BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kelonia Therapeutics, a biotech company revolutionizing in vivo gene delivery, launched today with a $50 million Series A financing to usher in a new era of genetic medicines for a wide range of diseases. Kelonias platform overcomes the central challenge that has prevented the full realization of gene therapy for patients. Despite life-changing responses, existing gene therapies are highly complex, costly, and limited by complicated treatment paradigms, tractable therapeutic applications, and dose-limiting toxicities. By enabling precisely targeted, highly efficient, manufacturable off-the-shelf in vivo gene delivery, Kelonias technology has the potential to dramatically expand the impact and reach of genetic medicines to every patient in need.

Kelonia is backed by a strong syndicate of investors with a track record of successfully launching and building disruptive biotech companies. Alta Partners, Horizons Ventures, Venrock and other investors participated in the Series A round. The company will use the funding to redefine whats possible for genetic medicines starting with an off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to treat hematologic cancer that may enable the unrivalled clinical benefit of CAR T without the typical toxicities and with the ease of access of conventional medicines. Additionally, the company will advance other programs for oncology and non-oncology indications, and further expand its gene delivery platform and capabilities.

The cell and gene therapy field has been searching for solutions to durable in vivo genetic modifications regardless of whether applying gene editing, RNA expression or viral-mediated gene integration, said Kevin Friedman, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer of Kelonia. At Kelonia, we believe we have found an in vivo gene delivery solution that is safe, effective, and manufacturable for broad therapeutic application. With our Series A funding and key strategic collaborations, we will advance our lead product candidate toward clinical studies and further optimize our technology to explore treating diseases never thought possible with genetic medicines.

Based on discoveries made in the lab of Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Michael Birnbaum, Ph.D., and leveraging pioneering research from leading scientists at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Kelonias in vivo gene delivery technology enables a few potent lentiviral vector-like particles armed with an adjustable targeting system to precisely, efficiently, and safely deliver payloads exactly where needed to treat a broad range of diseases. The companys early applications combine oncology-targeted therapeutics, such as CAR and T cell receptor molecules, with Kelonias precision in vivo targeting technology. When used in concert, this combination enables potent and precise tumor targeting with limited off-tumor toxicity, which would otherwise be a concern. Administered directly in vivo as an off-the-shelf medicine, Kelonias transformational therapies in development for solid and hematologic tumors have the potential to democratize patient access to genetic medicines. Beyond oncology, the company will advance its technology to unlock delivery to previously hard-to-reach tissues, such as neurological, muscular or renal, to deliver different types of genetic cargo with the goal of radically transforming the treatment of diseases in these areas.

It turns out, a relatively simple and elegant idea to de-target and redirect lentivirus-like particles based on recently published research from my lab can potentially provide a solution to in vivo gene delivery, said Dr. Birnbaum, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Kelonia. Im incredibly excited about the potential of Kelonias platform and team to vastly expand the utility of gene therapies to treat oncology, autoimmune disease, rare monogenic or other diseases currently intractable to gene therapies.

Kelonia is combining the two crucial elements required to develop truly novel medicines: breakthrough biology and an exceptional team, said Bryan Roberts, Partner at Venrock. Michael Birnbaums industrially robust platform affords a targeting specificity log orders better than anything else out there and the team has a stellar track record for translating groundbreaking scientific gene therapy discoveries into viable products that are transformative for patients.

Strategic Collaborations

In addition to the completion of its Series A, Kelonia has established strategic collaborations with Adimab and ElevateBio. With both collaborations already successfully underway, each of these outstanding partners brings differentiating capabilities that enable and accelerate the companys vision to bring breakthrough genetic medicines to patients.

Adimab is the leading provider of therapeutic antibody discovery and engineering technologies. Kelonia will leverage Adimabs expertise and proprietary technologies, across a range of applications, to access tissue-specific antibodies that enable unlocking precise in vivo gene delivery to different tissues as well as antibodies that can be leveraged within the therapeutic genetic cargo.

ElevateBio is a technology-driven company focused on powering transformative cell and gene therapies with multiple next-generation technology platforms and a fully integrated R&D and manufacturing facility. Through an expanding partnership, Kelonia will utilize ElevateBios lentiviral vector platform, process and analytical development expertise, and cGMP manufacturing capabilities to develop and advance novel manufacturing processes for Kelonia and manufacture of Kelonias products.

