Seven U of S Researchers Nominated for Innovation Awards

Posted April 14, 2004


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 2004-04-06-OTHER

Seven U of S Researchers Nominated for Innovation Awards

Seven University of Saskatchewan researchers whose work advances needle-free
drug delivery, emergency stroke treatment and added value for canola were
nominated for the third annual Innovation Place-Industry Liaison Office
"Award of Innovation."

Doug Gill, Managing Director of the Industry Liaison Office (ILO) for the
University of Saskatchewan, announced the nominees late Tuesday at the
"Celebrate Success!" award nominations reception at the Saskatoon Centennial
Auditorium.

"The technologies developed by this year's nominees have the potential to
improve our lives, both directly through improved medical treatment, and
indirectly by increasing prosperity in our province and country," he said.

The award honors U of S researchers who have brought new and commercially
viable technology to the ILO for development into marketable products.

The award, sponsored by Innovation Place and the ILO, will be presented May
11th at the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium at the "Celebrate Success!"
gala, an event sponsored by the Saskatoon and District Chamber of Commerce
and Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.

"Universities play a key role as incubators for new innovations," Gill said.
"The U of S is proud to contribute with our partners at Innovation Place and
elsewhere in bringing novel products and processes to the marketplace."

The finalists are:

Pharmacy professor Marianna Foldvari and chemistry professor Ron Verrall
have developed a biomaterial-based needle-free delivery system that allows
therapeutic proteins and vaccines to be delivered via the skin. The
technology can be used to insert normal DNA and other large molecules like
proteins into the body to treat genetic and dermatological diseases as well
as scars from burns. Applications extend to treatment of HIV, hemophilia,
cancer, and a wide range of infectious diseases.

Forte Pharmaceutical Laboratories Inc. was incorporated to commercialize the
technology and seek further outside investment. A licensing agreement
between Forte and ILO is pending.

Vivian Ramsden and Jim Thornhill in the College of Medicine, together with a
team of specialists, developed and patented the Cooling Arch, a therapeutic
tool used in emergency medicine. For victims of stroke or head trauma,
inflammation after the main event causes great damage and even death.
Front-line medical personnel apply the C-shaped arch to the neck of the
patient to cool the blood going into the brain and reduce inflammation.
Sensors on the device monitor the cooling effect.

David Maenz, Henry Classen and Rex Newkirk at the College of Agriculture
have developed a process to fractionate canola meal, one of the highest
quality plant-based protein sources in the world. The technology is used
to separate the meal into multiple products, such as high-protein
concentrates for the aquaculture industry, customized protein fibre
products for cattle feed, and various co-products for use in markets from
food to cosmetics. By adding value to canola meal, the process promises
to increase the worth of Prairie canola, benefiting farmers and creating
new economic opportunities.

MCN BioProducts Inc. was founded in 2000 to bring the canola fractionation
technology to market. The company has secured venture capital from various
partners, has proven its technology, and is on the brink of major
commercialization.

The annual Award of Innovation is open to U of S employees and students.
Selection criteria include the novelty of the innovation and its potential
commercial impact. The selection committee includes representatives from
Innovation Place and the University of Saskatchewan.

In addition to a financial award, the winner will be recognized with a photo
on the "Award of Innovation" wall at the Industry Liaison Office and a
personal trophy.

Innovation Place (www.innovationplace.com) is one of North America's most
successful research parks. The Industry Liaison Office (www.usask.ca/ilo)
works with inventors to help commercialize innovations developed at the U of
S.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Doug Gill
Managing Director
Industry Liaison Office
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-7335
www.usask.ca/research/ilo

Michael Robin
Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/