Life Sciences and Biotechnology
Biotechnology in Newfoundland and Labrador has special
expertise in two areas:
- Marine biotechnology
- Human genomics
Abundant natural resources in farmed and wild aquatic organisms and a large-standing expertise in cold ocean environments have fostered leading marine life research and development. Innovative research breakthroughs range from enhanced fish growth to vaccine delivery systems.
The origins and settlement patterns of the province's population provide opportunities for world class studies in human genetics.
Newfoundland and Labrador biotechnology companies are involved in:
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Clinical trials
- Genetics and genomics
- Marine biotechnology
- Natural Health Products
- Vaccine application
Biotechnology is supported by a number of research and industry organizations in our region including:
The Department of Innovation Trade and Rural Development works closely with NATI, the provincial industry association for the Advanced Technologies, and the Atlantic Canada Bio-Industries Association.
For more information contact: Industry Development Officer, 709729-4208. 
Memorial University’s researchers conduct a wide variety of health sciences research in
areas as diverse as psoriasis, colorectal
cancer, obesity and arthritis familial genetic
diseases.
Click Here for more information on research at Memorial.
The Genesis Group is the technology commercialization arm of Memorial University. This technology transfer and commercialization centre is focused on intellectual property protection, joint venture partnerships, licensing and spin-off company formation. In 2003 Genesis Group opened the Genesis Biolabs facility a 3,300 square foot "wet lab" incubator to house new biotechnology ventures based on technologies developed by Memorial University and local entrepreneurs and industry.
Click Here for more information on the Genesis Group.
Some examples of business in the biotechnology sector include:
NewLab Clinical Research Inc, founded in 1997, is a medical research organization located in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador with a tradition of excellence in clinical trials and genetic research studies. NewLab has completed over 200 national and international clinical research studies and has developed the infrastructure and expertise necessary to accomplish advanced clinical trials and research projects for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The company specializes in the execution of Phase II, III and IV pharmaceutical, holistic, and cosmeceutical studies along with genetic research trials. NewLab has a staff of skilled professionals as well as a database of over 28,000 patients to ensure timely recruitment and completion of clinical studies for its clients.
NewLab has developed a world reputation as an ideal trial site for new pharmaceutical research.
Click Here for more information on NewLab.
NovaLipids a privately held company in St. John’s was founded in 1998 by Dr. Kevin Keough and the Genesis Group. Dr. Keough and his laboratory team have been developing liposomal encapsulation technology since 1988. For the past four years, extensive research and development activities have focused on applying the technology to new and existing animal health products.
Click Here for more information on NovaLipids.
Aqua Bounty Canada Inc. is using cutting-edge transgenic technology to enhance growth rates in salmon by to six times the normal rate of standard bred salmon. Methods used to develop the salmon product, trademarked AquAdvantage, are being applied to other aquaculture species, such as Arctic char, tilapia and trout. The company has licensing agreements with aquaculture ventures in New Zealand, Scotland and the United States.
Click Here for more information on Aqua Bounty.
Newfound Genomics Inc. is a clinical genomics research company specializing in complex gene disease research and development. They use novel gene discovery, validation studies and genotyping services.
Employing the highest ethical genetic research principles, the company draws on the province’s unique “founder population” to investigate relationships between genes, human health and disease, particularly diabetes and obesity.
Click Here for more information on Newfound Genomics.