Moloney, Dr. Maurice M.

1997 Winner: Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Technology

Molecular Farming

Dr. Maurice Moloney is cited for his new and innovative approach to farming known as “molecular farming.” It uses a protein in the canola seed to purify other proteins in two simple steps, turning plants into “biological factories.”

His work opened the door to producing pharmaceuticals and industrial products at a much lower cost relative to conventional methods. His research led to the filing of six patent families worldwide and the formation of SemBioSys Genetics Inc. in Calgary. SemBioSys has formed a strategic alliance with DowElanco, one of the world’s foremost agricultural chemical companies, and together, they will commercialize this technology for high-margin products like medical therapeutics, as well as for high-volume, lower-margin products such as bulk enzymes and food and feedstuffs.