August 8, 2016

Canadian biotechnology company AbCelex Technologies has received a $3.4-million government assistance in its development of a new line of anti-microbial feed additives that seeks to help control disease outbreaks in poultry flocks.

The new anti-microbials, called "nanobodies," are aimed at producing healthier poultry and improving food safety, according to a report by foodincanada.com. They are non-antibiotic, non-hormonal additives that specifically targets campylobacter and salmonella, two of the most common food-borne bacteria infecting poultry.

"Our government is committed to positioning Canada as a global leader for innovation….[T]hese innovations will reduce the use of antibiotics and result in safer food, a healthier population and a more productive agricultural economy", Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains said.

AbCelex Technologies President and CEO Saeid Babaei, for his part, said, "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".

AbCelex Technologies will conduct the project in collaboration with the International Vaccine Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Toronto and Colorado Quality Research Inc.