Leadership and Founding Team

Kelonia brings together industry leaders in cell and gene therapy responsible for the discovery and development of multiple clinical and commercial products including ABECMA, the first FDA-approved anti-BCMA CAR T cell therapy product for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The companys leadership team includes Kevin Friedman, Ph.D., President and Chief Scientific Officer, Thomas Galbo, Ph.D., Chief Business Officer, and Molly Perkins, Ph.D., Vice President of Research.

Kelonias scientific founders include Michael Birnbaum, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Michael Fischbach, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Bioengineering and of Medicine, Stanford University, both world-leading experts in the fields of microbiology, immunology, oncology, and cell and gene engineering.

The companys board of directors comprises Michael Birnbaum, Michael Fischbach, Kevin Friedman, Bryan Roberts and Bob More, Managing Director at Alta.

About Kelonia TherapeuticsKelonia is pioneering a new wave of genetic medicines using its next generation gene delivery platform. The companys simple and elegant cutting-edge in vivo gene delivery technology uses a few potent lentiviral vector-like particles to precisely and efficiently deliver in vivo genetic cargo to the desired target tissue, and only that tissue, every time. With an initial focus on developing transformational therapies for solid tumors and hematologic cancers, Kelonia is building a pipeline of genetic medicines for a wide range of diseases, with the bold goal of bringing genetic medicines to every patient in need. Learn more about Kelonia at http://www.keloniatx.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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Kelonia Therapeutics Launches with $50 Million Series A Financing to Pioneer Precision Targeted Genetic Medicines - Business Wire

NEW YORK, April 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Insight Partners published latest research study on "Synthetic Biology MarketForecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Products (Enzymes, Chassis Organisms, Oligonucleotides, and Xeno-Nucleic Acids), Technology (Measurement & Modeling, Cloning & Sequencing, Genome Engineering, Gene Synthesis, Nanotechnology, and Others), and Application (Medical Applications, Industrial Applications, Food and Agriculture, Environmental Applications, and Others)", the global synthetic biology market is expected to grow from $10.54 Billion in 2021 to $37.85 Billion by 2028; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.0%from 2021 to 2028.

The synthetic biology market growth is driven by the increasing investments in synthetic biology, advancements in biotechnology, and the rising number of start-ups. However, renewed regulations for biotechnology are restricting market growth.

Get Exclusive Access to Sample Pages of Synthetic Biology Market Size - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis with Strategic Insights at:https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPHE100000960/

Report Coverage

Details

Market Size Value in

US$ 10.54 Billion in 2021

Market Size Value by

US$ 37.85 Billion by 2028

Growth rate

CAGR of 20.0% from 2021 to 2028

Forecast Period

2021-2028

Base Year

2021

No. of Pages

217

No. Tables

111

No. of Charts & Figures

84

Historical data available

Yes

Segments covered

Products, Technology, and Application

Regional scope

North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; MEA

Country scope

US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Australia, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina

Report coverage

Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends

Synthetic Biology Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments

In August 2021, New England Biolabs announced the release of its newest loop-mediated is sthermal amplification (LAMP) products: the WarmStart Multi-Purpose LAMP/RT-LAMP 2X Master Mix (with UDG) and the WarmStart Fluorescent LAMP/RT-LAMP Kit (with UDG), which combines the master mix and LAMP fluorescent dye in one convenient kit. The new master mix and kit enable researchers to perform rapid, high-throughput detection of targeted segments of DNA or RNA using various amplification detection methods.

In April 2022, Agilent Technologies Inc. announced the expansion of CE-IVD marking in the European Union for its PD-L1 IHC 28-8 pharmDx as an aid in identifying esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients for treatment with Bristol Myers Squibb's PD-1-targeted immunotherapeutic OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with fluoropyrimidine and platinum-based chemotherapy or OPDIVO in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab). These combined treatments provide new hope for patients diagnosed with these cancers.

In April 2022, Merck KGaA launchedthe first-ever antibody to achieve ACT label designation. ZooMAb antibodies received the lowest Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) scores in the chemicals and reagents category.

