Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — Viotika Life Sciences Inc., a Canadian biotechnology firm focused on developing novel solutions to the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis, has engaged the services of Generation Seven Strategic Partners to promote Indigenous investment in its research.
“For too long, Indigenous communities in Canada, the United States, and elsewhere have not had a seat at the table or a role in decision-making when it comes to medicine and medical research,” said Charles (Chuck) LaFlèche, Viotika’s Chief Executive Officer. “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest global medical challenges in human history, and we recognize that having Indigenous perspectives is vital in the pursuit of solutions. That is why our mission is to evolve Viotika into the world’s first Indigenous-majority-owned biotech company dedicated to solving AMR. We are very excited that Ivan Makil and Generation Seven are joining us in this important journey.”
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines. In 2019, AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths worldwide. Some experts predict that without new solutions, bacteria will continue to “outsmart” today’s antibiotics, and AMR could cause up to 10,000,000 deaths a year by 2050. A new class of antibiotics has not been successfully introduced since 1987.
Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and working with partners in other centres in North America, Viotika is pioneering an entirely novel approach based on a respiratory enzyme (Na+-NQR) and a second recently discovered factor. The company expects that additional research will lead to the development of a safe drug that will kill bacteria in two novel ways.
“Our goal at Generation Seven is to promote and build partnerships that create enduring economic and social value,” said Ivan Makil, Founding Partner at Generation Seven Strategic Partners in Scottsdale, Arizona. “We are inspired by ‘seven-generation thinking’, which is characterized by respecting traditional ways, knowing the right processes, finding common ground, preparing for the future, and making the right choices. Our partnership with Viotika aligns perfectly with how we operate and how we engage with Indigenous communities, governments, and the private sector. We’re excited to share the Viotika story and engage communities in the battle against AMR for the benefit of all people.”
“We are grateful that Ivan and his team will be working with us on our capital raise,” added LaFlèche. “Not only do they have an impressive commercial track record, but they are also passionate and innovative in their work. Becoming an Indigenous-majority-owned company will give us the insights and perspectives we need to move forward.”
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Viotika Life Sciences Inc. is a Canadian biotech company advancing novel research in pursuit of a solution to the escalating global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Learn more at www.viotika.com.
For further information, contact:
Charles (Chuck) LaFlèche, FCPA, FCMA
CEO, Viotika Life Sciences Inc.
Suite 323, J-390 Provencher Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4K5
E-mail: clafleche@viotika.com
Mobile: +1-204-794-8344
The administrative head office of Viotika Life Sciences is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Treaty One lands, the original territories of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Lakota, and Dene peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis.
