This innovation allows for the use of two natural molecules, lactoferrin and lactoferricin, in combination with existing β-lactam antibiotics to treat infections and diseases caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria. The two molecules are inhibitors of the expression of β-lactamase genes, involved in bacterial resistance, and thus restore the activity of existing β-lactam antibiotics against most, if not all, resistant Gram + and Gram – bacteria. In vitro results have demonstrated significant synergism between different combinations of lactoferrin or lactoferricin and β-lactam antibiotics on growth inhibition of several β-lactam resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. A proof of concept study in mastitic lactating dairy cows has shown that combination of lactoferrin and penicillin G lowers the infection level caused by a clinical strain of Staphylococcus aureus SHY97-4320 resistant to several antibiotics and has a strong effect on cure rates weeks after the end of treatment. To prevent degradation of the molecule in solution and remove contaminants, a novel purification process of lactoferrin has also been developed.

Treatment of:

- Mastitis in dairy cows

- GI tract infections in pigs, poultry and humans

- Skin infections as diabetic foot ulcers in humans

- Stomach infections and ulcers in humans

Ready for licensing

Method for Treatment and (or) Prevention of Antibiotic-Resistant Microorganism Infections:

Patented: Mexico(MX245549), New Zealand(NZ520236), Australia(AU782915), Israel(IL150361), Hong Kong(HK1050628) and in 7 countries in Europe(EU1246640):

Great Britain, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Spain and France

Patent pending: Canada, US, Brazil, and India

New purification method of lactoferrin:

Patent undergoing National Phase of examination: Canada, US, New Zealand and in 5 countries in Europe: Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark and France

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s offer is an opportunity for technology transfer via license agreements in accordance with the terms and conditions negotiated by the parties.

Companies interested in this opportunity must send a Letter of Interest to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on or before November 15, 2008. Depending on the level of interest in this opportunity, full proposals may be requested through a Request for Proposal process.

Letter of Interest content:

All Letters of Interest must include the following information:

• Company Legal Name and Articles of Incorporation.
• Company address, telephone/fax numbers, e-mail address.
• Form of business organization (proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).
• Description of the company’s line of business and the industry in which it operates.
• Description of the company’s current market equipment and how the technology offer fits into their market.