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Global synthetic biology market is segmented by region into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America. In North America, the U.S. is the largest market for synthetic biology. Asia Pacific is expected to account for the fastest global synthetic biology market growth.. Asia-pacific region will have lucrative growth opportunities during the forecast period due to government initiatives taken in the region. For instance, in November 2017, China launched the first synthetic biology association to support the market's growth. This association promotes academic research and communication in synthetic biology; it further enhances the comprehensive competitiveness of the Shenzhen synthetic biology industry and domestic and foreign influence. While, North America has huge market potential, followed by Europe in the overall synthetic biology market, which is attributed to government funds, investments made by the major companies, conferences held for the awareness regarding synthetic biology, technological advancements in the field of genomics, and higher acceptance by the consumers. However, the MEA and SCAM will also show a relatively lower opportunity in the next few years.

Synthetic biology is an emerging concept that has numerous applications in the chemicals, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and energy industries. Various start-ups offer gene synthesis products/services for biological processes. For example, Benchling provides CAD tools, GenScript offers gene synthesis, Ginkgo Bioworks assists in organism engineering, Transcripts (a bioinformatics company) offers solutions facilitating cloud labs/automation, and Glowee offers consumer products. Further, 56 synthetic biology businesses raised more than US$ 3 billion in equity financing in the first half of 2020, compared to 65 companies raising US$ 1.9 billion during the same period in 2020. The new generation of biopharma businesses uses synthetic biology to improve cell treatment and gene therapy and support early cancer detection. Some synthetic biology firms with the most funding in the first half of 2020 are listed below.

Table 1. Synthetic Biology Firms with Most Funding in First Half of 2020

Company

Description

Funding

Sana Biotechnology

Biotechnology, Health Care, Life Sciences, and Product Research

US$ 700 million

Impossible Foods

Food & Beverage and Nutrition

US$ 500 million

Moderna Therapeutics

Biotechnology, Genetics, Health Care, Medical, and Pharmaceutical

US$ 483 million

Apeel Sciences

Agriculture, AgTech, Biotechnology, and Food Processing

US$ 250 million

Memphis Meats

Food & Beverage and Nutrition

US$ 161 million

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Synthetic Biology Market: Segmental Overview

The synthetic biology market, based on product, is segmented into oligonucleotides, chassis organisms, enzymes, and xeno-nucleic acid. The oligonucleotides segment is likely to hold the largest share of the market in 2021. Moreover, the same segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in the market from 2021-2028. This is mainly because of the rising application of oligonucleotides in genetic testing/ assays and forensic sciences. Based on technology, the market is segmented into, gene synthesis, genome engineering, measurement & modeling, cloning & sequencing, nanotechnology, and others. In 2021, the gene synthesis segment is likely to hold the largest share of the market. However, the genome engineering segment is expected to grow in demand at the fastest CAGR of 20.8% from 2021 to 2028. Based on application, the market is segmented into medical applications, industrial applications, environmental applications, food and agriculture, and others. The medical applications segment is further segmented into drug discovery & therapeutics and pharmaceuticals. In 2021, the medical applications segment is likely to hold the largest share of the market. Moreover, the similar segment is expected to witness growth in its demand at the fastest CAGR of 20.8% from 2021 to 2028.

North America synthetic biology market includes consolidated markets for countries such as the US, Canada, and Mexico. In recent years, all the three countries in the region are witnessing a sequential change in the synthetic biology market. By geography, North America held the largest global synthetic biology market share. This largest share can be attributed to government funds, investments made by the major companies, conferences held for awareness regarding synthetic biology, technological advancements in genomics, and higher consumer acceptance. Synthetic biology is a major tool for biological advances, which helps in providing potential for the development of biological weapons. Security issues can be avoided by regulating the biotechnology industry through policy legislation.

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The various government initiatives and funding offered are becoming great support for the synthetic biology market to grow in the US. For instance, according to a report by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the US government offers approximately US$ 220 million every year toward synthetic biology research and development.

Browse Adjoining Reports:

Synthetic Biology Technology MarketForecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis ByType (Gene Synthesis, Genome Engineering, Sequencing, Bioinformatics, Cloning, Site-Directed Mutagenesis, Microfluidics, Nanotechnology); Application (Medical, Industrial, Food and Agriculture, Others) and Geography.

Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market Forecast to 2027 Global Analysis by Product (Synthesized Oligonucleotides, Reagents, and Equipment), Application (Research, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics), and End User (Academic Research Institutes, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Diagnostic Laboratories, and Other End Users).

Gene Synthesis Market to 2025 - Global Analysis and Forecasts By Products & Services (Services, Consumable, Software), Application (Research & Development Activities, Diagnostics, Therapeutics, Others) End Users (Academic & Research Institutes, Biotech & Pharmaceutical Companies, Diagnostic Laboratories, Others) and Geography.

