Twinstrand Therapeutics Inc.
Burnaby, BC
Company Overview
THE COMPANY
Twinstrand is a privately-owned biopharmaceutical company incorporated under the laws of Canada. The company is a spin- off from Simon Fraser University's Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. It specializes in the development of recombinant DNA products for the treatment of human disease.
Twinstrand currently has a technical/scientific staff of 17 and occupies modern laboratory and office space in Burnaby, British Columbia, a suburb of Vancouver.
DEVELOPMENT PLANS
Cancer will serve as first proof of the targeting concept. The company anticipates having a molecule for this disease in clinical trials by 2003. Twinstrand intends to complete preclinical development and fund clinical trials through a combination of equity financing and joint venturing/licencing with outside organisations. The company seeks partners for clinical development in all therapeutic areas.
Company Information
Physical Address
8081 Lougheed Hwy
Burnaby, BC V5A 1W9
CA
Mailing Address
8081 Lougheed Hwy
Burnaby, BC V5A 1W9
CA
Additional Details
Legal Name: Twinstrand Therapeutics Inc.
Number of Employees: 20
CA
TECHNOLOGY
Twinstrand is advancing a therapeutic technology for the treatment of cancer and a range of viral and parasitic infections; diseases characterized by the appearance of certain proteases. Twinstrand believes that this technology offers a novel approach to treatment strategies based on protease inhibitors.
Twinstrand's therapeutic platform is based on re-engineered forms of a plant toxin. The natural molecule is made in a precursor or protoxin' form which must be activated by protease cleavage. In the natural context, toxin cleavage and activation are catalysed by plant-derived proteases. Using recombinant methods, Twinstrand has created a family of prodrugs from the protoxin, where the cleavage recognition sequence of the natural molecule is replaced with sequences now recognized by disease- associated proteases. The company's molecules have a wide range of potential applications in the treatment of diseases including, but not limited to: cancer; HIV/AIDS; hepatitis A and C; cytomegalovirus; herpes; parasitic infections such as malaria and schistosomiasis; as well as fungal diseases. Molecules designed for activation by MMP-2 and MMP-9, targeting cancer, are furthest in development.
Twinstrand has data demonstrating proof of concept in vitro and data showing the antitumour activity of MMP-activatable molecules in rodent models. Patents have been filed covering both composition of matter and the use of toxin-based prodrugs.
Contacts
Thor Borgford
Title: President
Area of Responsibility: Management Executive
Phone: Show phone
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Curtis Braun
Title: Chief Operating Officer
Area of Responsibility: Manufacturing/Production/Operations
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Services
- Biotechnology
Products
- Enzyme-toxin Therapeutic
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Non-invasive Diagnostic
Under development - test used in the detection of gastric damage (i. e. ulcers)
Additional Information
541710