Technological development for the commercialization of a new immunofunctional biomolecule - CH
The CH is a native biomolecule derived from crab co-products (Chionoecetes opilio), a species commercially exploited throughout eastern Quebec. Studies carried out by the University of Quebec at Rimouski and Merinov have shown that CH has immunomodulatory effects comparable to or better than the similar biomolecule currently used as an adjuvant, whicn is very expensive, because it is difficult to obtain in a sustainable way. Conversely, the CH is abundant and simple to isolate. These results, protected by patent, open the door to the use of the CH as an adjuvant in the preparation of vaccines, replacing the current molecule. On the other hand, other applications of the CH in immunology can be envisaged if it is possible to push its purification to a 99% biomedical grade according to GMP standards at an acceptable cost. The E. Gagnon et Fils crab processing plant based in Gaspésie and the biotechnology company Immune Biosolutions have therefore decided to join forces to develop the biotechnology of the CH for commercial exploitation. The proposed research project aims at standardizing all stages of the CH production from the plant to pilot purification (1 L columns). Implementation of quality controls and measurements will optimize processes to calculate realistic costs of industrial production. On the other hand, research into the functional properties of HC will confirm and control its immunomodulatory effects, not only as an adjuvant for antibody production, but also by exploring its effects on other immune system. At the end of the project, this work will make it possible to quickly envisage a pilot CH production for the research market, and to attract major pharmaceutical companies to support the development of therapeutic applications, in particular for vaccination for oncology.
The research team will be coordinated by Merinov, who will be responsible for the recovery, clarification and purification of the CH, in close collaboration with the E. Gagnon and Fils plant in Gaspésie. The research component on the immunomodulatory properties of HC will be the responsibility of TransBIOtech, in Lévis, in collaboration with Immune Biosolutions. Two other centers will come to approach their projectspecific expertise: CNETE Inc. for the freeze-drying technologies of the finished product, with a view to its conservation, and the Centre de Recherche Industrielle du Québec for the technical and economic feasibility study scaling of the process.
The success of the project will create a first integrated, fully Québec-based, value chain for marine co-products, uniting a food processing plant and a biotechnology company, targeting high value-added markets.