Genomics MarketForecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Technology (Sequencing, Microarray, PCR, Nucleic Acid Extraction and Purification, and Others), Product & Service (Instruments/Systems, Consumables, and Services), Application (Diagnostics, Drug Discovery and Development, Precision/Personalized Medicine, Agriculture & Animal Research, and Others) and End User (Research Centers, Hospitals and Clinics, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, and Others).

Molecular Biology Enzymes, Kits, and Reagents MarketForecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Product (Enzymes and Kits & Reagents), Application (Epigenetics, Sequencing, Synthetic Biology, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and Other), End User (Biotechnological & Pharmaceutical Companies, Hospitals & Diagnostic Centres, and Academic & Research Institutes), and Geography.

Genome Editing Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Technology (CRISPR, TALEN, Antisense, and Others), Application (Cell Line Engineering, Genetic Engineering, Diagnostic Applications, Drug Discovery, and Others), and End User (Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, Academic and Research Institutes, and Clinical Research Organizations).

Biohacking Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Product (Sensors, Smart Drugs, Strains, Wearables, Others); Application (Synthetic biology, Genetic engineering, Forensic science, Diagnosis and treatment, Drug testing, Others); End User (Pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies, Forensic laboratories, Others) and Geography.

Enzymatic DNA Synthesis Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Product Type (Custom DNA Synthesis, DNA Library Synthesis); Application (Synthetic Biology, Genetic Engineering, Therapeutic Antibodies, Vaccine Design, Others); End User (Academic and Research Institutes, Biotech and Pharmaceutical Companies, Diagnostic Laboratories, Other) and Geography.

About Us:

The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials.

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Contact Sameer JoshiE-mail: [emailprotected]Phone: +1-646-491-9876Press Release: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/pr/synthetic-biology-market

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Synthetic Biology Market Size Worth $37.85 Billion, Globally, by 2028 at 20% CAGR - Exclusive Report by The Insight Partners - PR Newswire

The U.S. could soon have a new COVID vaccine on the market but this one will be different from the others.

Novavax asked the Food and Drug Administration to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for adults in late-January and that application remains under review, but the company recently released data surrounding a new trial that could target both flu and COVID at the same time.

So what exactly is Novavax and what should you know about the vaccine? Here's a breakdown.

The Novavax vaccine differs from Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA vaccines in that it relies on an older technology thats been used for years to make shots for diseases like influenza and pertussis. The Maryland-based Novavax drugmaker uses genetic engineering to grow harmless copies of the coronavirus spike protein in insect cells. Scientists then extract and purify the protein and then mix in an immune-boosting chemical.

For certain groups of people particularly young men the mRNA vaccines carry a slightly elevated risk of a heart condition called myocarditis. Novavax's vaccine has not been linked to myocarditis.

But in addition, the company is also in clinical trials of a version of its vaccine that would target both COVID and flu at the same time. The company said its first phase of the trial showed the potential for triggering an antibody response to both viruses, though further study is needed. A second phase of the trial is set to begin "by the end of 2022."

"We continue to evaluate the dynamic public health landscape and believe there may be a need for recurrent boosters to fight both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza," Dr. Gregory M. Glenn, president of research and development for Novavax, said in a statement. "We're encouraged by these data and the potential path forward for a combination COVID-19-influenza vaccine as well as stand-alone vaccines for influenza and COVID-19."

Neither version of the vaccine has been authorized for use in the U.S.

In a statement to NBC Chicago Monday, the company said a meeting could be scheduled "in the near future."

"We continue to have a productive dialogue with the FDA as they review data and we answer inquiries related to clinical and manufacturing data as expected," Novavax said in its statement. "We look forward to scheduling our VRBPAC meeting in the near future as indicated by the FDA."

If cleared for emergency use in the United States, it would provide an alternative to the popular mRNA-based shots from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

Where is Novavax authorized currently?

The vaccine is already available for use in at least 170 countries.

The European Medicines Agency gave Novavaxs two-dose COVID-19 vaccine for adults the green light inDecember; the shot has also been cleared by Indonesia, Australia and the World Health Organization, among others.

Japans health ministry on Tuesday formally approved Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine, a fourth foreign-developed tool to combat the infections as the country sees signs of a resurgence led by a subvariant of fast-spreading omicron.

According to the company, "serious and severe adverse events were low in number and balanced between vaccine and placebo groups" during clinical trials.

