March 29, 2010
Edmonton, Alberta
The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, has committed $3 million to the University of Alberta (U of A) to explore the testing and validation of processes and technologies by which medical isotopes can be manufactured and used by the health care community for medical and diagnostic purposes.
"This investment in technology commercialization will allow Canada’s best and brightest to get their products to market, and promote new approaches to isotope production," said the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
The Government of Canada is investing in the University of Alberta’s purchase and installation of a 24MeV Cyclotron. Through the use of this equipment, the U of A will map out and patent new medical isotopes production processes and technologies using particle accelerators.
“WD’s investment in Canadian technology will enable the University of Alberta to develop and commercialize new methods of manufacturing diagnostic medical isotopes,” said Dr. Sandy McEwan, Chair and Professor, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, the University of Alberta. “This cyclotron, located at the U of A will attract new researchers to the Province, build knowledge capacity and lead to new training opportunities for scientists, technicians and technologists.”
The investment at the University of Alberta represents an opportunity to contribute to commercializing new processes and products in isotope production. To capitalize on this opportunity, the U of A will validate the development of a business model utilizing a cyclotron-based isotope production platform. This project will map out and patent medical isotope production processes and technologies and introduce them to the global marketplace. This model proposes to demonstrate the direct production of isotopes utilizing cyclotron technology manufactured by Advanced Cyclotron Systems Inc (ACSI), based in Richmond, British Columbia.
This initiative will contribute to strengthening the western Canadian innovation system, and more specifically, aligns with WD’s priority to support knowledge-driven and value-added economic activities, and build on both traditional and emerging industries to create a more diversified and resilient economy in Western Canada.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information contact:
Donna Kinley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Phone: (780) 495-6892
Dr. Sandy McEwan,
Chair and Professor, Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
University of Alberta
Phone: 780-432-8524
Media contact:
Noreen Remtulla
Media & Strategic Communications Manager
Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
University of Alberta
Work: 780-492-5986
Cell: 780-224-7751
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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