Business
Microbix identifies specific proteins that allow X and Y sperm cells to be separated; files for provisional patent
Microbix identifies specific proteins that allow X and Y sperm cells to be separated; files for provisional patent.
About this update from Microbix Biosystems Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n\n\nTORONTO, June 12 /CNW/ - Microbix Biosystems Inc. (TSX:MBX) announced\ntoday that it is has made a significant discovery that takes it a major step\nforward in commercializing its animal reproduction technology.\n\n\nThe Company has been able to identify specific proteins that allow\nfemale-producing and male-producing sperm cells to be separated, and has also\ndeveloped the monoclonal antibodies that will be used to commercialize this\nprocess. This is the first time that sex-specific proteins have been\npositively identified. Microbix has filed a provisional patent on this\ndiscovery.\n\n\nThe Company's Semen Sexing Technology(TM) (SST(TM)) can ensure the sex of\nlivestock offspring resulting from artificial insemination. The technology is\nsignificant because livestock producers currently spend billions of dollars\nannually on artificial insemination, yet they can end up with animals unsuited\nto their particular industry's needs. Dairy farmers, for example, want female\nanimals for milk production. Beef producers want predominantly male animals\nfor meat production. Swine producers want female animals for meat. SST(TM) can\nensure that these requirements are met.\n\n\nThis is the second important milestone in the SST(TM) development\nprogram. Microbix obtained this technology through its acquisition of Sequent\nBiotechnologies Inc. in September, 2005. Under the terms of that agreement,\nSequent's founders are to receive $3 million in common stock of Microbix,\npayment being staged and contingent upon the achievement of certain milestones\nthat enable entry into the marketplace. With today's announcement, Sequent's\nfounders have been issued 1,821,862 common shares of Microbix, representing\nhalf of the total potential payment.\n\n\nThe first milestone, reported last year, was the signing of agreements\nwith a number of artificial insemination (AI) companies based in Europe, North\nAmerica and Australasia. These companies represent 13 per cent of the\n$2.5 billion global AI market in the commercial livestock industry.\n\n\nToday, the average price for unsexed dairy semen is about $20. Sexed\nsemen will garner a premium price of approximately 2 1/2 times the price of\nthe unsexed product. Microbix will receive a royalty of 15 per cent of sales\nin addition to fees for the SST(TM) components.\n\n\n"On a commercial ...