EDMONTON, Alberta (September 20, 2021) – GlycoNet, a globally recognized pan-Canadian glycomics research and bio-innovation organization, announced today that it has become one of the latest additions to BIOTECanada’s community, joining as an academic member.

“We are excited to join BIOTECanada’s community of over 200 industrial members,” says Elizabeth Nanak, CEO of GlycoNet. “Canada’s biotechnology sector is a catalyst for long-term economic growth for the whole country, and will help drive more opportunities in precision medicine, artificial intelligence, and digital health. GlycoNet is proud to be a key player in the bioeconomy, pushing the boundaries in bio-innovation through glycomics. We are enabling the commercialization of more efficient biomanufacturing methods, providing specialized services to serve the research community, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs and companies, and developing talent for the life science and biotechnology sectors.”

Glycomics, complementary to genomics and proteomics, is a rapidly evolving and highly promising field that studies the role of sophisticated carbohydrates – or glycans – in humans, animals, plants, bacteria, and viruses. Every organism contains an array of glycans that guide and control almost every aspect of biology. For example, the COVID-19 virus uses glycans on its spike protein to attach to and penetrate human cells while evading immune systems. How one fights infection, how bodies heal, how immune systems function, and the ability of agricultural crops to resist drought and pests are all precisely controlled by the ability of organisms to read and interpret these glycans.

“BIOTECanada is pleased to welcome GlycoNet as its newest member. BIOTECanada’s membership represents the national biotech ecosystem which includes large multinational pharma and early-stage biotech companies, investors, academic institutions, and drug discovery/development organizations such as GlycoNet. With its national platform supporting translational research, novel drug development, company formation and training of a new generation of glyco-scientists and entrepreneurs, GlycoNet is a unique and vital part of the national biotech ecosystem. The BIOTECanada team very much looks forward to supporting GlycoNet’s important work and partnerships,” says Andrew Casey, President & CEO, BIOTECanada.

As a member, GlycoNet will leverage BIOTECanada’s network towards driving a sustainable health research sector, technological innovation, and knowledge-sharing across the biotechnology industry. This membership will also increase industry, government, and public awareness in glycomics and lead to new business development opportunities.

About GlycoNet

GlycoNet is advancing and commercializing innovations in glycomics to improve human health and quality of life. GlycoNet is a one-stop global destination focused on developing new carbohydrate-based drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics, in collaboration with academic and industry organizations to address areas of unmet need through applied glycomics research. Funded by the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program and working with a range of industrial partners, the network includes over 170 researchers across Canada who focus on cancer, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. This national platform supports translational research, protection of intellectual property, novel drug development, company formation and training. For more information, visit glyconet.ca.

About BIOTECanada

BIOTECanada is the national industry association with over 200 members located nationwide, reflecting the diverse nature of Canada’s health, industrial and agricultural biotechnology sectors. In addition to providing significant health benefits for Canadians, the biotechnology industry has quickly become an essential part of the transformation of many traditional cornerstones of the Canadian economy including manufacturing, automotive, energy, aerospace and forestry industries. www.biotech.ca

Contact
Rui Resendes
Director of Strategic Partnerships
GlycoNet
613-583-1683
rresendes@glyconet.ca

Nadine Lunt
Senior Manager, Communications
BIOTECanada
613-793-6338
Nadine.Lunt@biotech.ca