Stem Shock TM Programmable Herbicides

Transcription

1 Stem Shock TM Programmable Herbicides A Company Overview March 2016 A Cotyledon Innovation

2 Weeds a Growing Problem Standard practices for weed control are becoming less effective and a new approach is required Native plants are crowded out by invasive weed species Invasive plants are having a negative ecological impact on aquatic ecosystems Reports suggest that weeds can reduce global crop production by an average of 9.7% Herbicide resistance is becoming a major concern with over 145 resistant weed species in the USA alone Estimates place total economic losses due to weeds at $6 - $18 billion per annum in the USA alone Weeds have been estimated to reduce grazing capacity by as much as 50%, having a significant economical impact $31.5 Billion Forecasted global herbicide market in 2020 Sources: Allied Market Research. (2014). global herbicides market is expected to grow to $31.5 billion by Available: globalherbicides-market-is-expected-to-grow-to-31-5-billion-by Last accessed 7th March Colorado State University. (2009 ). The Impact of Weeds. Available: Last accessed 7th March Zvonko Pacanoski. (2007). Herbicide Use: Benefits For Society As A Whole - A Review. Pakistani Journal of Weed Science. 13 (1-2),

3 Number of Herbicide-Resistant Species Super Weeds & Resistance Wheat Corn (Maize) Soybean Rice Roadsides Orchards Winter Wheat Barley Pastures Canola As a result of overuse and over reliance on actives, resistant weeds are now becoming a major concern. This is an adaptation of the weed developed over years of applying the same herbicide(s) that use the same mode of action 60 Top 10 Crops: Many of the most globally important food staples are affected by resistant weeds Crops Source: Crop and Soybean Digest. (2014). Prevent Resistance. Available: Last accessed 7 March 2016.

4 Glyphosate N o 1 But for how long? Glyphosate is the leading herbicide globally with over $5B in annual revenue in However its future in this position is uncertain as it faces increased scrutiny resulting from consumer demand, regulatory pressure and reduced efficacy upon facing the surge in resistant weeds Glyphosate the Global Leader in Weed Control 2012 Global Glyphosate Sales - $5.5B 2019 Forecast Global Glyphosate Sales - $8.8B Source: Transparency Market Research. (2014). Global Glyphosate Market is Expected to Reach USD 8.79 Billion by Available: Last accessed 7th March 2016.

5 The Stem-Shock TM Solution The Stem-Shock TM technology platform uses RNAi to trigger programmed cell death as a mode of action. Stem Shock targets genes that regulate programmed cell death, making the target weed think that it is being infected. The Infected plant shuts down and dies as a result of treatment.

6 Programmed Cell Death RNAi compatible MOA By targeting genes that encode integrators, master regulators, and other proteins with a large number of interaction partners we directly perturb a small number of genes whose knockdown have far reaching effects on other genes and their gene products. Small changes in these protein concentrations easily shift the plant into programmed cell death (PCD).

7 Application of Stem-Shock TM Utilizing Nicotiana tabacum as a proof of concept model and using agro-infiltration, we clearly demonstrated the efficacy and performance of the Stem-Shock TM technology platform to trigger PCD and further more for designed constructs to be specific to targeted weed species with limited to none off target impact. Stem-Shock TM Treated Area No Impact on Off Target Species Control These studies were completed using agrobacterium infiltrations. We built vectors that resulted in transient expression of Stem-Shock TM RNA in target plants. Empty vector, GFP vector, untransformed agrobacterium, buffer, and water were all used as controls. Stem-Shock TM Tobacco killed 95% of treated tobacco tissues

8 Next Steps We are now working on advancing our technology platform in collaboration with multiple partners. In addition to this Stem-Shock will be looking to secure an additional $2M in equity financing in 2016 Finalize design of Topical Spray Formulations Expansion into Additional Target Weed Species Further validation of Mass Production Concept and Cost Additional Efficacy Confirmation in Greenhouse & Field Who are we looking to meet Production Partners Angel Investors Stem-Shock TM Strategic Collaborators Venture Capital Firms Synergistic Technologies

9 The Stem-Shock TM Team Here at Stem-Shock TM we know that one of the greatest resources is people. That's why in addition to our already existing team we place an emphasis on surrounding ourselves with talent, this can be seen with our recent hire and will be further evident as we continue to grow Management & Board Chris Tuttle, BSc. Co-Founder & COO Layne Woodfin, BSc Hon. Co-Founder & CSO Orpita Das, MSc. Lab tech Sam Mercer Board Member Jay Robinson Board Member

10 Thank You QUESTIONS Chris Tuttle COO & Co-Founder Layne Woodfin CSO & Co-Founder Stem-Shock 12960, 84 th Avenue, Unit 210 Surrey, BC Canada V3W 1K7