SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

Report of Foreign Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

January 7, 2003

SYNSORB Biotech Inc.

Commission File No. 0-29214

(Translation of registrant's name into English)

411 – 19^th Street SE

Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2E 6J7

(Address of principal executive office)

            Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F
X
Form 40-F

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Act of 1934.

Yes
No
X

If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-    N/A   

Exhibit Number                    Exhibit

1.                                            Press release of SYNSORB Biotech Inc. dated January 6, 2003

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SYNSORB Biotech Inc.

Dated:  January 7, 2003

By:

(Signed)  “Jim Silye”

Jim Silye

President & CEO