Moncton Institutions on Cutting Edge of Medical Research 

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

April 18, 2019 – Moncton, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency


Developing new technology and seeking healthcare innovations to offer Canadians better access to medical treatment are key to improving lives, advancing standards of care and encouraging prosperity.

Moncton-based Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) and the Université de Moncton (U de M) are undertaking projects to bring cutting-edge disease screening technology and research platforms one step closer to commercialization, and to establish the New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine (NBCPM).

The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing non-repayable contributions totalling more than $4.9 million for these projects, while the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) is contributing $374,000 to the U de M project.

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, along with ACRI and U de M representatives made the announcement today.

Economic growth and the creation of good jobs for Atlantic Canadians require innovation and diversification. Support for these projects is one way the Government of Canada is growing the innovation economy by working to sustain strategic clusters, and enhance the development and reach of business accelerators and incubators. Projects like these also contribute to the Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.

Quotes

“Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investments in the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute and the Université de Moncton are building on our competitive advantages by supporting the growth of the precision medicine cluster in the southeast region to boost economic growth and create good, middle class jobs for Canadians.”

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Our Government is committed to a coordinated strategy on innovation that delivers results for all Canadians. A key aspect of that strategy is to implement actions that will grow and accelerate commercialization in the biomedical and health science sectors.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade and Member of Parliament for Beauséjour

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“The New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine, working with the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, will not only help develop the next generation of healthcare, it will also create valuable intellectual property and attract companies seeking research expertise in precision medicine. It will be an incubation hub for new biomedical startups launching and growing in New Brunswick, contributing greatly to the province’s growing culture of innovation.”

Jeff White, CEO – New Brunswick Innovation Foundation 

“We are very pleased to have secured this vital federal research and infrastructure funding. It will allow our research teams to continue their important work in precision medicine with the goal of bringing solutions so that patients receive the right treatment that matches their particular disease. Precision medicine will allow us to uncover unforeseen therapeutic options or identify the best therapeutic strategy for each patient. Thanks to the impressive technologies and expertise in place, we can contribute to the global cancer efforts and ensure that Atlantic Canadians benefit from the advances that are being made here and around the world.”

-       Dr. Rodney Ouellette, MD, Ph.D., President and Scientific Director of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute 

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Quick facts

  • ACRI will add seven new highly qualified people to its staff to further the use of its technology platform to screen patient tumors, in order to predict best cancer treatment options and favourable patient outcomes.

  • The Government of Canada invested $1,758,358 in this $3,197,013 ACRI project.

  • ACRI scientists work with partners in Canada and around the world to impact patient care through research in the area of precision medicine. Through its work, the Institute contributes to the global research effort aimed at combatting cancer.

  • The U de M project will go towards the purchase of specialized equipment to support the establishment of the NBCPM. The centre for excellence in research aims to be a catalyst for the growth of the bioscience sector in NB. Dedicated bio-incubator and commercial biotech spaces with access to state-of-the-art equipment will engage industry players, from startups to more established companies, which will fuel growth and innovation.

  • The Government of Canada invested $3,155,994 in this $7,702,992 U de M project.

  • Both projects are being supported through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.

  • The Regional Innovation Ecosystems stream of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program supports the creation and growth of inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and fosters an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation, growth and competitiveness.

  • The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program continues to build on the objectives of government’s Innovation and Skills Plan.

  • Dr. Marc Surette, the lead investigator, holds the New Brunswick Innovation Research Chair in Biosciences.

  • NBIF is a catalyst for innovation in New Brunswick, creating new jobs and growth across the province. It provides early-stage venture capital and financially supports the commercialization of research done in New Brunswick’s universities, colleges and institutes. 

Associated links

Contacts

Paul CJ LeBlanc
Senior Communications Officer - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-452-3310
Paulcj.leblanc@canada.ca

New Brunswick Innovation Foundation
Angela Pyne 
Manager of Marketing and Communications
506-452-2884
angela.pyne@nbif.ca

Communications, Public Affairs and Marketing Department  
Université de Moncton
506-858-4129
servcomm@umoncton.ca

Nadine Martin
Communications Officer - Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
506-862-7551
nadinem@cancratl.ca

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