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Norgen Biotek selected as a Canadian Innovation Leader

Norgen Biotek selected as a Canadian Innovation Leader

| Abbotsford

A St. Catharines, Ontario company is being recognized today as a national role model for innovation in Canada. Mr. Walt Lastewka, MP, on behalf of the Honourable Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the National Research Council (NRC), had high praise for Norgen Biotek, announcing that the firm was being acknowledged by NRC as one of Canada's Innovation Leaders.

In order to solve an ongoing problem of isolating and purifying DNA, RNA and protein samples with traditional methods that were slow and awkward to use, Norgen Biotek created new products that would prove critical to genomics and proteomics research. With support from the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), Norgen created a world-class nucleic acid and protein isolation technology.

"Norgen Biotek has helped launch a new innovative product that will benefit the genomics and proteomics industry the world over and will build upon Canadian expertise," said Minister Rock. "This recognition also demonstrates the tremendous potential for Canadian success in commercializing new technologies that benefit biotechnology research and contribute to improving the quality of life of Canadians, as well as citizens of the world."

With NRC-IRAP support Norgen began an intensive research program to see if other compounds of silicon might be more durable resins. While some proved to be chemically unstable or toxic, an unlikely form proved ideal: silicon carbide. Used as the grit in sandpaper, silicon carbide is second in hardness next to diamonds. In addition, its' surface is innately electrostatically charged. Combine these qualities and you create a unique purification system, hard enough to withstand being centrifuged, and a natural electrostatic 'glue' for charged molecules.

"We are proud to celebrate this success and encourage Canadian innovation," said Dr. Arthur Carty, President of NRC. Yousef Haj-Ahmad, President of Norgen Biotek and a professor at Brock University, credits the successful development of the silicon carbide technology that led to several international patents and licensing agreements with MDS Sciex, a major Canadian company for proteomics research, and a major U.S. biotech company. The products from these companies are used worldwide in BioPharma, government and academic labs. He also acknowledges the support of NRC-IRAP in supporting this pre-commercial activity.

"NRC-IRAP was instrumental in making this technology a reality," says Dr. Haj-Ahmad. "We're driven to being the first in the world, because if we are first we can patent. The most important aspect of NRC-IRAP's involvement has been the speedy, but thorough assessment, evaluation and feedback of our proposal." Recognized globally for research and innovation, Canada's National Research Council (NRC) is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology.

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