Biotechnology cluster a Northern reality: people around the world have reason to celebrate what is being accomplished in Northern Ontario. An innovative biotechnology company is working on two exciting projects that could one day benefit the entire global population.Founded in 1996, and with deep roots in Sudbury's extensive medical community, the Northern Centre for Biotechnology and Clinical Research--formerly known as Neureka Research Inc.--has developed a cost-effective cholesterol marker kit (now in clinical trials) to measure risk assessment for cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular disease Disease that affects the heart and blood vessels. Mentioned in: Lipoproteins Test cardiovascular disease . The Centre has also created a new diagnostic test to detect torovirus--an organism that, until now, could only be detected with the help of an electron microscope electron microscope: see microscope. . "Hospitals and laboratories everywhere will be able to use our kits," says Centre President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , Dr. Magdy Basta. "FedNor's ongoing support provides us with a chance to help improve cholesterol testing worldwide." Located in the Willet Green Miller Centre at Laurentian University Laurentian University, main campus at Sudbury, Ont., Canada; bilingual, coeducational; founded 1960. Among its faculties are those in astronomy, commerce, computer science, education, engineering, law, mathematics, music, native studies, nursing, physics, and social , the not-for-profit research centre currently manages 55 clinical trial sites conducting tests for 25 international pharmaceutical companies and research institutes. And future growth seems inevitable with the $20-billion biotechnology industry expected to more than double in size ($50 billion) by 2005. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In fact, the North is one step closer to housing a regional biotechnology cluster with the recent agreement between the Northern Centre for Biotechnology and Clinical Research and Genesis Genomics, a privately owned biotechnology company in Thunder Bay Thunder Bay, city (1991 pop. 113,946), SW Ont., Canada, on Thunder Bay inlet of Lake Superior. The city was created in 1970 by the amalgamation of the twin cities of Fort William and Port Arthur and two adjoining townships. . Currently, Genesis Genomics is doing research on the use of mitochondrial DNA Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is the DNA located in organelles called mitochondria. Most other DNA present in eukaryotic organisms is found in the cell nucleus. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA are thought to be of separate evolutionary origin, with the mtDNA being derived from the to detect cancer. With a total investment of more than $1.6 million, FedNor is working with these two health research leaders to establish the foundations of an exciting new industry for the North--one that will not only make Northern Ontario a stronger competitor in the global marketplace, but will also provide better jobs and an improved quality of life. Support for regional biotechology clusters addresses one of the recommendations outlined in the access to a competitive and innovative business environment section of the Government of Canada The Government of Canada is the federal government of Canada. The powers and structure of the federal government are set out in the Constitution of Canada. In modern Canadian use, the term "government" (or "federal government") refers broadly to the cabinet of the day and Action Plan for Northern Ontario. |
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