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Introducing Performance Genomics Inc PGI is an R&D start-up whose mission is to develop genetic products for use in agricultural species and humans in the fields of fertility, reproduction and reproductive longevity. Based at NSAC, the company is a joint venture between the institution and private interests. With the support of a number of public-spirited persons in the Truro area, including five NSAC alumni, PGI is seeking financial support through a CEDIF, or Community Economic Development Investment Fund. This fund will be invested in support of the continuation of PGI’s R&D program, with immediate focus on the development of a marker index for Holstein cattle. PGI’s research is centered on the identification of genes and pathways affecting reproductive longevity in a unique and reproductively superior colony of mice. Two selected lines of these mice, which have been selectively bred for reproductive longevity for more than 30 generations, reproduce nearly twice as long as the control line. Because the basic, overall structure and function of biochemical pathways that support life are conserved across species, PGI is confident that the knowledge it is gaining from this research will have commercial application in other mammalian species. Taking advantage of recent rapid advances in supporting technology and substantial funding assistance from the Atlantic Innovation Fund, PGI recently completed a major project that identified some 50 regions of the mouse genome containing genes that affect this trait. Using this information, PGI plans to develop a DNA-based breeding marker index for reproductive longevity for various livestock species. Based on a simple test that can be carried out at any age, the index will to be used to identify animals with the ability to reproduce longer and more efficiently. A planned similar test will predict the duration of the reproductive window of women, who struggle with the competing demands of career and starting a family. Also, the genes and pathways identified in the course of developing these products may have additional commercial value as vehicles to develop technologies and products that directly enhance the reproductive fitness of humans and animals. PGI’s initial step toward commercialization will address the increasing problem of declining fertility in Holstein dairy cattle. In short, this has resulted in an increase in replacement rate and a decline in overall productivity – with a significant negative impact on revenue. The company, working with its partners Semex Alliance and Stonebridge Breeding, is about to begin development of a marker index for fertility and reproductive longevity for use with this predominant breed. PGI expects to complete development of this first marker index during 2009 and in 2010 begin to market it for use in bulls and directly by producers in cows. (You can obtain more information on PGI, including additional details on its livestock marker development program, at www.performancegenomics.ca.) The CEDIF program was established by the Province of Nova Scotia to encourage residents to invest in Nova Scotia small businesses. Investment in a CEDIF provides a personal provincial non-refundable income tax credit of 30%. Also, if the investment is made through an RRSP, an additional tax deferral of about 23% is possible. And, provided certain conditions of the Equity Tax Credit Act are met, the investment could earn an additional 20% tax credit if it is retained beyond five years provided that a second CEDIF offering is made at that time; you would need to contact the CEDIF at that time. If you are interested in investing in PGI through the CEDIF program or would like more information on this investment opportunity, please contact one of your fellow alumni (listed below). They can advise you on the details, including how to minimize the cash requirement and your longer term risk. More than 95% of the money invested by Nova Scotians leaves the province. In addition to supporting the development of a local business that relates to agriculture, your investment dollars will directly benefit PGI’s largest shareholder – NSAC! Your CEDIF Team Garth Coffin (895-2700 or 986 0847) Bob Adams (893-4127) Note: THIS CEDIF OFFERING IS MADE THROUGH AN OFFERING DOCUMENT, WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM AN AUTHORIZED SALES AGENT OR FINDER, (SEE LIST ABOVE). INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE OFFERING DOCUMENT BEFORE MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION. |
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