Zentek Provides Update on ~$1.1 Million Innovative Solutions Canada Contract to Develop an Avian Influenza Countermeasure (H5N1) Using its Multivalent Aptamer Technology
Zentek (NASDAQ:ZTEK) has completed the first phase of a ~$1.1 million Innovative Solutions Canada contract to develop a countermeasure for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1). The project, which began in November 2024, involves collaboration with McMaster University's Li Lab to create both prophylactic and therapeutic solutions using multivalent aptamer technology.
The development phase has successfully produced a lead candidate countermeasure that matched the performance of a monoclonal antibody positive control in recent in vitro neutralization experiments. The project is now moving to the testing phase, where the team will evaluate in vivo performance against H1N1 and the current H5N1 2.3.4.4b clade.
The initiative is supported by government testing partners including Health and Emergency Preparedness Canada (HERC) and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), addressing the global avian influenza outbreak that has affected over 1,000 dairy cattle herds across 17 U.S. states.
Zentek (NASDAQ:ZTEK) ha completato la prima fase di un contratto di circa 1,1 milioni di dollari con Innovative Solutions Canada per sviluppare un contromisura contro l'influenza aviaria altamente patogena (HPAI) A(H5N1). Il progetto, iniziato a novembre 2024, prevede una collaborazione con il Li Lab dell'Università McMaster per creare soluzioni profilattiche e terapeutiche utilizzando la tecnologia degli aptameri multivalenti.
La fase di sviluppo ha prodotto con successo un candidato principale che ha mostrato prestazioni equivalenti a quelle di un anticorpo monoclonale di controllo positivo in recenti esperimenti di neutralizzazione in vitro. Il progetto sta ora passando alla fase di test, in cui il team valuterà le prestazioni in vivo contro H1N1 e il ceppo attuale H5N1 2.3.4.4b.
L'iniziativa è supportata da partner governativi per i test, tra cui Health and Emergency Preparedness Canada (HERC) e Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), affrontando l'epidemia globale di influenza aviaria che ha colpito oltre 1.000 allevamenti di bovini da latte in 17 stati degli Stati Uniti.
Zentek (NASDAQ:ZTEK) ha completado la primera fase de un contrato de aproximadamente 1,1 millones de dólares con Innovative Solutions Canada para desarrollar una contramedida contra la influenza aviar altamente patógena (HPAI) A(H5N1). El proyecto, iniciado en noviembre de 2024, implica una colaboración con el Li Lab de la Universidad McMaster para crear soluciones profilácticas y terapéuticas utilizando tecnología de aptámeros multivalentes.
La fase de desarrollo ha producido con éxito un candidato principal que igualó el rendimiento de un anticuerpo monoclonal de control positivo en recientes experimentos de neutralización in vitro. El proyecto ahora avanza a la fase de pruebas, donde el equipo evaluará el desempeño in vivo contra H1N1 y la cepa actual H5N1 2.3.4.4b.
La iniciativa cuenta con el apoyo de socios gubernamentales para pruebas, incluyendo Health and Emergency Preparedness Canada (HERC) y Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), abordando el brote global de influenza aviar que ha afectado a más de 1,000 rebaños de ganado lechero en 17 estados de EE.UU.
Zentek (NASDAQ:ZTEK)는 약 110만 달러 규모의 Innovative Solutions Canada 계약 1단계를 완료하여 고병원성 조류 인플루엔자(HPAI) A(H5N1)에 대한 대응책을 개발했습니다. 2024년 11월에 시작된 이 프로젝트는 McMaster 대학교 Li 연구실과 협력하여 다가성 앱타머 기술을 활용한 예방 및 치료 솔루션을 개발하는 것을 목표로 합니다.
개발 단계에서는 최근 시험관 내 중화 실험에서 양성 대조군인 단클론 항체와 동등한 성능을 보인 주요 후보 대응책을 성공적으로 도출했습니다. 현재 프로젝트는 H1N1과 최신 H5N1 2.3.4.4b 계통에 대한 생체 내 성능 평가를 위한 시험 단계로 넘어가고 있습니다.
이 사업은 Health and Emergency Preparedness Canada(HERC)와 Defence Research and Development Canada(DRDC)를 포함한 정부 시험 파트너들의 지원을 받고 있으며, 17개 미국 주에서 1,000개 이상의 낙농 가축 군에 영향을 미친 전 세계 조류 인플루엔자 발생에 대응하고 있습니다.
Zentek (NASDAQ:ZTEK) a achevé la première phase d’un contrat d’environ 1,1 million de dollars avec Innovative Solutions Canada pour développer une contre-mesure contre la grippe aviaire hautement pathogène (HPAI) A(H5N1). Le projet, lancé en novembre 2024, implique une collaboration avec le Li Lab de l’Université McMaster pour créer des solutions prophylactiques et thérapeutiques utilisant la technologie des aptamères multivalents.
