Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions awards $375,000 to develop new colon cancer screening test by Metabolomic Technologies Inc.
EDMONTON, May 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Metabolomic Technologies Inc. (MTI), an Alberta-based company that develops advanced metabolomic-based diagnostic tests for chronic diseases, was recently named the recipient of a Knowledge Translation Strategic Initiative Grant by Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions (AIHS) in the amount of $375,000 through the Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund (ACPLF).
"AIHS has an ambitious mandate to support Alberta's health research and innovation priorities, and MTI has demonstrated the kind of high quality activity that makes it an ideal recipient for this award," says Dr. Pamela Valentine, Chief Operating Officer of AIHS. "Supporting leading home-grown healthcare innovators like MTI is the key to our mandate of improving the quality of life for Albertans."
Following on completion of MTI's 1,200 patient clinical trial, this new funding will support validation trials for MTI's patented colonic polyp (polyps can be precursors to colon cancer) screening diagnostics test: PolypDx™.
The AIHS funding will enable MTI to continue to work with Alberta Health Services (AHS) to validate PolypDx™ in Lethbridge, Alberta. This is an opportunity for an Alberta-based test to be developed in the province and directly impact the health of Albertans. Currently, there are approximately 300,000 Albertans who need to be screened for colon cancer.
MTI's PolypDx™ represents exciting next generation technology currently in development.
This grant allows MTI to work directly with DynaLIFEDx to optimize this test for large scale population screening. DynaLIFEDx, an Alberta-based medical laboratory with global reach, has the capability to help MTI accommodate large scale population screening of PolypDx™ in Alberta, nationally and internationally.
"DynaLIFEDx is very pleased to be working with MTI to develop mainstream clinical application for this technology. DynaLIFEDx is a proud partner of the University of Alberta and AHS to actively drive the application of new technology into mainstream healthcare delivery. MTI is a great example of what is possible right here in Alberta. MTI is a success story of technology developed in Alberta that will see Albertan's benefit first," says Jason Pincock, Chief Executive Officer of DynaLIFEDx.
In addition to being a more attractive alternative to traditional cancer screening tests, MTI's PolypDx™ demonstrates higher detection accuracy than current fecal-based tests. The superior accuracy of MTI's diagnostic tests will be a game-changer in the early detection and prevention of colon cancer, which was responsible for 720 deaths in Alberta last year (Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada, 2012).
"Typically, companies like MTI would need to explore international partnerships to validate tests like PolypDx™. The successful launch of these partnerships allows MTI the opportunity to collaborate with Alberta partners in the early diagnosis of polyps and colon cancer," states MTI Chief Executive Officer Reg Joseph.
PolypDx™ was developed at the University of Alberta by AIHS funded researcher Dr. Richard Fedorak, Dr. Haili Wang and their team at MTI, a U of A spin-off company incorporated with the help of business incubator TEC Edmonton.
Thanks to the Knowledge Translation Strategic Initiative Grant from AIHS, MTI now has the means to conduct validation trials of PolypDx™ within "real-life" clinical environments.
For more information about MTI, visit www.metabolomictechnologies.ca.
About Metabolomic Technologies Inc.
Metabolomic Technologies Inc. (MTI) is a spin-off company from the University of Alberta. The company was formed by Drs. Haili Wang and Richard Fedorak to develop advanced metabolomic-based diagnostic tests for the management of chronic diseases or 'high value' diagnostics. MTI's initial focus is on developing highly novel, patented, metabolomic-based diagnostic tests to detect adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer (CRC). Their flagship product, PolypDx™, a spot urine diagnostic test, innovatively offers a significantly higher sensitivity in detecting adenomatous polyps and thus significantly advances the prevention of CRC. For more information, visit www.metabolomictechnologies.ca.
About Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions
Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions (AIHS) supports research and innovation activities to improve the health and wellbeing of Albertans and create, through innovation, health related social and economic benefits for Albertans. It provides leadership for Alberta's health research and innovation enterprise by directing, coordinating, reviewing, funding and supporting research and innovation. For more information, visit www.aihealthsolutions.ca.
The Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund aims to transform cancer prevention for Albertans through innovative population based initiatives, screening, and collaborative, focused research. Alberta Health Services and AIHS work together to deliver on the Fund's mandate under the strategic guidance of the Government of Alberta. Their commitment is to an Alberta where most cancer is prevented.
SOURCE: Metabolomic Technologies Inc.
Media Contact
Reg Joseph
Chief Executive Officer, MTI
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1.780.248.1061
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