News

Dr. Inanç Birol to Speak at UNMC’s 2026 Antimicrobial Peptide Conference

Amphoraxe Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Inanç Birol will speak on deep learning prediction of antimicrobial peptides at “Antimicrobial Peptides: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow II”, a free, one-day virtual conference hosted by the University of Nebraska Medical Center on Monday, October 19, 2026. Dr. Birol joins leading AMP researchers from around the world in the conference’s session on AI prediction of antimicrobial peptides.

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Dr. Inanç Birol Delivers Invited Talk at IMAP 2026 in Split, Croatia

Amphoraxe Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Inanç Birol was an invited speaker at the 13th International Meeting on Antimicrobial Peptides (IMAP 2026) in Split, Croatia, presenting on systematic docking of AMPs against essential bacterial cell surface proteins and joining the closing panel on the future of AMP research. Amphoraxe research intern Berke Uçar also presented a poster on predicting pathogen-specific antimicrobial activity with biological large language models.

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Government of Canada Invests in Amphoraxe’s Antimicrobial Technologies to Advance Poultry Health

The Government of Canada has announced an investment of up to $892,122 for Amphoraxe Life Sciences Inc. through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriScience Program – Projects Component. Announced in Vancouver by Wade Grant, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra, on behalf of the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the funding will accelerate the development and testing of up to ten new antimicrobial peptide (AMP) formulations as alternatives to conventional antibiotics — targeting Avian pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella Enterica to help farmers maintain healthy flocks, reduce reliance on antibiotics, and address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

“Antimicrobial resistance is steadily eroding the effectiveness of the antibiotics poultry producers have relied on for decades,” said Dr. Inanç Birol, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Amphoraxe. “With this project, we are using advanced genomics, AI, and peptide engineering to build a new, Canadian-made toolbox so farmers can keep flocks healthy, protect food safety, and stay competitive without depending on traditional antibiotics.”

Read the Government of Canada News Release →
Coverage at The Poultry Site →

Amphoraxe at Web Summit 2026: Connecting with Innovators from Vancouver and Around the World

Amphoraxe Life Sciences was thrilled to take part in Web Summit, sharing our antimicrobial peptide mission and meeting wonderful founders, scientists, and business leaders — from fellow Vancouver companies to entrepreneurs and organizations from around the world. A look back at the people and moments that made it special.

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Amphoraxe Launches SEAPF Project with AAFC Support to Advance Antibiotic Alternatives for Poultry

Vancouver, BC – Amphoraxe Life Sciences Inc., together with academic partners, today announced the launch of the SEAPF (Safe and Effective Antimicrobials for Poultry Farming) Project, supported through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) AgriScience Program – Projects component, with AAFC investing up to $892,122. Over three years, the consortium will develop scalable antimicrobial peptide (AMP) formulations as sustainable alternatives to traditional antibiotics in poultry production.

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European Commission Invests €30M in CARB-X and GARDP to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

The European Commission’s DG HERA has announced a €30 million EU4Health investment to support CARB-X and GARDP in strengthening the global response to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). CARB-X will focus on accelerating early-stage antibacterial research, while GARDP advances late-stage clinical development projects. The partnership aims to build a comprehensive pipeline of medical countermeasures against drug-resistant bacterial infections, which cause over 35,000 deaths annually in the European Union alone.

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Amphoraxe Invited to BC Pavilion Venture Spotlight at Web Summit Vancouver 2026

Amphoraxe Life Sciences Inc. is thrilled to announce that it has been selected to participate in the BC Pavilion Venture Spotlight at Web Summit Vancouver 2026, taking place May 12–14, 2026. Amphoraxe was chosen to represent the Agri Tech sector, with its Venture Spotlight presentation scheduled for the morning of May 14.

Web Summit Vancouver is one of the world’s leading technology conferences. As a selected company, Amphoraxe will have a dedicated exhibiting space inside the BC Pavilion for all three days of the event — an opportunity to demo our antimicrobial peptide platform to a global audience of investors, partners, customers, and media. The selection was made in collaboration with InnovateBC and SFU’s B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation, recognizing ventures developing technologies that support the future of agriculture and global food security.

“This is a tremendous recognition of our team’s work and the promise of our technology,” said Fatih Birol, Co-Founder and CEO of Amphoraxe. “We look forward to representing BC’s agritech sector on a global stage and connecting with the investors and partners who share our vision for a more sustainable food system.”

View BC Pavilion Program →

The Globe and Mail: The Next Generation of Antibiotics

In a major feature, The Globe and Mail explores the antimicrobial resistance crisis and the urgent search for new antibiotics. The article highlights how antibiotic overuse “in both health care and agriculture” has supercharged resistant superbugs — a challenge at the core of Amphoraxe’s mission to develop antimicrobial peptide alternatives for the poultry industry.

