Pfizer-FRSQ Innovation Fund supports genetic study of inflammatory bowel disease and cancer

The first two research projects supported by the Pfizer-FRSQ Innovation Fund will investigate differences in the genetic code for inflammatory bowel disease and metastatic colorectal cancer. This research could lead to improved diagnosis and the development of individualized treatments for these diseases. These innovative projects are marshalling multidisciplinary teams of seasoned researchers from major Quebec research institutions. Created in March 2008, the Pfizer-FRSQ Innovation Fund has as its mission to fund Quebec research projects in human health.

Chosen by the Pfizer-FRSQ Innovation Fund's scientific review committee, which consists of internationally renowned experts, these projects will receive grants of $800,000 and $1,500,000, respectively, spread out over three years. The research project entitled "Integrative biology of genes associated with several inflammatory diseases: diagnostic and therapeutic improvements" is headed by Dr. John D. Rioux, Ph.D, associate professor of Medicine at Université de Montréal and at the Montreal Heart Institute and holder of the Canada Research Chair in Genetics and Genomic Medicine of Inflammation. Dr. Gerald Batist, codirector of Q-CROC (Quebec - Clinical Research Organization in Cancer), professor and holder of the Minda de Gunzburg Chair at the Department of Oncology, McGill University, and director of the Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital as well as of the McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, is directing the project entitled "Prospective study for identifying and validating biomarkers of therapeutic resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer".

"These first two projects of international scope bear witness to the entrepreneurial spirit of Quebec researchers, who are more than 3,000 strong across the province, and to their contribution to global human health research. Thanks to this innovation fund created in partnership with Pfizer, we will have the opportunity to support several other major research projects in the next few years," says Yves Joanette, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec.

"In Quebec and across Canada, Pfizer strives to promote joint projects that encourage innovation, in association with the scientific community, governments, patients and the industry. We are proud to support this quest for excellence in genomics in Quebec, which paves the way for personalized medicine for patients with inflammatory bowel disease or metastatic colorectal cancer. This initiative in these fields where there is a genuine need will clearly contribute to determining the appropriate treatment, the right dose and the right time for a given patient. Not only will these researchers' scientific diligence speed up progress, it will also maintain Quebec's position as a leader that encourages innovation," says Paul Lévesque, president of Pfizer Canada.