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In-licensing & collaborations
Kane Biotech has formed a number of research collaborations with partners around the world. These partnerships include:
University of North Texas Health Science Centre, Fort Worth, Texas
Dr. Tony Romeo discovered the involvement of over 60 genes in bacterial biofilm formation. His research unraveled several novel gene targets for developing antibiofilm products with applications in both medicine and industry. A method to screen for factors affecting biofilm formation has been developed which is applicable to the analysis of genes, gene products and compounds (synthetic or natural) affecting biofilm formation or dispersal. This approach can be used to identify compounds that alter biofilm formation, or dispersal, and to identify biomolecules that promote biofilm formation. Kane Biotech Inc. has an exclusive license agreement with UNTHSC, and Dr. Tony Romeo, to use this unique technology.
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Kane Biotech Inc. acquired the worldwide exclusive license to all applications of the DispersinB® enzyme from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). This technology strongly compliments the Company’s existing patent portfolio and product development strategy.
The discovery of DispersinB® was made by Dr. Jeffrey Kaplan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Biology at UMDNJ, who was able to show that the novel enzyme is responsible for the dispersal of bacterial biofilms. This novel technology has several applications, including the prevention of device-related hospital-acquired infections.
Lab studies have shown that DispersinB® can be used to prevent and disperse biofilms formed by Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, among the most common causes of infections associated with indwelling medical devices including catheters. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a frequent contaminant of medical devices and many of the bacteria’s isolates are antibiotic resistant, so infection by the bacteria is very serious and can be fatal.
University of Toronto
Kane Biotech Inc. acquired the worldwide exclusive rights to the Competence Stimulating Peptide (CSP) technology from the University of Toronto. This novel technology is based upon the discovery that CSP is associated with the formation of dental plaque, which can lead to dental cavities, periodontal diseases, and infective endocarditis. The technology includes inhibitors of CSP that have been shown to prevent CSP from performing its essential role in plaque formation. Kane Biotech's license to the CSP technology expands the Company's focus and broadens its technology portfolio.
CSP was discovered and characterized in the laboratory of Dr. Dennis Cvitkovitch, Associate Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto. Dr. Cvitkovitch is a member of the Company's Scientific Advisory Board as was previously announced in the summer of 2004.
