TheraCarb

TheraCarb Inc. was a biotechnology company focused on the development of carbohydrate-based therapeutics designed to neutralize bacterial toxins. Spun out from the University of Alberta, the company utilized the 'STARFISH' technology, which involved decavalent carbohydrate ligands that mimic natural cell surface receptors to bind and inhibit Shiga toxins produced by E. coli (O157:H7). These toxins are the primary cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition. While the technology showed significant promise in pre-clinical models for its high affinity and neutralizing capability, the company is no longer active in the commercial space.