City scientists who developed Ebola infection cure nominated for Manning Award

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This article was published 16/04/2015 (3296 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg scientists who have developed an antibody-based treatment to cure Ebola infection called ZMapp are among the Manitoba nominees this year for the prestigious Manning Innovation Awards.

Dr. Gary Kobinger, head of special pathogens at Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory and Canadian Public Health Agency Biologist Dr. Xiangguo Qiu join fellow Manitobans Dr. Mark Torchia and Richard Tycm co-founders of Monteris Medical Inc., in the running for the $100,000 award.

Monteris has developed technology to destroy deep-seated brain tumours

The ZMapp is the first experimental Ebola drug used in an outbreak and considered the most promising of current experimental treatments. The team developed an Ebola vaccine that may be useful both to prevent infection and stop it in its tracks if given shortly after exposure. The Winnipeg lab also developed a mobile diagnostic lab that has changed the way testing is done during an Ebola crisis.

The technology behind Monteris Medical, originated from the St. Boniface General Hospital Research Centre.

Called the NeuroBlate System, it enables MRI-guided vaporization of deep-seated brain tumours using minimally invasive entry into the target area. It is the only system which monitors ablation contours in 3-dimensions and provides real time imaging as the surgeon is working.