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New Review: Antimicrobial Peptides Versus Antibiotics in Farm Animal Production

A comprehensive review published in Antibiotics examines the growing role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as alternatives to conventional antibiotics in livestock farming. The paper evaluates AMP mechanisms of action, effectiveness against bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens, and their promise for reducing antibiotic resistance while maintaining animal health — a core focus of Amphoraxe’s research program.

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Amphoraxe Secures Second Tranche Investment

Vancouver, BC – Amphoraxe Life Sciences Inc. is pleased to announce the successful close of the second tranche of its investment round, strengthened by ongoing non-dilutive research support. This milestone reinforces the company’s financial position, enabling the expansion of R&D and the advancement of in-vivo animal studies for its antimicrobial peptide (AMP) platform—an innovative alternative to traditional antibiotics in poultry production.

“We are thrilled to achieve this key milestone, which brings us closer to reducing reliance on traditional antibiotics in poultry production,” said Fatih Birol, Co-Founder and CEO of Amphoraxe. “This funding allows us to scale our research, advance efficacy and safety testing, and lay the foundation for regulatory approval and eventual commercial rollout.”

Amphoraxe Welcomes Dr. Anat Yanai as New Industrial Research Scientist

Vancouver, BC – Amphoraxe Life Sciences Inc. is excited to announce that Dr. Anat Yanai has joined the company as Industrial Research Scientist, bringing with her three decades of R&D expertise and a proven record of innovation across multiple sectors.

Dr. Yanai’s arrival marks a significant boost to Amphoraxe’s scientific team as the company accelerates its research in antimicrobial peptide development and animal studies. Her leadership experience, technical depth, and strategic insight will play a pivotal role in scaling the company’s R&D programs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Anat,” said Dr. Inanç Birol, Co-Founder and CSO of Amphoraxe. “Her experience, vision, and innovative mindset will greatly enhance our capabilities and propel our mission forward.”

With a distinguished career leading groundbreaking projects, Dr. Yanai is poised to help Amphoraxe achieve new milestones in developing next-generation antimicrobial solutions.

Computational Frontiers and AI-Driven AMP Solutions

This presentation will demonstrate how our AI-powered platforms analyze genomic data, design synthetic variants, and optimize peptide properties specifically for poultry applications – showcasing how computer science is providing practical solutions to one of animal agriculture’s most pressing challenges while simultaneously preserving critical antibiotics for human medicine.

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Combating AMP Resistance through Academic-Industry Partnership

“In this seminar, I will share my journey in launching a company to commercialize academic discoveries while maintaining active collaboration with academic labs. I will discuss how this academic-industry partnership model provides a template for addressing the antimicrobial resistance crisis, demonstrating how innovative technologies can be translated into practical solutions through strategic market positioning and focused development approaches.”

— Dr. Inanç Birol

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First Hatchability Test - Trial A194

The start of the new year brings with it an entirely new type of animal experiment!

This test was focused on hatchability stats of AMP-inoculated eggs. Monday saw the counting of the healthy chicks – and the ones that failed to break through!

There are early promising results as a relatively poor batch of eggs yielded a good number of healthy birds.

Disruptive Technologies in Peptide Design

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics in veterinary medicine, yet turning them into safe, effective products remains a significant challenge. In this presentation, Inanc will highlight how advanced machine learning is transforming AMP research—enabling the discovery of novel candidates from vast genomic datasets, the design of synthetic peptides with enhanced antimicrobial properties, and their optimization for improved safety and efficacy.

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Peptide Design with Machine Learning Models

The primary objective of the workshop is to critically evaluate state-of-the-art in-silico methods applied to peptide systems and explore their integration with experimental data, covering topics including peptide design, bioactive peptides (membrane-active peptides and inhibitors of protein-protein interactions), and peptide-based materials.

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Next round of pen trials commencing on Oct 4

As we approach the end of a busy summer season, the staff at the commercial farm are busy expanding their facilities for the upcoming rounds of pen trials in anticipation of increased trial volume.

In the meantime, our partners at the University of Victoria are in the process of selecting and preparing the next batch of peptides to be used in the next trial.

Last but not least, the hens continue to be busy laying the eggs as part of their contribution to the pen trials.

Pen Trial - A193

Pen trial A193 is commencing with the inculcation of the latest batch of eggs.

Conclusion of Pen Trial - A192

There is a serenity and peacefulness in this now empty space that housed our chickens throughout the trials.

The birds have been weighed and examined, tissue samples collected and sent to the lab, and the pens have been cleaned out for the next set of trials.

The next trial is set to get underway on August 9.

Pen Trial - A192

A busy summer awaits as the chicks are inoculated and hatched as the next pen trial commences.

The chicks are looking incredibly healthy and results from past pen trials have been promising. The outlook for the summer is bright as these chicks strive to reach their potential.

Conclusion of Pen Trial - A191

Another successful pen trial completed.

