North's forests studied for cancer antidote harvesting.

Northern Ontario has been chosen as the prime location for the exploration and potential cultivation of the Canada yew, a plant that has important medicinal properties and is found across the country.

BioxelPharma Inc., a biopharmaceutical company from Quebec, will be participating in a study to assess the feasibility of propagating and planting the yew, and its economic impact.

"This study will be practical oriented," Andre Lalonde, vice-president of BioxelPharma says.

"We will be working with farmers to evaluate cutting techniques."

Tom Noland, tree biochemist for Ontario Forest Research Institute and scientific leader of the project, says the studies will determine the best environment for yew cultivation and what sources within the yew family will yield the highest amount of Paclitaxel.

Paclitaxel is found in the plant now used in treating aggressive forms of ovarian, lung, and breast cancer, including AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. One of the best applications for the product is in radiation therapy. Patients are given the drug in conjunction with radiation therapy, thereby lowering the dosage of radiation and its harmful affects.

Atlantic Forestry Services, Dr. Ron Smith and Dr. Stewart Cameron from Fredericton have fostered cultivation of the Eastern Yew and will bring their knowledge and expertise to the North, along with 12,000 Yews for research purposes. Planting will occur on Thessalon First Nation property, in Sault Ste. Marie at the Ontario Forestry Research Institute's arboretum and with Brian Whelan, a local farmer in Thessalon. Forest & Land Controls out of Blind River will collect the yew for propagation. Dr. Mamdouh Abou-Zaid, a phytochemist at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre, will analyze the plant species for its medicinal value. The project will begin in April, and it will take about three years to gather all of the harvesting information.

"In terms of sales worldwide, this is the most valuable anti-cancer drug in the world," Noland says.

From 1993 to 2000, Paclitaxel has attracted $9 billion in sales with expected increases of 10 to 15 per cent in the next five years.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corp. (NOHFC) contributed $117,750 for Paclitaxel analysis and equipment. FedNor funding is pending approval, however, Noland surmises they will likely obtain the same amount for labour costs.

"The potential for yew products, including cancer treatment drugs, could open an important new crop market and generate significant new economic opportunities for Northern Ontario," Rick Bartolucci, chair of NOHFC says.

"Because many northern farms remain under family ownership, it is important to sustain a healthy agricultural sector that creates opportunity and motivation for future generations of farmers to remain in the North."

By KELLY LOUISEIZE

Northern Ontario Business