News in the Park

Edmonton innovator reduces women's pain and suffering

An Edmonton Research Park tenant is the first and only company to receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration agency to use biodegradable embolic agents that are inserted into the body to treat benign and malignant tumors.

IMBiotechnologies (IMB) does that by using embolotherapy, which involves inserting particles into blood vessels that cut off the blood supply to the tumor.

IMB’s lead product, Occlusin® 500 Artificial Embolization Device (OCL 550), treats women with benign tumors such as uterine fibroids, which are benign tumors of the uterus that can grow as large as grapefruit and cause heavy periods, pain, frequent urination, bloating and reproductive problems including infertility and miscarriage. OCL 500 will be available in the U.S. market as early as 2012.

To ensure they are as safe and effective as other embolic agents on the market, IMB products have gone through extensive testing. The major difference between IMB’s products and its competitors is the latter uses embolic agents that are permanent implants left in the body, whereas IMB uses biodegradable embolic agents that are absorbed into the body.

“The biotechnology and medical device industries are in their infancy in Edmonton but they are a tightly knit group, with local companies supporting each other in their efforts to become successful,” says Mike Stewart, president and CEO of IMBiotechnologies. “IMB is located in Edmonton with strategic proximity to centres of scientific and clinic excellence interventional radiology.”

“The Edmonton Research Park is an ideal location for a small company to establish itself,” says Stewart. “The park provides essential resources for the company’s day-to-day business, but also facilitates discussion with other tenants to discuss real-world business problems and solutions.”

Edmonton Research Park works to attract and retain visionary business leaders to build next generation technology, enhancing Edmonton’s position in the global economy and overall quality of life. “It is encouraging to see companies like IMBiotechnologies excel and grow,” said Candace Brinsmead, vice-president of technology advancement at the Edmonton Research Park. “Our success at the research park is a result of our innovative tenants who, through new technologies and research have gained national and international attention.” 
 
 
Media contact:
Renée Worrell
Communications Manager, External Relations
780.932.4865
rworrell@edmonton.com