Innovation Anthology #118: Co-CEO and Co-Founder

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Outbreaks of Norwalk virus or severe vomiting spread quickly among people living in close quarters like cruise ships, college residences and nursing homes.

Now, an international team of researchers led by Dr. Ken Ng at the University of Calgary has discovered how the Norwalk virus multiplies. It does this using an enzyme called RNA polymerase.

Unlike DNA which is double stranded, RNA or ribonucleic acid, has single strands.

To duplicate itself, the Norwalk virus uses an existing strand of the enzyme RNA polymerase as a template.

Dr. Ng’s team has discovered the exact spot on the enzyme that the Norwalk virus targets. The researchers believe they can design a substitute molecule to fit into this spot. This substitute molecule will stop the replication of the virus.

According to Dr. Ng, this could lead to the development of new anti-viral drugs to treat not only the Norwalk virus, but other RNA related infections like hepatitis-C, polio, and even the common cold.

This latest work on the Norwalk virus was recently published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

FOR INNOVATION ANTHOLOGY, I’M CHERYL CROUCHER

NOTE:  The former AHFMR is now called Alberta Innovates Health Solutions

Guest

Emily Hicks,

FREDsense Technologies, Calgary, Alberta, Canada,

Sponsor

Alberta Innovates Health Solutions

Alberta Innovates (formerly Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions)

As the newly formed Alberta Innovates corporation, we still fund top quality, internationally competitive health research and innovation activities to improve the health and wellbeing of Albertans. We provide leadership for Alberta’s health research and innovation enterprise by directing, coordinating, reviewing, funding and supporting research and innovation.

Working with our many partners  in the health system, we ensure that research achieves innovation in care, policy and practice, and that the needs of patients and clinicians influence research.

Our background

Alberta Innovates consolidation was launched November 1, 2016.

Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions

Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions was established as part of the Alberta Innovates system by an Act of Legislation of the Government of Alberta. It is a agency  of the Government of Alberta. We receive a yearly allocation from the Ministry of Health and report through the ministry to the people of Alberta.

Our Mandate and Roles document reflects our role and responsibilities and outlines the government statues and regulations with which we comply.

Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation Strategy (AHRIS) sets out Alberta’s health research agenda for the coming decade to ensure our considerable investments in research align with our priority—to improve the health of Albertans.

 

 

Program Date: 2008-03-20