La phase de développement a permis de produire avec succès un candidat principal qui a égalé la performance d’un anticorps monoclonal témoin positif lors de récents tests de neutralisation in vitro. Le projet passe maintenant à la phase de tests, où l’équipe évaluera les performances in vivo contre le H1N1 et le clade actuel H5N1 2.3.4.4b.
L’initiative est soutenue par des partenaires gouvernementaux de tests, notamment Health and Emergency Preparedness Canada (HERC) et Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC), répondant à l’épidémie mondiale de grippe aviaire qui a touché plus de 1 000 troupeaux laitiers dans 17 États américains.
Zentek (NASDAQ:ZTEK) hat die erste Phase eines etwa 1,1 Millionen US-Dollar umfassenden Vertrags mit Innovative Solutions Canada abgeschlossen, um eine Gegenmaßnahme gegen hochpathogene aviäre Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) zu entwickeln. Das im November 2024 gestartete Projekt umfasst eine Zusammenarbeit mit dem Li Lab der McMaster University zur Entwicklung prophylaktischer und therapeutischer Lösungen mittels multivalenter Aptamer-Technologie.
Die Entwicklungsphase hat erfolgreich einen führenden Kandidaten hervorgebracht, der in jüngsten in vitro Neutralisationsexperimenten die Leistung eines monoklonalen Antikörper-Positivkontrolltests erreichte. Das Projekt geht nun in die Testphase über, in der das Team die in vivo Wirksamkeit gegen H1N1 und den aktuellen H5N1 2.3.4.4b-Klade bewerten wird.
Die Initiative wird von staatlichen Testpartnern wie Health and Emergency Preparedness Canada (HERC) und Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) unterstützt und richtet sich gegen den globalen Ausbruch der aviären Influenza, der über 1.000 Milchviehherden in 17 US-Bundesstaaten betroffen hat.
- Successful completion of first phase with lead candidate meeting performance metrics
- Lead candidate matched monoclonal antibody control performance in testing
- Secured ~$1.1 million government contract for H5N1 countermeasure development
- Technology previously successful against all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants
- None.
Insights
Zentek advances H5N1 countermeasure development, completing first phase with promising in vitro results matching monoclonal antibody performance.
Zentek has reached a significant milestone in its development of a countermeasure for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1). The company has completed the first phase of a government contract by delivering a lead candidate and has now advanced to the testing phase.
The technical approach uses a multivalent aptamer strategy - the same platform technology that yielded their previous SARS-CoV-2 countermeasure which showed efficacy against all tested variants. This suggests a versatile platform that could potentially address multiple viral threats.
The development process, conducted in collaboration with McMaster University's Li Lab, followed a methodical approach including: selection of lead monomers with high binding affinity to the hemagglutinin protein, construction of multimeric forms to increase avidity, and in vitro testing for effective neutralization capabilities.
Most notably, the in vitro neutralization experiments demonstrated performance comparable to a monoclonal antibody positive control - an encouraging early indicator of potential efficacy. The countermeasure is designed to serve as both a prophylactic (preventative) and therapeutic (treatment) option.
The next critical milestone will be in vivo testing against both H1N1 and the current circulating H5N1 clade (H5N1 2.3.4.4b). This testing will determine whether the promising laboratory results translate to effectiveness in living organisms - a crucial hurdle in development.
This development is timely given the concerning spread of H5N1, which has already caused substantial poultry losses and crossed species barriers to infect foxes, seals, sea lions, and notably, over 1,000 dairy cattle herds across 17 U.S. states. This cross-species transmission elevates concerns about potential human infection risks.
Government-backed $1.1M contract progresses on schedule with successful first phase completion, addressing growing concern about cross-species H5N1 transmission.
Zentek has successfully executed the first phase of its
This development represents measurable progress in Zentek's R&D pipeline, with government testing partners including Health and Emergency Preparedness Canada and Defence Research and Development Canada providing both funding and validation of the approach's strategic importance.
The successful delivery of the lead candidate countermeasure on schedule demonstrates effective execution and project management capabilities, particularly notable given the complexity of the scientific work involved. The collaboration with McMaster University has enabled Zentek to leverage academic expertise while advancing its proprietary technology.
The target market addresses an escalating public health concern, as avian influenza has crossed species barriers and affected over 1,000 dairy cattle herds across 17 U.S. states. This increasing threat profile has prompted government prioritization of countermeasure development, potentially opening additional funding and partnership opportunities.
While this
GUELPH, ON / ACCESS Newswire / April 23, 2025 / Zentek Ltd. ("Zentek" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:ZTEK)(TSXV:ZEN), is pleased to announce that it has completed the first phase of the Innovative Solutions Canada Testing Stream contract by delivering a lead candidate countermeasure for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) and has now moved to the testing phase of the project.
