Oral biology specialist joins Kane Biotech scientific board

Winnipeg, MN – June 17, 2004 – Kane Biotech a biotechnology company that develops products to prevent and disperse bacterial biofilms, has appointed Dr Dennis Cvitkovitch to its scientific advisory board.

Dr Cvitkovitch, who brings considerable experience in understanding harmful bacteria and their role in bacterial biofilms, joins Dr Tony Romeo, of Emory University, and Dr George Zhanel, of the University of Manitoba, in advising Kane Biotech on its scientific and product development strategy.

Dr Cvitkovitch is professor in the faculty of dentistry at the University of Toronto, where he has been on the faculty since 1998. His research focus uses a variety of biochemical, molecular biological and in-silico technologies to understand the mechanisms of cell-to-cell signaling and its role in biofilm formation and genetic exchange. He has a PhD in oral biology from the University of Manitoba and currently holds a Canada Research Chair. In addition, he holds grants from the National Institutes of Health in the United States, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, National Science and Engineering Research Council and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation.

“Dr Cvitkovitch’s appointment is a significant addition to Kane Biotech’s scientific resources,” says Marcus Enns, the company’s president. “It is widely recognized that new types of therapeutics and products will be required to combat the problems caused by biofilms and the key to developing these products is an in depth understanding of the science behind biofilm formation. Dr Cvitkovitch enhances our understanding and complements our expertise in the biofilm area.”

Biofilms develop when bacteria, and other microorganisms, form a protective matrix that acts as a shield against attack. When they are in a biofilm, bacteria become highly resistant to antibiotics and host immune responses. This resiliency contributes to human health problems such as recurrent urinary tract infections, medical-device-associated infections and tooth decay. The company says they cost industry, cities and hospitals in excess of $500 billion each year.