JDRF partners with the Canadian Government in diabetes research

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Canada is pleased to announce its first partnership with the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario. Through this innovative two-year partnership, the Government of Canada is committing $20 million and JDRF is making a matching contribution of $10 million to accelerate world-class diabetes research in Southern Ontario by implementing a clinical trial network for diabetes research.

Announced today by Minister of State, The Honourable Gary Goodyear, the Agency's $20 million contribution provides JDRF the opportunity to work with Canadian and international partners to build Southern Ontario as an international centre for the development and commercialization of treatments, cures, and medical technologies to improve the lives of people living with diabetes and its complications.

Andrew McKee, President and CEO of JDRF Canada noted the significance of this announcement: "The Government's commitment to medical research, and further developing Southern Ontario as a key international market for commercialization and translational research, is exemplary. This forward thinking investment comes at a critical stage internationally, as we look to quicken the pace of research leading to cures and better treatments. For JDRF, initiating the network in Southern Ontario - home to some of the best universities and research facilities in the world - is a timely global opportunity."

JDRF will collaborate with Southern Ontario universities and research institutions to create a world-class clinical research platform focused on:

- Speeding advances in cures and therapies for diabetes and its complications; - Positioning Southern Ontario as an international hub for translational research; and - Attracting the best international scientists and institutions to Ontario.

JDRF is proud to be part of this partnership with the Government of Canada, Mr. McKee said. "This catalytic venture leverages JDRF's global leadership, and all Southern Ontario has to offer, by bringing together the brightest minds, and best track records, to become the international leader of innovative health and communications solutions."