(Charlottetown, PE, and Montréal, QC, September 5, 2008) - Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. is funding an asthma-related project initiated by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Earlier this year, Merck Frosst approved a proposal by a Charlottetown-based immunologist at the NRC Institute for Nutrisciences and Health. Under the direction of Dr. Marianna Kulka, the pre-clinical pediatric asthma study is expected to wrap up by December 2008.
"NRC's relationship with Merck Frosst is an example of our strategy to unite public and private research strengths as we put science to work for Canada," says NRC President Dr. Pierre Coulombe. "By teaming up with biopharmaceutical leaders like Merck Frosst, NRC can further innovate to help improve human health, including the health of Canadian children."
More than half a million Canadian children have asthma. Through Merck Frosst's Investigator Initiated Study Program, NRC will receive nearly $76,000, including a supply of the study medication SINGULAIR® (montelukast), to conduct a pre-clinical research project relating to pediatric asthma. Canadian scientists at the Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic Research in Montreal discovered the study drug montelukast
"Partnering with the scientists from the National Research Council will foster synergy that will help better understand the pathophysiology of childhood asthma," says Dr Michel Cimon, Medical Director, Merck Frosst Canada. "Through research projects such as this one, Merck Frosst is committed to working closely with Canadian renowned scientists like Dr. Kulka."
Recognized globally for research and innovation, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) works hand in hand with partners from industry, government and universities to help ignite the spark of innovation in communities across the country and give Canadian companies a competitive edge in today's marketplace. For more information, visit http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
At Merck Frosst, patients come first. Merck Frosst Canada Ltd. is a research-driven pharmaceutical company discovering, developing and marketing a broad range of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve human health. Merck Frosst is one of the top 25 R&D investors in Canada, with an investment of close to $110 million in 2007. More information about Merck Frosst is available at www.merckfrosst.com and additional information about SINGULAIR® may be found by visiting http://merckfrosst.ca/mfcl/en/corporate/newsroom/product_news/singulair.html
For more information, please visit NRC's Web site at http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca or contact:
Natalie Hall
Media Relations Officer
National Research Council Canada
Tel.: 613-990-6091
E-mail: media@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Martine Drolet
Manager, Public Affairs
Merck Frosst Canada Ltd.
Tel: 514-428-3037
