, often for down.” that acts against late stage ovarian cancer, reasons that have nothing to do with the SemBioSys produces insulin and other and vaccines developed to treat chronic hep- company,” he adds. “But in the long term, products by inserting a transgene into a atitis B and C viral infections. The products valuation follows value.” BZ

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�� FRONT-RUNNERS Front-Runners

Dr. Bob Church Dr. Ron Micetich with presenter Jim Wispinski Dr. Maurice Moloney with presenter Keith Jones

Alberta’s Award Winners outstanding research or business record, magnitude of the company’s performance BioAlberta Annual General Meeting a history of sustained leadership and have and contribution were also considered by 2004 Achievement Awards: actively promoted investment in and com- the selection committee. mercialization of companies and technolo- • Lifetime Achievement Award: gies in Alberta. ASTech Awards 2004: Dr. Bob Church • Outstanding Commercial Achievement BioAlberta conferred a special Lifetime • Award for Scientific Achievement: in Alberta Science and Technology Achievement Award to recognize an indi- Dr. Maurice Moloney Finalists: vidual who has made extensive and tangible SemBioSys Genetics Inc. Ceapro Inc. contributions to the Alberta and Canadian The BioAlberta Award for Scientific CV Technologies Inc. life sciences community. It honors the Achievement is presented to individuals impact of that work on scientific achieve- who have led or played a significant role in • NRC/ASTech Innovation in Industrial ment and research, industry development, scientific innovation or advancement, have Research Prize public policy, ambassadorship and educa- overcome technical or scientific challenges Recipient: tion. to advance the achievement, and whose ViRexx Medical Corp. Dr. Church is Professor Emeritus of efforts have led to the commercialization of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular the achievement or have helped advance the • NRC/ASTech Innovation in Industrial Biology, University of Calgary. He was work of colleagues or fellow researchers. Research Prize (Red Deer and founding Professor and Head of the south) Department of Medical Biochemistry in • Award for Entrepreneurship Recipient: the Faculty of Medicine at the University Dr. Jacqueline Shan Canadian Bio-Systems Inc. of Calgary and Associate Dean Medical CV Technologies Inc. Provides enzyme technology and its Research. The BioAlberta Award for Entrepreneurship application in the aquaculture, live- is presented to individuals who have dem- stock and poultry feed industries. • Award for Industry Leadership: onstrated entrepreneurial skills in the Dr. Ron Micetich development of a product or company in • Excellence in Science and Technology NAEJA Pharmaceuticals Inc. the biotechnology field. These individu- Public Awareness Prize The BioAlberta Award for Industry als have demonstrated the ability to moti- Recipient: Leadership is presented to individuals who vate people and mobilize resources for the Biotechnology Training Centre have made a significant contribution to the endeavor, and have demonstrated commit- Outreach, University of Calgary development of the biotechnology commu- ment, vision, and calculated risk taking. In nity in Alberta. These individuals have an addition to these professional skills, the

30 BioZine • 2005 FRONT-RUNNERS

Dr. Jacqueline Shan

• F.N.G. Starr Award by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA): (August 2004) Dr. Lorne Tyrrell C.S.O. of ViRexx Medical Corp. This award recognizes outstanding achievements in science, research and the improvement of medical services in Canada.

• 2004 BioNorth National Merit Award Dr. Antoine A. Noujaim President & Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, ViRexx Medical Corp. Dr. Antoine Noujaim of ViRexx Medical Corporation was recognized for his pioneering role in both nuclear medicine and the development of Canada’s biotechnology industry.

• Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences - Lifetime Achievement Award (June 2004) Dr. Antoine A. Noujaim President & Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, ViRexx Medical Corp. The award recognizes outstanding and continuous contributions in the fields of radiopharmaceutics and biotechnology. PARTNER RECOGNITION

BioAlberta wishes to thank the following organizations for their partnership BioAlberta Gold Partners

