A P.E.I. researcher and Nunavut Tunngavik are negotiating what’s being described as a precedent-setting agreement to share any profits from bioprospecting finds in Frobisher Bay.
Russell Kerr, a University of P.E.I. chemistry professor, wants to dig through Nunavut‘s mud in search of bacteria that could potentially be used in products ranging from face creams to cancer drugs.
Kerr was in Nunavut this week, but instead of starting his work, he spoke with Nunavut Tunngavik about sharing any profits from his findings. Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. is responsible for making sure the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement is properly implemented.
“I indicated that my lab and my university is very open to revenue-sharing agreements,” Kerr said.
Bioprospectors seek micro-organisms with bioactive compounds that can be added to natural health-care products and cosmetics.
See: CBC
