New Respiratory Disease Test to Be Developed by the University of Saskatchewan

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - June 22, 2016) - Western Economic Diversification Canada

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, today announced funding of $235,000, under the Western Diversification Program, to help the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) develop and commercialize an innovative respiratory test and accompanying data analysis program to improve diagnosis of asthma and other respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Doctors do not currently have access to reliable non-invasive means of determining these types of diseases. Instead, they rely on trial and error, which can lead to misdiagnoses, unnecessary expense, and negative health implications, especially in children. Using this new non-invasive urine-based test may lead to improving diagnosis and monitoring, and reduce unnecessary expense and negative health implications for respiratory patients.

Quick Facts

• Asthma is the most common chronic illness of children and is a leading medical expense in Canada for adults and children. Diseases like COPD cause similar respiratory difficulties as asthma, but respond differently to treatment. A better test is needed for the typical doctor's office to help diagnose respiratory diseases.

Quotes

"This project has the potential to change the way Canada's doctors diagnose asthma. This strategic investment is one of the many ways world-class research is positioning Canada to be a global leader in science and innovation."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"The work of the University of Saskatchewan to advance respiratory disease diagnosis and monitoring will benefit patients and health care providers, while also investing in technology capacity and creating economic benefit for the health care sector."

- The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"This exciting innovation in respiratory disease diagnosis led by Dr. Darryl Adamko and his team is an excellent example of how U of S medical researchers are making a real difference for patient health, while training the next generation of physicians in patient-oriented research approaches and developing new marketable health care technologies."

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

Additional Links

- Western Diversification Program

- University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine

- AllerGen - The Allergy, Genes and Environment Network

- Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation

- Alberta Innovates Health Solutions

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