acRoss canada

Research in ALBERTA

The province of Alberta is probably best known for its resource wealth, spectacular scenery, and cowboys; a “Texas North” in the minds of some. What may not be so well known are the world-class infrastructure and academic programs at Alberta universities and the important role that provincial investments have played in supporting an environment where innovation and ingenuity are recognized and rewarded. Alberta’s ingenuity is exemplifi ed by the historic role that the University of Alberta and the Alberta Research Council played in developing technology for oil sands extraction, long before it was considered economically viable to do so. Today, Alberta holds one of the largest recoverable oil reserves in the world, and the wealth generated by its traditional resources continue to be invested in an “innovation agenda”.

UofAlberta Li Ka-Shing Institute of Virology

One of the long-standing areas of major investment has been in health research and these investments are now paying dividends in the form of a vibrant life sciences research community and state-of-the-art health services. Alberta invested aggressively to build its health research continuum through the establishment of two endowed Alberta Heritage Foundations. These were the Heritage Foundations for Medical Research and for Science and Engineering Research (now Alberta Innovates — Health Solutions and Alberta Innovates — Technology Futures, respectively).

Starting in the 1980’s, these agencies have played a critically important role in recruiting “high quality personnel” to Alberta and in establishing much of the research infrastructure.

More recently the province, in collaboration with the Government of Canada, has greatly expanded this infrastructure to meet the growing demand for health workers and for training in research laboratories.

For example, the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, has just completed two new stateof-the-art research buildings (the Li Ka-Shing Institute for Health Innovation and the Katz Centre for Pharmacy & A reactor suite, Health Research) that comprise ~65,000 m2 of part of Gilead’s manufacturing new space hous- operation in ing 1,600 people, Edmonton, AB. linked to two existing research buildings, two of western Canada’s largest tertiary care, research and teaching hospitals, the Provincial Laboratories of Public Health, and the new Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute (one of only three in Canada). An additional facility, designed to support a multi-disciplinary program in allied health sciences (the Edmonton Clinic Health Academy), is currently being populated.

This academic cluster now comprises one of Canada’s largest contiguous medical research complexes and can provide researchers with access to the latest tools for imaging (optical, electron, MRI, and PET),

genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and structural biology. The infrastructure also includes specialized facilities that support access to nanotechnology (the National Institute for Nanotechnology is located on campus), new infectious pathogens facilities (the Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases), animal models, clinical trials, ABSL3 biocontainment suites, and radioisotope production. Similar investments in advanced infrastructure have been made at the University of Calgary.

With this funding, the province has been able to support a variety of programs in health research and this had led to the development of a number of areas of specialized research strengths. There has been a long history of support for infectious disease research, dating back to the establishment of some of Canada’s fi rst molecular virology

studies by Dr. J. Coulter in the 1960’s. A signal success was the pioneering work done by Drs. L. Tyrrell and M. Robbins in the 1980’s, and which led to the development and worldwide use of lamivudine (3TC) as a therapeutic for treating hepatitis B virus infections by GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

In more recent years the province has built upon these foundations to support other related projects in infectious and infl ammatory disease research in both Edmonton and Calgary. These projects include the Centre of Excellence in Gastrointestinal

Infl ammation & Immunity Research, Alberta Transplant Applied Genomics Centre, Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Carbohydrate Science, Alberta Prion Research Institute, and the Snyder Institute for Infection, Immunity & Infl ammation. These institutes and centres are active participants in a network of collaborating western research organizations including Defense R&D Canada (whose biodefense research laboratories are located in Suffi eld, Alberta), PrioNet Canada, the Western Canadian Vaccine Network, Saskatchewan’s Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization, Manitoba’s high-containment Canadian Science Centre for Human & Animal Health, and British Columbia’s new Preclinical Research Consortium.

