Transcript why aequor?
Green Chemicals from Our Oceans Combat bacteria in a new way Marilyn Bruno, Ph.D., J.D., CEO www.aequorinc.com BIOFILM Diagram of how biofilm builds in stages: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofilm • Forms everywhere, quickly • E.g. on a titanium plate within 30 seconds after sterilization. • Impenetrable, protecting underlying bacteria • Chemicals in biofilm’s top layers neutralize even the strongest biocides • Disperses • Becomes airborne/waterborne (e.g. Legionella) We’re Losing the War on Bacteria BIOFILM PROTECTS BACTERIA FROM •Physical remedies – scraping, sterilization, heat •Biocides (germicides, antimicrobials, antiseptics) •Human immune system •Antibiotics OVERUSE OF INEFFECTIVE REMEDIES: •Toxic load on ecosystems •Trigger bacterial resistance – e.g. MRSA Biofilm Impacts on Industry Microfouling - contamination, corrosion, scale, slime • Increases costs, reduces yields • Clogs RO filters used in desalination, water treatment • Reduces life of capital equipment • Contaminates inert, nano, organic surfaces • Reduces algae cultivation yields: bioreactors and open pond • Reduces outputs of solar panels, wind turbines, etc. Macrofouling – increases fuel consumption, emissions • Attachment of barnacles, mussels, algae – Water intake pipes for all power plant cooling towers – Hulls of all the ships at sea – Underwater structures, pipelines, equipment • Loss of profits for emerging industries – Aquaculture: nets clogged so badly, fish need antibiotics Biofilm Impacts on Healthcare • All surfaces contaminated – from bedrails to devices • CDC associates biofilm with – – – – 80% of all chronic bacterial infections 14% Intensive Care Unit deaths 90% Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) EVERY bacteria on the lists of • Pandemic threats (cholera, pneumonia, Listeria, E.coli, Salmonella, T.B., flu, Legionella, meningitis, plague, etc.) • Bioterrorism (anthrax, botulism) • Drug-resistance (MRSA, MDR-TB) • BIOFILM is now a global security issue Biofilm in Space • More virulent than on Earth • • • • – Because of extreme temperatures, radiation, vacuum Fouls equipment – Satellite optical sensors – so thick, it is skewing readings – Probes Impacts astronaut health – Contaminates all systems: water, air, food Toxic biocides – don’t work – can’t be safely disposed of NASA calls biofilm the #1 impediment to long duration manned space travel Aequor’s Discoveries • FROM THE SEA – Founder Cynthia Burzell hypothesized that all surfaces would be fouled unless some natural mechanism inhibited the attachment of foulers • Discovered Platform: novel marine organisms • Novel chemical entities • Primary molecule Primary Molecule Validation • Removes 99.99% existing biofilms - Lonza: “Nothing else known can do this at non-lethal doses” • Inhibits biofilm formation > 95% at 48 hours Staphylococcus aureus untreated forms thick biofilm S.Aureus with Aequor semi-purified lead compound COMPARE WITH S.aureus with Penicillin at 1,000 x dose tolerated by humans • Inhibits attachment of marine foulers >92% • Is non-toxic, per Ames test, brine shrimp larvae assay Value Proposition FOR CUSTOMERS : “Greening” their bottom line •Replace toxic biocides; “bio-boost” performance of current remedies at lower concentrations •Save time, manpower and money – and lives FOR CLEANTECH: Antifouling reduces drag • Lower fuel, gas emissions by 50%; downtime • Raise yields • Increase profitability, life of capital equipment Company Traction • Portfolio of novel chemicals • IP estate managed by K&L Gates • Team Aequor Cynthia Burzell, Ph.D. Microbiology – Founder, President TechAmerica’s Researcher of the Year Marilyn Bruno, Ph.D., J.D., CEO 35+ years in business. Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Jozsef Gulyas, Ph.D. – world expert - chemical synthesis + 12 seasoned Advisors, including Toshiyasu Nagae – Industry specialist Former President, Union Carbide/Dow – Japan • Awards WHY AEQUOR? WHY NOW? Validations Product – Unique, disruptive, superior to competition Pain Market Size Customers Go-to-Market Plan Business model, Pricing Company traction Triple Bottom Line: Profit, People, Planet [email protected] www.aequorinc.com