The company notes that the most common reactions were headache, nausea or vomiting, pain at the injection site, fatigues and muscle pain.

Novavax has run into repeated production problems and mainly relies on other factories to make its vaccine. It has delayed delivery of its shots to numerous countries in Europe and despite pledges to make 250 million doses available to COVAX,not a single vaccinehas been shared with the U.N.-backed effort to distribute shots to poorer countries.

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What is Novavax? How This COVID Vaccine Differs From Others, When It Could Be Authorized - NBC Chicago

Emmanuel Macrons defeat of Marine Le Pen in Frances presidential election on Sunday was a victory for moderation over extremism. But despite the collective sigh of relief from the EU and many in the West, Macrons work is just beginning and the road ahead is filled with obstacles.

Many of our compatriots voted for me not out of support for my ideas but to block those of the extreme right. I want to thank them and I know that I have a duty towards them in the years to come, Macron said.

Macrons second-round campaign was carried by moderate left-wing voters, who wanted to prevent a Le Pen presidency. Marine Le Pen is widely seen as stigmatizing immigrants and religious minorities, all while opposing the European Union. Those voters made him one of the few French presidents to win a second term, but his margin of victory58 percent to 41 percentwas not overwhelming and the abstention rate of 28 percent was the highest since 1969.

Most fascinating are the first numbers about the vote on Sunday, divided by age group and profession. Macron was largely supported by voters ages 18 to 24 and older than 70, while Le Pen carried 50- to 59-year-olds and was head to head with Macron in the 25 to 34 age bracket. Le Pens support mainly came from workers and employees in the private sector, while Macron got most of his support from government employees and retired citizens.

Next up: France will hold parliamentary elections in a few weeks, and Macron knows they will be crucial for the way forward. Without a majority in the National Assembly, he will be unable to make any significant changes. In those elections, Macrons En Marche party faces challenges from all directions. Left-wing voters begrudgingly supported Macron against Le Pen, but they largely supported third-place Jean-Luc Mlenchon in the first round and will seek to translate that into a significant representation in Parliament. The far-left contender has already laid out terms to other left-wing parties in a bid to oust Macrons centrist majority.

So far, Le Pens nationalist National Rally party has refused party deals with other far-right groups ahead of the parliamentary vote in June. Far-right candidate Eric Zemmour has called for a union of the right with Le Pen, but she likely still holds grudges over Zemmour competing with her for voters in the first round.

And then there is the bigger picture of Europe. France wasnt the only country to have an election last weekend. In Slovenia, centrist newcomer Robert Golob defeated incumbent Janez Jana handily, another victory for the moderate consensus in Europe. Jana had become known as Slovenias up-and-coming populist, a Donald Trump supporter in the heart of the European Council who embarrassed himself after prematurely congratulating Trump for winning the election in 2020.

Macrons reelection also serves as a stabilizing factor in the European Union Brussels had looked upon the vote in France with unease, as the war in Ukraine requires unequivocal leadership in the European Union. But even in losing, Le Pen secured the highest number of votes her party has ever gotten so it remains clear that nationalist oppositions are still a threat. Each time Le Pen and her party challenge the moderate establishment in France, they get closer to securing regional and national offices. In 2017, Macrons lead over Le Pen had been 32 points; now its only 17. Whether or not Le Penwho has not ruled out a fourth campaign for the presidencyruns again is not a logistical problem for her movement: Her niece Marion Marchal-Le Pen is a popular alternative among their nationalist supporters.

Macrons reelection in France will also mark a shift in policy in Paris. French presidents are limited to two terms, and with no need to consider his future chances Macron now has leeway to put his foot down on a range of issues. A Macron-aligned member of the European Parliament already indicated that the French will push for increased robotization in agriculture, as well as overturn the consensus on the ban on genetic engineering. Before the election, Emmanuel Macron had recognized that the war in Ukraine meant that Europe cannot afford to pursue an agricultural policy that reduces farm land and cuts down on crop protection. USDA studies had indicated that the EUs reforms in agriculture would significantly increase food prices, which EU leaders seem less keen on in the current climate. France as a major agricultural hub, however, might put the brakes on the reforms that have been planned by Brussels thus far.

On foreign policy, Macron will try to unite European foreign policy: a necessary component for the creation of a European army, of which he is a strong supporter. That increased centralization and standardization of the EU has its opponents, and Frances nationalists will likely capitalize on rising anti-EU sentiments.