BioAlberta Silver Partners

BioAlberta Afﬁliate Partners

32 BioZine • 2005 �� BIOALBERTA MEMBERS

Membership

Corporate Members Foragen Technologies Management Inc. University of Calgary – Faculty of Medicine (Sponsors and Partners in Bold) Fraser Milner Casgrain University of Lethbridge* Acumen Capital Finance Partners Fred Stewart & Associates Inc. University Technologies International Inc. Agriculture Financial Services Genome Prairie (Affiliate) Ventures West Corporation Global International Quality ViRexx Medical Corp. Ag-West Bio Inc. Medical Research Inc. (Silver) VWR International Alberta Agricultural Research Institute GrowSafe Systems Ltd. W.A. Cochrane & Associates Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Hannibal Ventures Inc. WAI BioProcess Solutions Development* (affiliate) Harcourt & Associates Westlink Innovation Network Ltd. Alberta Economic Development IBM Canada Ltd. * Denotes dual membership with Alberta Heritage Foundation for ICCI BioProducts Alberta Medical Research Isotechnika Inc. (Silver) Alberta Ingenuity Centre for JAR Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Individual Members Kinetana Group Inc. Carbohydrate Science Armstrong, Glen (Dr.) KMT Hepatech Inc. Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Back, Donald (Dr.) KPMG Machine Learning Bernard, Mark Lombard Life Sciences Inc. Alberta Ingenuity Fund Ceroni, Lisa MBEC BioProducts Inc. Alberta Innovation and Science (Patron) Desai, Pete (Dr.) McKay-Carey and Company Alberta Research Council – Biologics Facklam, Thomas (Dr.) Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. (Silver) Alberta Research Council –NuRx Jabs, Linda A.* Metabolic Modulators Research Ltd. Services Group (affiliate) Mathison, Ron (Dr.) Micralyne Inc. Alberta Research Council – Toxtest Meadows, Scott (Dr.) Momentous Consulting Ltd. Alberta Science and Research Morrier, Eric Monsanta Canada Inc. (Affiliate) Authority (Patron) Perry, Richard (Dr.) NAEJA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Alberta Synchrotron Institute Sheridan, Beverley A NemaRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. Altachem Pharma Ltd. Sustrik, Gordon New Era Nutrition Inc. Antibe Therapeutics Inc. Swanson, Eric* Ogilvie LLP Astra Zeneca Canada Inc. Valiaveetil, Sanjoy Peter ATB Financial Olds College School of Innovation AVAC Ltd. (Gold Partner) Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Aventis Pasteur Limited Pacific Horizon Ventures Board of Directors Bayer CropScience* Parlee McLaws Andrew Baum (Chair), President and CEO Bennett Jones PBR Laboratories SemBioSys Genetics Inc. Biomira Inc. (Affiliate) Pfizer Canada Ltd. Robert Aubrey, Vice President, Marketing & BioMS Medical Corp. Pharmahorizons Inc. Business Development BioNeutra Inc. PharmEng Technology Inc. Biomira Inc. BIOTECanada PriceWaterhouseCoopers (Silver) David Cox, President and CEO BMO Nesbitt Burns Promotive Communications Inc. Altachem Pharma Ltd. BOWNE Pulmonox Medical Inc. Ron Dyck, Assistant Deputy Minister of Research Calgary Technologies Inc. QRS Phenotyping Inc. Alberta Innovation and Sciences Camire Group QSV Biologics Inc. Robert Foster, Chairman, CEO and Director Canadian Bio-Systems Inc. Redengine Inc. Isotechnika Inc. Ceapro Inc. Research Services Office, Ed Knash, Vice-President, Agri Industry Celonex Inc. University of Alberta Marketing and Product Development Centre for Mouse Genomics Research Tax Services ATB Financial Cevena BioProducts Inc. RX&D (Canada’s Research Based Chris Lumb, President & CEO Chancellor Life Sciences Inc. Pharmaceutical Companies) Micralyne Inc. Chenomx Inc. SciMed Laboratories Inc. Tony Noujaim, President & CEO CV Technologies Inc. SemBioSys Genetics Inc.* (Affiliate) ViRexx Research Inc. Cybercell Technologies Inc. Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. Mark Redmond, President & CEO Deloitte & Touche Stiris Research Inc. Ceapro Inc. Dow AgroSciences TEC Edmonton Rick Smith, President & CEO Canada Inc.* (Gold Partner) TheraCarb Dow AgroSciences Canada Inc. Earle & Associates TSX Fred Stewart ECB Enviro North America Inc.* TS Biotech Fred Stewart and Associates Inc. Edmonton Economic United Bioinformatica Inc. Gordon Sustrik Development Corporation University of Alberta – Faculty of Bennett Jones LLP Epsilon Chemicals Ltd. Medicine & Dentistry Brad Thompson, Chairman, President & CEO EquiTech Corporation University of Alberta – Dept of Oncolytics Biotech Inc Fisher Scientific International Inc. Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science*

34 BioZine • 2005 ��

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