Research News

Photo: Donald F. Weaver, Dalhousie University Researchers’ work merits $1 M in grant money

Eight outstanding Canadian researchers have been awarded a total of $1.12 million in the 43rd annual competition for Killam Research Fellowships, administered by the Canada Council for the Arts. The Fellowships provide $70,000 a year for two years to each of the researchers.

The recipients are chosen by the Killam Selection Committee, which comprises 15 eminent scientists and scholars representing a broad range of disciplines.

Among the selections were: For Health Sciences, Medicine: Donald F. Weaver, Dalhousie University, for the design and discovery of a curative drug for Alzheimer’s disease. The research will build on work already underway to develop a drug to halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This would go beyond current drugs which are used to relieve the symptoms of the disease.

For Natural Sciences, Chemistry: Philip Jessop, Queen’s University, Switchable Chemistry. The project will examine the design of switchable materials (materials that change their properties on command) in order to reduce the environmental impact of human activities. The research will explore a number of areas including a method to remove contaminants from water, switchable solvents to extract vegetable oils from seeds instead of using the current energy-intensive distillation process, and switchable paints that would harden on the wall, not in the can. For Natural Sciences, Chemistry: Eugenia Kumacheva, University of Toronto, Combining microfluidics and polymer science to create biological environments for cell studies. The research will enable the use of microfluidics (the flow of liquids through micro channels) to create biological microenvironments where they can study the behaviors of cells. A second component would create a 3D microenvironment to study stem cell growth.

The fellowships are awarded to the individual recipients to devote time to full-time research, but the funds are paid to and administered by universities or research institutes. The awards support scholars engaged in research projects of outstanding merit in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, engineering and interdisciplinary studies within these fields.

Among Canada’s most distinguished research awards, the Canada Council for the Arts Killam Research Fellowships are made possible by a bequest of Mrs. Dorothy J. Killam and a gift she made before her death in 1965.

Prion mentorship award recognizes Dr Donald Rix

Dr Donald Rix (1931-2009), was the first chairman of PrioNet Canada and a leader and advocate of prion science in Canada. In recognition of the contributions he made to furthering prion research in Canada and his exceptional mentoring abilities, PrioNet Canada (PrioNet) and the Alberta Prion Research Institute (APRI) have announced that they are offering a one-time mentorship award.

The Dr Don Rix Memorial Prion Mentorship Award will support an outstanding prion researcher to mentor a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow or young professional in prion research.

A one-time award of $20,000 over one year will be made to the mentor to support mentoring activities. The award must commence no later than January 1, 2011.

The mentor will be responsible for the direction and use of funds, in support of the awardee’s prion research endeavors on a currently funded PrioNet and/or APRI research project for costs including training, research operating costs, books, and travel and expenses for a conference approved by the mentor.

For eligibility and other criteria, visit www.prionetcanada.ca. Applications are due June 30, 2010.

Clinical Trials & Patents

n Allon Therapeutics Inc. (Vancouver, BC) announces its lead neuroprotective drug candidate, davunetide, has been granted Orphan Drug Status in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). PSP is a rapidly-progressing and fatal degenerative brain disease. Allon announced in January that the U.S. FDA granted davunetide Orphan Drug Status for PSP treatment in the United States. Gordon McCauley, president and CEO of Allon, said the EU designation extends both the scientific validation and the potential market for davunetide as a treatment for PSP as well as other degenerative brain diseases with similar pathologies.

n Medicago Inc. (Quebec City, QC) has completed its first clinical trial in humans for its H5N1 avian influenza vaccine. The vaccine was found to be safe, well tolerated and also induced a solid immune response. “We achieved positive Phase I results from our first ever clinical evaluation of our plant-based pandemic H5N1 Influenza VLP vaccine, we successfully produced the H1N1 VLP antigen within 14 days of receiving the DNA sequence, we signed agreements with select countries for a pandemic vaccine production facility and we closed a significant equity financing with institutional investors,” said Andy Sheldon, Medicago’s president and CEO.

n Cangene Corp. (Winnipeg, MB) reports it has received European Commission approval to market its ImmunoGam™ (human hepatitis B immunoglobulin), indicated for immunoprophylaxis of hepatitis B. The product, marketed as HepaGam B® in North America and Israel, is a hyperimmune antibody product containing antibodies specific for the hepatitis B surface antigen. As the application for this marketing authorization was submitted via the centralized procedure, its issuance means ImmunoGam™ is approved for sale and use in all 27 member states of the European Union.

n Cipher Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Mississauga, ON) announces its New Drug Submission to Health Canada for CIP-TRAMADOL ER and its extended-release formulation of tramadol has been accepted for review. Cipher expects the review to be completed by early 2011. “With a fast absorption profile, no food effect and 24-hour pain coverage, we believe our product would provide an attractive treatment option for moderately severe pain. This submission is consistent with our plans to target additional markets for our three existing products,” said Larry Andrews, president and CEO of Cipher.

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Hamilton hospital welcomes new research facility

Hamilton’s role as one of the world’s leading centres in cardiac, vascular and stroke research has been cemented with the grand opening of the David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute at the Hamilton General Hospital site of Hamilton Health Sciences.

The 18,000 sq. metre facility occupies a six-storey building, and contains research space, laboratories, meeting rooms, offi ces BiotechFocusABICad.pdf 1 12/03/2010 12:21:47 PM

and breakout spaces. Also included is Canada’s largest biobank, which contains more than 1.8 million tissue and genetic research samples from nearly 250,000 participants globally. The total project, including stateof-the-art equipment, totalled close to $100 million.

The grand opening event was attended by many notable dignitaries including the Federal Minister of Industry, Tony ClemPhoto (L-R): Dr. Salim Yusuf, vice-president of research and chief scientifi c offi cer at Hamilton Health Sciences, and executive director of the Population Health Research Institute; Mrs. Wahida Yusuf; Dr. Julie Masterson; Dr. Eliot Phillipson, president and CEO, Canada Foundation for Innovation; Mr. David Braley, president Orlick Industries; Dr. Alain Beaudet, president and CEO, Canadian Institutes for Health Research; David Sculthorpe, CEO, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario; Nancy Gordon; Mark Rizzo, vice chair, board of directors, Hamilton Health Sciences; Murray Martin, president and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences; Dr. Jeffrey Weitz, director of the Thrombosis & Atherosclerosis Research Institute

ent. “The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute,” said Clement. “The superior research, treatment and healthcare service that will take place here will benefi t not only the Hamilton-Niagara region, but indeed all of Canada.”

The building is named after business leader and Orlick Industries’ president David Braley, who donated $10 million to the project.

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