Amongst these many leading edge activities, a particularly successful recent venture has been the establishment of the University of Alberta’s new Li Ka-Shing Institute of Virology. The institute was made possible by large infrastructure awards from the provincial and federal governments, which were then greatly enhanced by generous gifts in support of research, in 2010, from GlaxoSmithKline Inc. and the Li Ka-Shing Foundation of Canada. In all, nearly $100 million is being invested in building, equipping, and endowing the new institute, which currently supports basic and translational research using different viruses and sophisticated models such as mice bearing humanized livers (the NIH-supported “KMT mouse”) or transplanted tumours. This activity has created an unparalleled environment for attracting new faculty and research trainees. Alberta has recently become the new home for the laboratory of Dr. M. Houghton, a Canada Excellence Research Chair and Lasker Award winning scientist, and co-discoverer of hepatitis C virus. Additional young faculty are currently being recruited to the associated Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology to expand the institute’s research capacity. The Li Ka-Shing Institute has been especially active in pursuing international partnerships and has been particularly focused on building partnerships with researchers and institutions based in the U.S. northwest, China and Europe. However, it has also been working closer to home to build connections with companies such as Gilead Inc. (who already have a signifi cant manufacturing presence in the city of Edmonton) and to build its own portfolio of spin-off companies.

One of the manifestations of the activity in the area of virology has been development of plans for two upcoming conferences in Edmonton and Calgary. These conferences will attract leading experts from around the world and provide an excellent mechanism in which to investigate the provincial expertise, intellectual property, and research facilities that can be accessed to support commercial infectious disease research. The special joint virology conference sponsored by the Gairdner Foundation and the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology is planned for the end of May and will cover a broad array of topics relating to general virology (May 31June 1, 2012). Later in August, the annual International Herpesvirus Workshop will be held in Calgary (August 4-9, 2012).

For further information about these conferences please go to: www.herpesvirusworkshop.com/2012/ www.gairdner.org/ www.likashinginstituteofvirology

For more information about the opportunities available to support any of the topics touched on in this review, or to secure key contacts within Alberta, please contact the Alberta Innovates Connector by telephone at 1–877–828–0444. We can also be reached through email to connector@albertainnovates.ca.

Alberta Innovates and

Alberta Biomaterials Development

Centre Dr. David Evans is a professor and chair, Medical Microbiology & Immunology Dr. Marek Michalak is vice-dean, Research, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada For more ACROSS CANADA information visit our PROFILES Web Portal at

www.bioscienceworld.ca

University Ownership pOlicy

for publication research results within one year from the termination of the project or submission of the final report, whichever is later.

In the absence of an agreement, rights to patentable IP vest in the creator. The creator is free to exploit the invention on his own, through the University Industry Liaison Office [UILO]. If the commercialization process proceeds through the UILO, the creator is required to assign the IP to the U. Comments: The IP created in the form of textbooks, instructional website or other instructional materials rest with the creator. The creator may voluntarily assign the IP to the U.

U & I own the invention jointly. I may offer the invention to the U for commercialization and, if accepted by the U, the U becomes sole owner. Alternatively, I may request personal ownership and take responsibility for commercialization or appoint the U as I’s exclusive agent to commercialize the invention. U owns all rights to inventions created in the course of employment by administrative staff and the allocation of revenue from such an invention is at the sole discretion of the U. Comments: If the U does not enter into an agreement with a 3rd party to commercialize the invention within 2 years, the I can request to assume full responsibility for commercialization and the U will assign full ownership of the invention to the I. Agreements entered into before the disclosure of the invention to the U can limit U policy. Invention policy does not apply to copyright, other than software that is not instructional software; rights in copyright are governed by a separate policy.

IP is inventor owned as per the Faculty Collective Agreement. Comments: Disclosure of invention to the U of an invention is mandatory. The creator has the right to make all decisions regarding their IP and its commercialization. U has the 1st option to carry out development of IP to commercialization. The I is obliged to enter into an agreement with the U in respect to the work. For inventions, the I must grant to the U a non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, indivisible and non-transferable license to the IP, its improvements, design or development. For computer programs, the creator must grant non-exclusive, royalty-free, irrevocable, indivisible and nontransferable license to the U for U’s internal use.

