Centre for Drug Research and Development

NEOMED is a not-for-profit organization pioneering a new approach to drug development as a public-private partnership with government and biopharmaceutical companies. NEOMED is a response to the changing pharma R&D business model: in view of the considerable gap between basic research and later-stage drug development, we seek to create a bridge. We provide expertise and funding for academic labs and early biotechs, assisting them in bringing emerging therapeutic approaches to the stage of human proof of concept; at which point these de-risked projects will have gained significant value for NEOMED’s downstream partners.

Sitka Biopharma is a preclinical biotechnology company focused on developing its breakthrough nanoparticle platform technology to increase absorption of drugs in difficult-to-penetrate tissues. Initially targeting oncology indications, we are developing our lead candidate (STK-01) to address the absorption challenge of intravesical chemotherapy for bladder cancer, and later intraperitoneal delivery for ovarian cancer. Their nanoparticle platform technology is highly versatile, offers unique benefits over other nano-delivery systems, and is particularly well-suited for treating relatively localized diseases where local administration of the therapeutic is possible but is currently ineffective or unsafe. Bladder cancer was chosen for their lead program because it is characterized by therapies that exhibit limited uptake and efficacy, or are associated with significant tolerability issues and side effects. Sitka’s novel product (STK-01) is designed to overcome these issues and improve treatment outcomes by delivering a much higher concentration of the chemotherapeutic docetaxel into the bladder wall.

Zucara Therapeutics is developing the first once-daily therapeutic to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with diabetes. This pre-clinical technology is directed at regulating a hormone in the pancreas called somatostatin which in Type 1 diabetes is not properly controlled. It has demonstrated potential to specifically block somatostatin type 2 receptors in the pancreas thereby preventing hypoglycemia and restoring natural glucose levels in the blood. Zucara’s method offers a clear advantage to patients as a preventative measure whereas current drug therapies can only rescue a patient already experiencing potentially dangerous low blood sugar.

Microbiome Insights, Inc. is a global leader providing end-to-end services for microbiome DNA sequencing, including state-of-the-art bioinformatic analysis. Based in Vancouver, Canada, the company's customized suite of services enables researchers and clinicians to easily and effectively include microbiome analysis in studies across a range of human, animal, agricultural and environmental applications. The multidisciplinary team of researchers and knowledge leaders at the company's helm provide access to decades of expertise in traditional sciences such as ecology, microbiology, infectious diseases, and genetics. Microbiome Insights' award-winning team is committed to providing clients with fast, dependable, cost-effective results.

Zucara Therapeutics is developing the first once-daily therapeutic to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with diabetes. This pre-clinical technology is directed at regulating a hormone in the pancreas called somatostatin which in Type 1 diabetes is not properly controlled. It has demonstrated potential to specifically block somatostatin type 2 receptors in the pancreas thereby preventing hypoglycemia and restoring natural glucose levels in the blood. Zucara’s method offers a clear advantage to patients as a preventative measure whereas current drug therapies can only rescue a patient already experiencing potentially dangerous low blood sugar.