Released on November 19, 2002
A unique in Canada centre to conduct leukemia research at the University ofSaskatchewan is one step closer to reality thanks to a provincial
investment of more than $400,000.
The province will provide funding for equipment, personnel and construction
at the new $1 million leukemia genomics centre. The facility will help
improve patient diagnosis, treatment and survival.
Provincial support comes from the Innovation and Science Fund and matches
funding contributions from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
"The University of Saskatchewan is again at the forefront of state of the
art research," Industry and Resources Minister Eldon Lautermilch
said. "This centre, coupled with the Canadian Light Source synchrotron and
the Saskatchewan Structural Sciences Centre, will make Saskatoon the
premier location in Canada to carry out drug design and diagnostic
evaluations.
"This centre will not only improve the quality of life and health for many
Canadians, it will also have a local impact in terms of spin-off benefits
for our economy and our flourishing biotechnology sector."
The genomics centre will research how gene and protein patterns may
influence the remission rates, relapse risks, drug resistance and survival
of leukemia patients. The centre will be led by Dr. John DeCoteau of the
University of Saskatchewan department of pathology.
"The CFI is committed to supporting research excellence in Canada's
universities," President and CEO of the CFI Dr. David Strangway said. "We
recognize the important role that our researchers can play in our country's
future economic and social growth."
"This centre will conduct cutting-edge genomics research that will attract
scientists and academic physicians from across Canada," University of
Saskatchewan Vice-President of Research Dr. Bryan Harvey said. "As well,
access to this advanced equipment will be useful to many other aspects of
medical research on our campus such as other cancer research, microbiology
and immunology."
The Innovation and Science Fund provides support to Saskatchewan
universities, colleges and research institutes on projects receiving
approval and funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Canada
Research Chairs, the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation and the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
The CFI is an independent, not-for-profit corporation established by the
Government of Canada in 1997 to strengthen the capacity for innovation in
Canadian universities and research institutions.
- 30 -
For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Industry and Resources
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8277
Suzanne Quinn
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Ottawa
Phone: (613) 996-3160
www.innovation.ca
Kathryn Warden
University of Saskatchewan Research Communications
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 966-2506