The ownership of the IP rest with the creator with some exceptions, e.g., U retains ownership of IP created as “assigned tasks” in the course of administrative activities; creators grant the U a non-exclusive, free, irrevocable license to copy and/or use scholarly works created in the course of teaching and research; and sponsored or contract research are governed by the terms of the contract. The I can choose to commercialize the IP themselves or, if choose to use the assistance of the University, assignment and sharing agreements are signed. Disclosure of invention to the U is mandatory. Comments: The creator owns the copyright except for the following: works created or modified in the course of employment or works of joint authorship.

In the absence of an agreement, the U claims no right to the IP of the creator(s). The inventor can choose to patent the invention through the U or commercialize it themselves. If the I chooses to go thru the University’s Patent Plan then the IP must be assigned to the U. Comments: Copyright may be owned jointly by the University and the creator. In such cases, the division of ownership is settled by negotiation.

The creator owns the work with some exceptions, e.g., contract takes precedence or the U funds , resources or facilities are used beyond regular academic work. Comments: The creator grants to the U a non-exclusive, royalty free, irrevocable, indivisible and non-transferable right to use for internal, non-commercial and research use.

The creator owns the work with exceptions, e.g., ownership and profits are negotiated in an agreement with the U. Disclosure of IP to the U is mandatory if U facilities, support personnel, services, materials or equipment are used. The I assigns the invention to the U. Comments: The IP policy is within the Faculty Association Collective Agreement. The collective Agreement is current to June 30, 2011.

Simon Fraser

Toronto

Trent

Waterloo

Western Ontario

Wilfred Laurier

Windsor

Spectrometer Ocean Optics has added triggering functions to its Maya2000 Pro back-thinned CCD miniature spectrometer to provide accurate timing and synchronization between the spectrometer and other devices. Three low-jitter trigger and normal operating modes are now possible. Applications include pulsing a light source to occur when acquiring a spectra and synchronizing spectral acquisition to coordinate with samples moving through a process stream or sensors reaching a certain temperature level. In addition to triggering, Ocean Optics has enhanced Maya2000 Pro performance with support for RS-232 communications and improved optoelectronics that increase dynamic range (to 15000:1), lower trigger jitter (to 100 ns) and decrease dark noise (to 6 RMS counts). The Maya2000 Pro has a 30-pin connector and 10 user-programmable digital I/Os. Its onboard programmable high-speed FPGA controller enables triggering and provides other performance advantages. Available operating modes are Normal (spectrometer continuously acquires spectra) and the three trigger modes: external hardware level trigger, external synchronous trigger and external hardware edge trigger. The Maya2000 Series spectrometers are ideal for low light-level applications such as fluorescence, DNA sequencing and measurement of certain biological samples. The spectrometer can be used in the VUV (to ~150 nm) with the addition of a nitrogen purge box to help lessen the absorption of water and oxygen in the VUV.

Reply Card #4970

Pump Edwards’ new nXDS pump is an environmentally-friendly oil-free vacuum pump that has no lubricants in the vacuum. This eliminates the need for regular oil changes and users can benefit from low maintenance. It is fully serviceable in the field, which results in low downtime. It has reduced power consumption with minimum environmental impact and low acoustic noise levels, making it an ideal ‘fit and forget’ pump for the laboratory. The pump also features green modes, enabling users to reduce their carbon footprints and save energy costs.

