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Increased federal funding is enabling Simon Fraser University biologist Allison Kermode to continue her collaboration with UBC scientists on developing a novel therapeutic to improve the quality of life for people suffering from a common metabolic disease.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) is providing a grant worth $564,720 over three years through its 2010 Collaborative Health Research Projects (CHRP) program. This is in addition to the $304,000 Kermode received in 2004 for her research.

Kermode and her team are working to create an edible plant-based therapeutic to treat a human genetic disease called phenylketonuria (PKU).

“Developing therapeutics for human diseases is an expensive endeavour and requires extensive testing of several parameters of therapeutic efficacy and safety,” says Kermode, a professor of plant cell and molecular biology. “A unique aspect will also be the research toward enhancing the palatability of our edible corn root-based therapeutic formulations.

“The additional resources will further allow the hiring not only of junior personnel but also senior personnel who possess specialized skills.”

PKU is a disorder that every Canadian child is screened for after birth. Early diagnosis and treatment of the disorder within the first days of life prevents the severe mental retardation and behavioural problems noted in untreated cases.

The major effects of PKU are caused by the body’s inability to process the amino acid called phenylalanine, which is present in all sources of protein and is made by the body tissues themselves. The current treatment for PKU relies on the use of semi-synthetic formulas and specialized diets.

Unfortunately, the dietary therapy for PKU is difficult to follow because the semi-synthetic formulas available today are bland tasting and people have to avoid many common foods, such as meat, fish, milk, bread, cheese, cake and nuts.

Kermode hopes the new therapeutic will allow PKU patients to safely eat a relatively normal diet and enjoy a more normal lifestyle.

“The major outcome will be the development of an inexpensive oral therapeutic derived from a natural plant source,” Kermode says. “The product that we are developing would provide individuals that have PKU with an alternative means to maintain reduced blood phenylalanine levels, protecting them from potential neurological damage."

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