Harper Government Investment to Benefit Health and Disease Detection

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - May 15, 2015) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

Canadians could benefit from improved disease detection and treatment, thanks to an investment of more than $2.2 million announced today by the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, for the University of Saskatchewan.

Researchers at the University will use the funding to help develop new peptides and antibodies to identify diseases, and a new mechanism to attach radioactive isotopes to these markers for medical imaging. Researchers will develop and commercialize a new cyclotron targetry system for medical isotope production. This system will produce the different kinds of radioactive particles needed for each of the new medical isotopes specific to different types of cancer.

This investment will improve human health by advancing molecular imaging and aid in characterizing disease biomarkers, developing drugs, diagnosing diseases and tracking the efficacy of pharmaceuticals during therapy.

Quick Facts

• Initial research will focus on diagnosis and treatment of patients with breast cancer or heart disease (atherosclerosis), although the findings may be applied to other types of cancer as well.
• Patients will benefit from earlier diagnosis, more effective treatment tailored to their needs, and more effective monitoring and adjustment of treatments.
• This research will be conducted at University of Saskatchewan facilities supported by previous Government of Canada investments, including the newly opened Cyclotron at the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre for Nuclear Innovation.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to partner with the University of Saskatchewan in advancing the health of Canadians through new medical imaging techniques. With our support, the innovative work being accomplished here will improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of patients, while also creating jobs and growth within Canada's medical industry."

• Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

"This major investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada will support our scientists as they open new frontiers in medical imaging and treatment to combat cancer, cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases. Combining the on-campus strengths of the Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences and our College of Medicine will create unparalleled opportunities for discovery and teaching, while developing new tools to diagnose and treat illness."

• Karen Chad, Vice President, Research, University of Saskatchewan

Additional Links

• Construction of the Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences at U of S completed - http://www.fedorukcentre.ca/news/news-releases/nr20141205-cyclotron_end_construction.php

• Government of Canada investment in cancer treatment technologies - http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/77_14883.asp

• Government of Canada Investment in Cyclotron in Saskatchewan - http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/77_12716.asp

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