[news 2005 - 2006]

Queen's proteomics analysis technology awarded nearly $300,000 in development funding from NSERC

For immediate release

Oct. 30, 2006

KINGSTON, ON – A novel technology for use in proteomics research developed by a Queen's University researcher has been awarded $287,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Idea 2 Innovation Program (I2I).

The funding will finance further development of a microsphere nanospray emitter, a device that enables researchers to more fully exploit the capabilities of mass spectrometry as a tool for proteomics analysis.

Mass spectrometry is an important analytical tool for protein studies, which hold promise in both uncovering biological markers to diagnose disease, as well as identifying proteins for therapeutic treatments of disease.

The nanospray emitter was created by Dr. Richard Oleschuk of Queen's Department of Chemistry and funded through Genome Prairie . PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer office of Queen's, has filed patent applications for the technology, which it has exclusively licensed to Advanced Integrated Microsystems Ltd. (AIMS), an early stage nanobiotools company based in Edmonton, Alberta. AIMS will match the grant with cash and in-kind contributions.

“We are extremely pleased to see this promising technology funded by NSERC,” says Anne Vivian-Scott, Director of Commercial Development at PARTEQ. “Dr. Oleschuk's research has resulted in a product that addresses many longstanding functional issues in conventional emitter technologies, and we are excited to work with AIMS as it advances this novel device to market.”

“Nanospray emitters play a vital role in future drug discovery and clinical diagnosis for a variety of diseases,” says Dr. Arcadio Chonn, President and CEO of AIMS. “This funding not only allows us to groom this product and push it out to the market place, it also supports training in the novel operating techniques associated with the technology, which will expand the talent pool of scientists needed to work in this emerging area.”

About AIMS:
Advanced Integrated Microsystems Ltd. of Edmonton, Alberta was founded in 2001 based on the work of a research team at the University of Alberta. AIMS develops and manufactures microfluidics-based tools for the high sensitivity and high fidelity nano liquid chromatography mass spectrometry market.
www.aims-bio.com

About PARTEQ Innovations:
PARTEQ Innovations is the not-for-profit technology transfer arm of Queen's University. PARTEQ works with Queen's researchers and the business and venture capital communities to bring early stage technologies to market. Since 1987 PARTEQ has been instrumental in the establishment of nearly 40 companies developing a variety of products, from potential drugs for Alzheimer's, cancer and heart disease to automated bacteria detection for water systems, solar-powered appliances, and advanced materials used in the plastics, automotive, aerospace and household appliance industries.

Contact:
Anne Vivian-Scott
Director, Commercial Development
PARTEQ Innovations
613. 533. 6000 ext. 75513

Dr. Arcadio Chonn
President & CEO
Advanced Integrated Microsystems Ltd.
604. 862. 2467