Calgary-based research moves from the lab to the marketplace

CALGARY, Feb. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - Epimeron Inc. ("Epimeron"), a Calgary-based biotechnology company, today announced that it has licensed certain of its proprietary technologies to a US-based company.  The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Epimeron President and CEO Dr. Joseph Tucker stated, "We are pleased with the validation of our technology and business approach that entering into this agreement affords."  Dr. Tucker continued, "Epimeron's success in closing this deal, which we envisage being the first of many, was facilitated by our partners at Genome Alberta and Innovate Calgary.  Their willingness to work with us to fund and optimally structure Epimeron right from the outset was pivotal in enabling the Company's achievements to date."

Epimeron's technologies were developed by a team of researchers at the University of Calgary, led by Dr. Peter Facchini.  "Epimeron's U.S. licensing partnership validates the world-class quality of technology and expertise that is originating from our research labs," said Dr. Ed McCauley, VP Research, University of Calgary. "Congratulations to Epimeron, Dr. Facchini and his team on a successful transaction."

Dr. Gijs van Rooijen, Genome Alberta's Chief Scientific Officer, said, "Genome Alberta is a key component of the Government of Alberta's research and innovation structure and considers translating basic research into commercial opportunities an essential part of its mandate. This announcement is an excellent example of what can be achieved when cutting edge science is combined with the right commercialization expertise and partners".

"We are delighted because this transaction is another fine illustration of how past investments in large-scale genomic science can yield real, concrete benefits to Canada in terms of new technologies and economic growth for Canadian firms such as Epimeron," added Dr. Pierre Meulien, President and CEO of Genome Canada, whose organization has invested in Dr. Facchini's research.

"As the University of Calgary's technology transfer agent, Innovate Calgary is pleased to have collaborated with Epimeron to expedite a commercialization path for its leading edge technologies that helped pave the way for the U.S. licensing partnership," said Stace Wills, VP Company Creation, Innovate Calgary.

Dr. Facchini has worked for the past two decades to develop a comprehensive understanding of the biochemistry, molecular and cell biology of pharmaceutical alkaloid metabolism in opium poppy.  In addition to funding from Genome Alberta and Genome Canada, Dr. Facchini's research has been funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canada Research Chairs Program, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Government of Alberta.

About Epimeron Inc.
Epimeron is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on delivering technologies that accelerate the pharmaceutical development programs of its corporate partners.
Contact: Joseph Tucker, [email protected] or 508-627-0485

About Genome Alberta
Genome Alberta is a publicly funded organization that initiates, funds, and manages genomics research and partnerships. They are based in Calgary but lead projects around the province and participate in a variety of projects across the country. Genome Alberta is one of Canada's six Genome Centres and works closely with these centres to advance the science and application of genomics, metabolomics, and many other related 'omics'. The organization has leveraged funding to create 127 million dollars in funding for genomics research since forming in 2005. More information at http://genomealberta.ca
Media Contact: Mike Spear, [email protected] or 403-813-5843

About Innovate Calgary
Innovate Calgary is where startups, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, industry and partners within the advanced technology sector take innovation and ideas to business. Our integrated approach to commercialization focuses on facilitating connections among stakeholders and offering a comprehensive range of programs and services to achieve success. To learn more visit: innovatecalgary.com

About Genome Canada
Genome Canada is a not-for-profit organization that acts as a catalyst for developing and applying genomics and genomic-based technologies across multiple sectors to create economic and social benefits for Canadians. For more information, visit www.genomecanada.ca.

SOURCE Genome Alberta

Media contact: Andrea Matyas, [email protected] or 613-751-4460, ext. 231.