Vancouver Startup looks to eradicate Bedbugs, racks up awards along the way

Bedbug infestations are increasing across North America, affecting a wide array of beds, including those found in hospitals, hotels, apartment buildings and prisons.

But a Vancouver biotech startup wants to change that.

SemiosBIO Technologies is well on its way to producing a pesticide-free solution for the common bedbug infestation. Based on safe, naturally occurring chemicals known as pheromones, the proprietary products being developed will change the way bedbug infestations are managed.

“Bedbug infestations have traditionally been controlled using toxic pesticides, which are short term solutions and dangerous to human health,” said Dr. Michael Gilbert, President and Chief Scientific Officer for semiosBIO. “We have developed proprietary technology that will prevent infestations without endangering human health, using safe, sustainable alternatives to pesticides.”

Bedbugs are more than a nuisance, as they feed on human blood and are known to carry dangerous and drug-resistant bacteria. Billions of dollars are spent annually to control the pests using fumigation with potent pesticides or short term interventions.

Investors must agree that semiosBIO has the solution. Last April at the 29th Angel Forum SemiosBIO Technologies took home to Investor Choice Awards - Best Pre-Revenue Company and Most Promising Company to go Public. And then in September SemiosBIO finished in the Top 10 at the 2011 BCIC-New Ventures Competition.

SemiosBIO has raised $215,000 from angels as a result of the Angel Forum appearance and over $300,000 in grants in the past 12 months.

Currently in advanced stages of development, semiosBIO’s bedbug control solution is expected to be approved for sale in Canada and the USA in the near future.