Reply Card #4971

Dispensing Auxiliary Modules

METTLER TOLEDO introduces new Quantos® powder and liquid dispensing auxiliary modules that can be added to any 0.1mg or 0.01mg XP Excellence Series analytical balance. The addition of automated powder and liquid dispensing functionality to the balance increases laboratory efficiency, improves results, and eliminates errors in weighing, sample preparation, dilution and transcription. Additionally, the Q2 powder dispensing module lets users take advantage of Quantos dispensing head technology which automatically dispenses the compound to a target weight and replaces the tedious activity of weighing out powders by hand with a spatula. By also serving to store the compound, the dispensing head improves the containment of dangerous compounds during weighing, and provides new ways for laboratories to maximize compound yields and to improve workflows. The Quantos Q2 and QL2 kits are available to anyone with a previously installed or newly purchased XP Series analytical balance having 0.1mg or 0.01mg readability. Complete retrofit services, including equipment qualification is also available from METTLER TOLEDO. Reply Card #4972

Liquid Handler The Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Scientific CV2000 automated aliquoting liquid handler is a newly developed second-generation platform that enhances laboratory efficiency through workflow automation. The CV2000™ can accurately dispense liquid volumes from 100-875 µL and process up to 1000

samples per hour. With its robotic arm and rotary height sensors, it fits easily into automated workflows to boost sample throughput. The system is compatible with a wide variety of sample management software, but can also be used as a standalone instrument. The system effectively manages samples to boost efficiency and productivity with zero cross-contamination. Fully compatible with multiple rack formats, the CV2000 system allows users to change the loading and dispensing routine to suit their needs. A unique tip preservation system allows the instrument to only discharge used tips, reducing waste while eliminating contamination. Capable of holding up to 300 samples and accommodating both 45 and 90 mL urine containers, the system can automate the process of aliquoting urine from primary samples to analyzer racks. Furthermore, the CV2000 system creates a batch report that is compatible with downstream analysis instrumentation, which is used to process the urine samples. Reply Card #4973

The Syrris Asia 330 is an integrated flow chemistry system that expands on the capabilities offered by other Asia systems by including the FLLEX module for flow aqueous work-up and the Asia Sampler and Dilutor, which allows integration of analytical devices such as liquid chromatography mass spectrometers (LCMS). Factors such as reaction time, temperature and reagent ratio can be varied and each reaction is collected and analysed automatically. Furthermore, the automatic control of syringe pumps, injection reagents, synthesis and waste diversion enable hundreds of solutions or phase experiments to occur. Easy to use Asia Master PC software allows 1000’s of system configurations, single or multi step reactions, graphical display of data and full data logging. The system also incorporates maximum chemical resistance with wide temperature (-15 to 250 °C) and pressure (0-20 bar) ranges.

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C87Which products are used in your lab?

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Containers Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. offers a complete portfolio of Thermo Scientific Nalgene bottles, carboys and containers, suitable for a broad range of applications. Each Nalgene bottle comes with a leak-proof guarantee to protect valuable liquids. Sizes range from 4 mL to 50 L, so scale-up can occur without the need to re-validate materials as projects progress from research into production. The bottles and containers are also available in a wide range of certified resins for laboratory, food and pharmaceutical use. Furthermore, an online bottle and selection guide, available at www.thermoscientific.com/ safecontainer, aids users in choosing the optimal container for each application. Additional the bottles and containers come in a variety of sizes and shapes, with both narrow and wide mouth configurations.

Reply Card #4975

Heaters Omega’s new AHPF series heaters are used to heat low flows of air, gas, water, or aqueous solutions with air/ gas flow up to 15 CFM and air/gas out temperature up to 430 degrees Celsius (800 degrees Fahrenheit). This 316 Stainless Steel constructed heater can handle pressures up to 100 PSI and 50 watts per square inch. Applications include those where clean air is necessary, as in laboratories, environmental testing areas, packaging and sealing. The heaters are ideal for automotive, petroleum and manufacturing industries.

noVeMBer 2011

November 15

BioConnect 2011 Venue: Montréal, QC Email: bioconnect2011@gmail.com Web: www.bioconnect2011.mcgill.ca/ registration.html

