Located in Toronto and supported by the Ontario Life Sciences Innovation Fund, Apiary uses genetically engineered cells as "vehicles" to deliver therapeutics. This method is designed to be more targeted and long-lasting than traditional injections, improving patient compliance and reducing the cost of treating chronic conditions.
A startup spun out of McMaster University, Block Biosciences targets the spread of cancer to the brain. They have identified a specific vulnerability in the purine biosynthesis pathway that cancer cells need to colonize the brain. By inhibiting this step, they aim to prevent secondary brain tumors, which are among the most lethal forms of cancer.
Copoly.ai is a dual-threat biotech and software firm that developed OncoSage, a flagship diagnostic tool. Unlike many competitors that look for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), OncoSage uses RNA sequencing and machine learning to detect cancers (such as lung, breast, and colorectal) at Stage I with over 90% accuracy. Their goal is to turn a simple blood draw into a comprehensive diagnostic report.
Founded by leading scientists from the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Esphera SynBio develops nanomedicines in the form of functionalized vesicles. Their "off-the-shelf" technology is designed to trigger a patient’s own tumor cells to generate a personalized cancer vaccine in vivo. They have also partnered with major pharma to enhance the efficacy of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases.
With their at-home testing and remote care platform, Hylid Diagnostics (HyliDx) will improve the lives of millions of people with kidney disease and heart failure, saving healthcare systems thousands of dollars per patient each year. Their device allows for simple, lab-accurate blood tests for chronic disease monitoring – giving your results within minutes.
JN Nova is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on efficiently developing innovative treatments that address significant unmet medical needs. JN Nova’s lead product candidate, KG2019 is a novel anti-COVID-19 molecule. The company is collaborating with Canadian Government labs and Canadian academic centers to accelerate its COVID-19 therapeutic development.
Tessella is committed to providing high-printability plug-and-play bioinks and biopolymers that make 3D bioprinting a smooth experience for researchers. Their team of dedicated professionals is passionate about advancing the 3D bioprinting field by supplying outstanding and tunable biomaterial inks.
Vancouver-based Total Flow Medical is developing clinician-designed technology to help surgeons and perfusionists take care of patients requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.
Virano is a genetic immunomodulation company, developing next-generation combination products that reprogram the immune system to transform the treatment of solid tumors and genetic diseases.