As trials continue, there have been discussions with the commercial farm regarding up-scaling the current pen setup to allow for additional concurrent trials. Talks are still in the early stages.

The next pen trial is scheduled for June 14.

Pen Trial - A191

The next round of pen trials begins with an injection of AMPs into the next batch of eggs, on site in Abbotsford, BC.

Conclusion of Pen Trial - A190

The second round of pen trials has concluded and the collected tissue samples have been sent to AHC for further analysis.

The next trial will begin on April 19 with GL15b3t.

AMPs as Antibiotic Alternatives in Poultry Farming

“We’re very pleased to once again be hosting an AGM and Conference focused exclusively on egg producers. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Adaptability.’ It’s a trait producers and allied trades are known for: whether they are being challenged by extreme weather, disease threats or just broken equipment we know you’ll step up and get the job done!

The event schedule was built to give you the tools and networking opportunities to continue to adapt to new situations – with a little fun along the way. New this year, the AGM will launch our Conference on the afternoon of February 29, and will be followed immediately by a late afternoon Welcome Reception and Trade Show. Friday, March 1 will feature education sessions, a keynote speaker and of course our Gala Dinner.”

View Event Details →

Pen Trial - A190

We are excited to announce the start of the second round of Pen Trials with the testing of a new AMP.

The eggs will hatch over the weekend and will be placed into their pens next Monday, Feb 26.

Conclusion of Pen Trial - A189

Successful completion of the first set of AMP pen trials in collaboration with our commercial farm partner in Abbotsford, BC.

The harvested tissue samples from the flock have been sent to the Animal Health Centre (AHC), also in Abbotsford, for analysis.

Lessons learned from this trial has laid the groundwork for subsequent pen trials, which will commence with the next flock cycle on February 23.

It begins! Pen Trial - A189

The first round of pen trials officially gets underway with the injection of SW30l8v into the fertile eggs.

The eggs will be given 3 days to hatch, at which point they will be transported to the commercial farm in Abbotsford, BC where they will be raised alongside production poultry.

Day 12 will see the flock culled and additional samples sent to AHC. Harvesting of the final set of tissue samples will happen on Feb 13.

AMP Licensing

We are pleased to announce that Amphoraxe Life Sciences and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) have signed a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement to commercialize AMPs discovered by academic collaborators.

The agreement also encompasses future improvements to AMPs, which are currently under further investigation through collaborative efforts.

Testing AMPs in poultry farms

Amphoraxe receives support from Canadian Hatching Egg Producers (CHEP) for the research on antimicrobial peptides. The supported work will help illustrate the role of AMPs in maintaining bird health while reducing the need for traditional antibiotics and the risk of antimicrobial resistance. The work is co-sponsored by Mitacs.

Learn More →

An agriculture innovation to help protect food security

Amphoraxe awarded funding under the Canada-BC Agri-Innovation Program for the development of novel antimicrobial peptides.

Learn More →

WATTPoultry: 2 Potential Antibiotic Alternatives for Use in Poultry

In a feature article, WATTPoultry examines two promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics in poultry production: antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and phytogenics. The article highlights how AMPs — part of the innate immune system of every living organism — can target and kill a broad spectrum of pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains, without toxicity against animal cells or triggering resistance to medically important drugs.

Amphoraxe Life Sciences is featured as a company currently seeking regulatory approval for the use of AMPs in poultry. Unlike conventional antibiotics, AMPs do not persist in meat or wastewater, making them a safe alternative for preventing and treating bacterial diseases in the post-antibiotic era.

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Poultry Tech Webinar Series

On November 10, 2021, Inanç Birol, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Amphoraxe Life Sciences Inc., talked about AMPs as a replacement for poultry antibiotics during the third webinar in the Poultry Tech Webinar Series.

Learn how a Vancouver-based biotechnology R&D company is evaluating the use of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides.

Could AMPs Replace Poultry Antibiotics? →
Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Using Peptides →

Amphoraxe presenting at VANTEC’s Agrifood Tech Forum on Nov 4th

It’s been a busy few months here at Amphoraxe!

We are delighted to announce that we’ve been selected to give a full five minute presentation at VANTEC’s 4th Annual Agrifood Tech Investment Forum on Wednesday November 4th, 2:30 – 6:00 pm PST. The virtual event will include panel discussions, pitches, one-on-one meetings, and networking.

We have also entered Creative Destruction Lab Vancouver’s Health program, which will help us to further accelerate our path to market. As part of the program, we have prepared a short video about the antimicrobial peptides we are developing as replacements for conventional antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine.

Watch Video →

Amphoraxe attending World Anti-Microbial Resistance Congress 2020

We will be attending the World Anti-Microbial Resistance Congress in Washington, D.C. on October 8–9, 2020.

Visit us in the Startup Zone if you’re interested in learning more about how we’re developing antimicrobial peptides as alternatives to conventional antibiotics!