November 16-18

Canadian Science Policy Conference Venue: Ottawa, ON Email: info@CSPC2011.ca Web: www.CSPC2011.ca

November 16-19

Medica-World Forum for Medicine Venue: Dusseldorf, Germany Web: www.medica.de

November 17

MaRS Future of Medicine 2011 Venue: Toronto, ON Web: www.futureofmedicine.marsdd.com

November 28-30

Canada Renewable Fuels Summit Venue: Calgary, AB Web: www.greenfuels.org

November 30-December 2

Therapeutic Area Partnerships 2011 Venue: Boston, MA Tel: (203) 840-6255 Email: conferences@windhover.com Web: http://www.tapartnerships.com/

DeceMBer 2011

December 4-6

BioPartnering China Venue: Shanghai, China Tel: 1-831-464-4230 Fax: 1-831-464-4240 Web: www.techvision.com/bpc/

December 6

Connecting the Corridor Ontario/Quebec Venue: Toronto, ON Web: www.lifesciencesontario.ca

December 8-9

FDA/CMS Summit Venue: Washington, DC Tel: (203) 840-6272 Email: p.cardone@elsevier.com Web: www.windhover.com/windhover/ content/conferences/fda-cms.aspx

January 2012

January 9–11

Biotech Showcase™ 2012 Venue: San Francisco, CA Email: update@ebdgroup.com Web: www.ebdgroup.com/bts/index.php

January 30-31

Bio Manufacturing Summit Venue: San Diego, CA Tel: (416) 214-1144 Fax (416) 214 3403 E-mail: melissa.youngsing@wtgevents.com Web: www.biomansummit.com

FeBruary 2012

February 4-8

Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening 2012 Venue: San Diego, CA Tel: 630-256-7527 Fax: 630-741-7527 Email: slas@slas.org Web: www.slas.org

February 13-14

Bio CEO & Investor Conference 2012 Venue: New York, NY Email: bd_registration@bio.org Web: www.bio.org/events/conferences/ bio-ceo-and-investor-conference/700-0

February 16-20

AAAS Annual Meeting Venue: Vancouver, BC Tel: 202-326-6400 Fax: 202-842-1065 Email: meetings@aaas.org Web: www.aaas.org

Company & advertiser index

coMPany Page rc

AlbertatBay......................................................... 19.....................................4967 Allon Therapeutics Inc. ..................................6 ........................................ Bioniche Life Sciences...................................10 .......................................

BioTalent Canada................................................ 5......................................4963

Boehringer Ingelheim ...................................10 ....................................... Canadian Science Policy Conference............. 31.....................................4968 Centre for Drug Research ......................................................................... and Development....................................... 6, 10 ..................................... Childrens Miracle Network ............................... 7......................................4964

Compass Biotech ...........................................9 ........................................ Dalton Pharma Services.................................10,19 ..................................4966 deCODE Genetics ..........................................10 .......................................

Edwards ........................................................27 ............................... 4971

Eppendorf........................................................... 32.....................................4969 ESBE Sanyo........................................................... 2......................................4962 Genome Alberta.............................................8 ........................................ coMPany Page rc

Genome BC....................................................6 ........................................

Green Centre Canada.....................................8 ........................................

Medicago Inc.................................................10 ....................................... Mettler Toledo ..............................................27 ............................... 4972

Neptune Technologies ..................................9 ........................................ Ocean Optics.................................................27 ............................... 4970 Omega ..........................................................28 ............................... 4976 Patheon Inc...................................................10 .......................................

Paladin Labs Inc.............................................10 .......................................

Protox Therapeutics Inc.................................6 ........................................ SemBioSys Genetics Inc. ................................9 ........................................ Syrris.............................................................28 ................................4974 Thermo Fisher Scientific ............................ 27, 28 ................... 4973,4975 VWR...................................................................... 15.....................................4965