Mississauga Innovator Developing New Line Of Anti-Microbials For Poultry Farms

Mississauga, ON (Marketwired) - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, today announced an investment of $3.4 million to help AbCelex Technologies develop a new line of anti-microbial feed additives to help control disease outbreaks in poultry flocks.

The company is developing a line of innovative non-antibiotic, non-hormonal additives that are specifically targeted at Campylobacter and Salmonella, two of the most common food-borne bacteria that infect poultry. The new anti-microbials - called "nanobodies" - will result in healthier poultry and improve food safety.

Quick facts

• AbCelex is a Canadian biotechnology company focused on developing livestock food additives that help improve animal health and food safety.
• AAFC supports the development and adoption of industry-led initiatives regarding biosecurity and animal care to support the prudent use of antimicrobials. See link below
• This project will be conducted in collaboration with the International Vaccine Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Toronto and the Colorado Quality Research Inc.
• Funding for this project comes from the AgriInnovation Program (Research and Development Stream) as part of the Growing Forward 2 agricultural policy framework.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to positioning Canada as a global leader for innovation - one that creates well-paying jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. Today's announcement is a prime example of that priority in action: these innovations will reduce the use of antibiotics and result in safer food, a healthier population and a more productive agricultural economy."

- Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"We are very appreciative to be a recipient of this important funding. With this visionary contribution and other strategic investments, AbCelex Technologies is well positioned to advance its platform technology and develop next-generation biological products needed for improved human health and a reduction in healthcare costs as a result of food contamination."

- Dr. Saeid Babaei, President & CEO of AbCelex Technologies

Additional links

• AgriInnovation Program (http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/programs-and-services/list-of-programs-and-services/agriinnovation-program/?id=1460123349608)
• AbCelex Technologies (http://abcelex.com/)
• Federal Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use in Canada: Building on the Federal Framework for Action (http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/publications/drugs-products-medicaments-produits/antibiotic-resistance-antibiotique/action-plan-daction-eng.php)
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