From the perspective of the French moderates, reason has prevailed. Whether or not French citizens will be convinced that being the lesser of two evils is really enough will show itself all along with this five-year term.

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Macron Will Have Little Time to Savor His Victory - The Dispatch

Food supply chain hangovers due to the pandemic and the global impact of the invasion of Ukraine have enticed many to question the global nature of our food systems.

Some are suggesting we need to deglobalize and refocus our energy into making most economies around the world food sovereign, including Canada.

Given what the world is about to face this year, with millions experiencing acute hunger, its hard to argue against such a claim. But global trade over the years, especially for Canada, has been nothing short of a godsend, and brushing any of it to the side would be to our detriment.

First off, we should be clear on one fundamental reality. The world is still all about the United States and China. Everyone else adjusts along the way, including Canada.

A total of 35 per cent of Chinas exports go to the United States. China is also Americas number 1 customer, trade-wise.

Canada, in the grand scheme of things, matters very little.

About 15 per cent of all calories on Earth come from wheat. Corn covers a lot of calorific ground as well. With Ukraine out, coupled with sanctions against Russia, the global wheat deficit this year will be a significant challenge given that 25 per cent of grain exports come from that region.

We are going to be short on wheat, corn, barley and many other commodities. By the time we are done with 2022, it is likely that more than 100 million additional people will experience either famine or acute hunger, something the world has never seen.

The entire planet operates under a 90-day production cycle of agricultural commodities. Canadas contribution occurs obviously in the fall, along with the U.S. and parts of Europe.

With Bidens recent ethanol mandate, almost 40 per cent of the U.S. corn crop is used for ethanol, not food. In Canada, its about 10 per cent. The food-for-fuel obsession is back, despite the looming crisis.

Canada will be fine for food access, but food will get more expensive. Poor nations will always lose access to their food supply first while richer nations will secure food supplies by paying more. Poor countries have no capacity to store calories at all.

Germany, typically a big buyer of Ukrainian commodities, stated retail food prices could increase by as much as 50 per cent this year. Commodity traders are buying and even hoarding what they can get to secure supplies for the next several months.

China is basically the only nation that could bridge the calorie gap many nations will face. Its significance cannot be underscored enough.

Among the challenges we are facing, fertilizer access is certainly one. These critical inputs for farmers are on average about US$1,500 a ton, five times what it was 12 months ago.

Farmers need fertilizers to produce crops, but the market is controlled by a handful of greedy multinationals that supply-manage their products to artificially boost prices. Some of them are in Canada. This needs to stop.

We are also paying for years of genetic engineering bashing in the media by groups that have used fear to put forward an organic-centric diet for affluent city dwellers. Additionally, groups have recklessly lobbied city councils and provincial governments to ban the use of chemicals.

Agriculture is and will always be about technologies, and fanatics will have to accept that.

Many are talking about deglobalizing our food economy. Deglobalization occurs when the economic interdependence between nations declines. For Canada, this would be a problem.

Canada is one of the largest countries in the world, with fewer than 39 million people. Deglobalization essentially means for Canadians a reduction in our standard of living. Almost 60 per cent of our wealth comes from trades. Trades make our food more diverse and affordable, but this doesnt mean our approach to trades doesnt need fixing.

High-functioning food systems are not immune to destructive forces like climate change and a global pandemic. Tyrants like Putin can only make matters worse.

A globalization 2.0 agenda will require not only getting nations to adhere to acceptable humanitarian conduct to participate in a global economy, they also need to make sure farmers are not held hostage by powerful companies controlling the fertilizer industry.

Canada will need to make agriculture more productive by way of a solid food autonomy strategy. The only province that has one is Quebec.

Canada needs a pathway to produce more food in an open economy, offering better access and affordable prices while growing agriculture through trades in a sustainable manner. A comprehensive strategy would include sustainable water practices and the use of renewable energy to support production.

If we do things right, in a few decades we could end up supplying water-scarce California with food, and not the other way around.

Bold thinking requires an audacious strategy. Canada can do better as we have so much to offer.

Global trades have worked for the betterment of the world and continue to do so. But attaining more resiliency will continue to be a work in progress.

Sylvain Charlebois is professor in food distribution and policy, and senior director of the AgriFood Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University.

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SYLVAIN CHARLEBOIS: Is Ottawa aware the world is on the brink of a food shortage? - Saltwire