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Development of an Alzheimer’s disease diagnostic based upon an epitope protection assay (2006)

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Overview

Ontario-based ProMIS Neurosciences (formerly known as Amorfix Life Sciences Inc.) is using molecular and proteomic techniques to develop a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease. The company has shown that its test can detect aggregated protein (amyloid) in femtogram quantities (ten parts per trillion) when it is spiked into plasma or cerebral spinal fluid. The diagnostic assay is currently being tested in patient samples.

DNA probe identification and testing for use on 3D-biochip product (2008)

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Overview

A joint effort by researchers at the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario (BIO, University of Guelph) and Toronto-based industry partner Safeguard Biosystems is developing a point-of-contact, DNA barcode-based assay. This assay will differentiate between groups of animal species in random samples of plant and animal foods, enabling the Barcode of Life Project.

DNA tests for diagnoses of genetic diseases and cancer (2009)

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Overview

Cytognomix, a start-up biotech company based in London, Ontario, is developing novel cytogenetic, single copy DNA probes that are smaller and more densely distributed across the genome than probes that are currently commercially available. The probes will be designed to specifically detect individual chromosomal abnormalities such as those that underlie many diseases.

Reducing boar taint in pigs through the use of genetic markers (2009)

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Overview

A research effort based at the University of Guelph is developing a set of genetic markers that can be used to monitor a marker-assisted selection breeding program to produce pigs that are free of boar taint, an undesirable odour or taste that is sometimes evident in pork products. This has the potential to enable their industry partner and other breeding companies to produce more marketable pig lines.

Enhanced human hematopoietic stem cell engraftment by modulation of SIRPa-CD47 interactions between donor and recipient (2009)

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Overview

A joint effort by researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children and the University Health Network is developing a test to help predict the outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplants – commonly referred to as bone marrow transplants – based on the genetic make-up of the potential donor and recipient. This prognostic test would aim to predict (and therefore decrease) complications that can occur in transplant patients such as transplant failure and graft versus host disease.

An in-vivo-based proteomic screening system for nuclear receptor ligand and cofactor discovery (2010)

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Overview

InDanio, an early-stage drug discovery and development company, has developed a novel and unique screening system for the complete human nuclear hormone receptor (NR) family. The company uses fluorescent tags attached to copies of human genes in living zebrafish embryos to identify and localize functioning individual NRs. The screening system can be used to both characterize certain receptors as potential targets for drug discovery, and to identify and refine potential new drugs that target NR proteins.

ArticDX 002 a prospective study of MaculaRisk as a predictor of early progression of dry AMD to wet AMD (2010)

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Overview

ArcticDx, Inc, a Toronto-based company, has developed a genetic test, Macula Risk®, to determine one’s inherited risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is the most common form of acquired blindness in the developed world, affecting over 10 percent of individuals. ArcticDx will use the PBDF investment to undertake studies in support of a planned filing for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Macula Risk.

Development of a novel macrocycle compound library (2011)

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Overview

A University of Toronto-based research effort is developing innovative methods around an emerging class of therapeutics called macrocycles. The team has developed a novel and effective process for making linear peptides circular. The PBDF funding, as well as support from MaRS Innovation, will allow the team to further their efforts, including building a compound library and testing for important properties such as cell permeability and stability.

The development and commercialization of the mammalian membrane two-hybrid (MaMTH) technology (2012)

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Overview

A research team at the University of Toronto is validating a novel protein interaction technology. Utilizing the PBDF funding, the team will conduct the development and validation necessary to make this assay commercially viable. Once on the market, this tool will expand the resources available to researchers and companies developing new therapeutics.