NorthMiRs Secures Funding

In an exciting breakthrough for medical science, NorthMiRs, a startup founded by Professor Gilbert Walker along with PhD candidates Logan Zettle and Samantha McWhirter from the Department of Chemistry, has secured a substantial $250,000 funding to develop a groundbreaking therapy aimed at treating heart failure in patients suffering from sepsis.

Showcasing Innovation

On October 17th, McWhirter showcased NorthMiRs' innovative therapeutic product at the ECHO PITCH event, where top cardiovascular health startups compete for funding. The competition not only attracted a live audience but was also banked by a panel of expert judges, further highlighting the intense interest in new developments in cardiovascular treatments.

Addressing Urgent Needs

NorthMiRs specializes in creating micro RNA therapies specifically designed to address organ failure caused by sepsis—a life-threatening reaction to infection that can lead to multiple organ failures. McWhirter shed light on the urgent need for new treatments: “Current treatments primarily revolve around antibiotics or antivirals aimed at the infection source, followed by supportive measures. Even with these, sepsis remains a leading cause of death among critically ill patients, resulting in skyrocketing hospital costs. In Ontario alone, we expended approximately $1 billion on sepsis treatment in 2022.”

Collaboration and Expertise

This innovative project represents a collaborative effort, pulling expertise from the Walker group and the lab of Claudia dos Santos, alongside researchers from St. Michael’s Hospital and the University of Vermont. Professor dos Santos, also a critical care physician at St. Michael's Hospital, has played a pivotal role in the genesis of NorthMiRs.

A Journey of Growth

Samantha McWhirter noted their journey: "Following a summer filled with pitching practices, we benefitted from various mentors, enhancing our presentation and bolstering our success. This funding is a testament to our growth."

Endorsements and Support

The ECHO program, which provides vital entrepreneurship and networking opportunities, is endorsed by the University of Toronto’s Translational Biology and Engineering Program and the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, emphasizing the collaborative spirit crucial for innovation in healthcare.

Future Aspirations

NorthMiRs intends to rollout its first therapeutic specifically targeting heart failures induced by sepsis, with future plans to develop treatments aimed at lung injuries—the frequent harbingers of sepsis complications. Given the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, McWhirter stated, "It's staggering how sepsis was implicated in nearly all COVID-19 fatalities. Without new therapies, the grim statistics predict one in five deaths will continue to be due to sepsis."

A Unique Approach

Professor Walker elaborated on the uniqueness of their approach, noting, "Sepsis is not a one-size-fits-all condition; hence, we are directing our attention to treating specific organ failures for now."

Milestone Achievement

The awarded funding will help facilitate regulated testing of their therapeutic product in rats, aiming to gather necessary toxicology and pharmacokinetic data for subsequent clinical trials. “This funding win marks a significant milestone,” McWhirter expressed. “We envision developing NM-001 as a one-time, intravenous therapy to be administered within six hours of detecting possible sepsis, fundamentally shifting our existing treatment protocols.”

Redefining Standards in Care

“With the potential to save lives and enhance recovery while minimizing long-term effects, NorthMiRs strives to redefine the standard of care in sepsis treatment,” McWhirter concluded. The journey is just beginning, but the promise of NorthMiRs represents a beacon of hope for countless patients facing the dire complications of sepsis.