SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – Detecting tuberculosis in livestock and wild animals is a challenge worldwide. To meet the growing international demand for its test for mycobacterial disease, PBD Biotech, a U.K. based agriculture technology company, has established a Canadian subsidiary in Saskatoon to support its commercial infrastructure.
The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) played a significant role in the attraction of PBD Biotech. The company’s first visit to Saskatoon was through SREDA’s 2017 Agriculture Technology Harvest Program (HARVEST), where they traveled to Saskatoon to showcase their novel technology to organizations in Saskatchewan. The relationships formed have been so fruitful that the company has chosen Saskatoon for its base.
“Saskatchewan has long been a leader in animal and food health and is always looking to implement new processes and technology that benefit farmers and customers. PBD Biotech’s expansion to Saskatoon will position the company for success in the Canadian market and ensure we’re at the forefront of utilising innovative products in this key sector,” said Alex Fallon, President and CEO of SREDA.
PBD Biotech’s highly sensitive and specific assay detects live bacteria in the blood or milk of livestock such as cattle, sheep, elk and more exotic species in just six hours. The proven Actiphage technology has the potential to become a significant tool in the detection and control of tuberculosis, Johne’s disease and other mycobacteria diseases in animals as well as humans.
Announcement of PBD Biotech’s Canadian subsidiary comes during the company’s visit to Canada, as part of a wider trade mission supported by Innovate UK.
“We have generated substantial momentum in the Canadian sector both from food security and animal health perspectives, since we secured the Ag in Motion Innovation Award in 2017. It therefore makes good sense to launch our first international commercialisation programme into the Canadian market. Canada will be our first overseas subsidiary but we now have a number of commercial opportunities all over the world that are ready to go. This is an exciting position to be in,” said Dr. Berwyn Clarke, CEO of PBD Biotech.
The new Actiphage test offers zoology and exotic species experts, food manufacturers, veterinary surgeons and farmers a rapid tool for early detection of live bacteria, facilitating improved food safety as well as containment and control of diseases.
– 30 –
For SREDA media enquiries, please contact:
Erin Lawson
Director, Marketing and Communications
P: (306) 664-0724 E: elawson@sreda.com
For PBD Biotech media enquiries, please contact:
Amy Waddell/Rachel Holdsworth
Holdsworth Associates PR
P: 01954 202789 E: amy.waddell@holdsworth-associates.co.uk
About PBD Biotech www.pbdbio.com
PBD Biotech Limited specialises in the use of novel bacteriophage-based technology in the field of veterinary diagnostics. The company has developed proprietary technology that can be used to detect the presence of mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium bovis (bovine TB) and Mycobacterium avium subsp.paratuberculosis (MAP; Johne’s Disease), which are significant causes of morbidity and loss of productivity in the agricultural industry. In addition, the technology has potential application in other bacterial systems.