Highlights:
Zentek was awarded approximately
$1.1 million through the Government of Canada's Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) Testing Stream under Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada ("ISED") for Health Advanced And Emerging Medical Technologies.Government of Canada testing partners include ISED's Health and Emergency Preparedness Canada ("HERC") and Defence Research and Development Canada ("DRDC"), the science and technology organization of the Department of National Defence ("DND").
The contract began in November 2024 to develop both a prophylactic and therapeutic for avian influenza HPAI A(H5N1) using a multivalent aptamer strategy that previously led to the successful development of a SARS-CoV-2 aptamer.
Most activities for the lead countermeasure candidate development were performed through collaboration with the Li Lab at McMaster University.
On October 31, 2024, Zentek Ltd. and the Government of Canada signed an ISC Testing Stream contract to develop a prophylactic and therapeutic lead candidate countermeasure for HPAI A(H5N1). The countermeasure to be produced for the contract was to utilize Zentek's successful multi-valent aptamer strategy which was used to produce a countermeasure for SARS-CoV-2 that has shown efficacy against all known variants of SARS-CoV-2 it has been tested against.
The ISC program testing partners have prioritized the development of an H5N1 asset to enhance Canada's capabilities to respond to the global avian influenza outbreak. Since 2020, avian influenza has led to the destruction of millions of birds in the US and has crossed species barriers, with confirmed cases in foxes, seals, sea lions and dairy cows. To date, over 1,000 dairy cattle herds across 17 U.S. states have experienced H5N1 outbreaks1.
During the five months of lead candidate countermeasure development, the collaboration with McMaster University has focused on the following tasks: 1. Selection of lead monomers with high binding affinity to the hemagglutinin (HA) protein and high specificity, 2. Construction of multimeric forms of the lead monomers to increase overall avidity, 3. In vitro testing to ensure the lead candidate aptamer has effective neutralization of H5N1 and other strains of influenza viruses to prevent cell infection.
The tasks mentioned above resulted in a lead candidate countermeasure that met the performance metrics established in the Government of Canada testing contract. The recent in vitro neutralization experiments demonstrated that the lead candidate countermeasure matched the performance of a monoclonal antibody positive control.
Prof. Yingfu Li, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, commented, "Our collaboration with Zentek and Dr. Miller's group has been highly productive-from SARS-CoV-2 to H5N1, we have shown that multivalent aptamers can be powerful countermeasures. These efforts are helping us build a robust platform to rapidly generate high-quality aptamers for virtually any pathogen on demand."
The next phase of testing requires Zentek to deliver sufficient materials to Dr. Matthew Miller's team at McMaster University, to evaluate the in vivo performance against H1N1 and the current clade of H5N1 influenza in circulation, H5N1 2.3.4.4b.
"There is growing interest in countermeasures for respiratory illnesses that are passive in nature which only neutralize a virus to either prevent infection or as a treatment. I want to thank Dr. Yingfu Li and his team who have been tremendous collaborators to allow us to deliver the asset on time. I also want to express my appreciation for the support and interest for the team and DRDC and HERC." said Greg Fenton, CEO of Zentek.
About Zentek Ltd.
Zentek is an ISO 13485:2016 certified intellectual property technology company focused on the research, development and commercialization of novel products seeking to give the Company's commercial partners a competitive advantage by making their products better, safer, and greener.
Zentek's patented technology platform ZenGUARD™, is shown to significantly increase the bacterial and viral filtration efficiency of surgical masks and aims to do the same with HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system) filters. Zentek's ZenGUARD™ production facility is in Guelph, Ontario.
Zentek, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Triera Biosciences Ltd., has a global exclusive license to the aptamer-based platform technology developed by McMaster University, which is being jointly developed by Zentek and McMaster for both the diagnostic and therapeutic markets.
The Company is not making any express or implied claims that its aptamer technology has the ability to eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 disease (or the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus) at this time.
About Triera Biosciences Ltd.
Triera holds an exclusive, worldwide royalty bearing license from McMaster University to use and practice all aptamer and DNAzyme uses developed through the collaboration with the Li Lab by McMaster University for the next 20 years. Triera and McMaster's combined expertise and capabilities in aptamer technology offer significant potential to reduce the cost and time required for the development of new treatments.
For further information contact:
Dr. Colin van der Kuur
Chief Science Officer
Email: cvanderkuur@triera.ca
Phone: 778-808-6424
To find out more about Zentek, please visit our website at www.Zentek.com. A copy of this news release and all material documents in respect of the Company may be obtained on Zentek's SEDAR+ profile at http://www.sedarplus.ca/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although Zentek believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Zentek disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE: Zentek Ltd.
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
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