For Immediate Release
OTTAWA, December 5, 2017 — Research Canada in partnership with the Stem Cell Network has joined forces to celebrate Canada’s scientific leadership in stem cell research at a Parliamentary Health Research Caucus Luncheon featuring respected Canadian researchers, Dr. Lauralyn McIntyre and Professor Timothy Caulfield. Dr. McIntyre’s world-first clinical trial on treating sepsis and Mr. Caulfield’s research on unproven stem cell treatments and misleading marketing practices will be highlighted at today’s luncheon.
The existence of stem cells was discovered by Canadian scientists Drs. James Till and Ernest McCulloch. Today, Canada is home to internationally respected stem cell researchers who have been responsible for numerous breakthroughs. They have advanced the field to the stage where not only treating but curing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and MS, with cell therapies will become a reality.
Stem cell technologies are powering regenerative medicine, a field estimated to have a global market value of $53.7 billion US by 2021. The appeal of regenerative medicine lies in its curative approach, which involves treating the causes of a range of conditions by targeting the repair of damaged tissues or organs. In Canada, $190 billion CDN is spent annually by the health care system on chronic disease. Today’s event will allow Parliamentarians to hear about the cutting-edge work that is taking place across the country, and better understand the health and economic benefits that will come from regenerative medicine in the decades to come.
Supported by the Government Canada, the Stem Cell Network catalyzes high-potential research that is on the path to the clinic and market, trains the next generation of highly qualified personnel, and provides the scientific evidence required for policy and decision making.
We are fortunate to have STEMCELL Technologies Inc., a Canadian biotechnology company that develops specialty cell culture media, cell isolation systems and accessory products for life science research as a supporter and participant in the luncheon. Driven by science and a passion for quality, STEMCELL supports the advancement of scientific research around the world.
For more information visit: https://rc-rc.ca/stem-cell-research-regenerative-medicine/
Quote: Dr. Michael Rudnicki, OC, Scientific Director, Stem Cell Network
“The Stem Cell Network and Research Canada are strong partners, each committed to ensuring the health and vibrancy of Canada’s scientific enterprise.”
Quote: Dr. Robert McMaster, Chair, Research Canada
“Canada’s health research enterprise, dedicated to improving the health of Canadians, is made stronger by the critical research in stem cells and regenerative medicine supported by the Stem Cell Network.”
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For further information:
Ms. Cate Murray
Executive Director, Stem Cell Network
Telephone: 613-979-6174
E-mail: Catemurray@stemcellnetwork.ca
www.stemcellnetwork.ca
@stemcellnetwork
Mr. Sean Dillon-Fordyce
Manager of Communications
Research Canada
Telephone: 613-277-4757
E-mail: sfordyce@rc-rc.ca
www.rc-rc.ca
About Research Canada: An Alliance for Health Discovery
Research Canada is a national, broad-based alliance dedicated to increasing investments in health research through collaborative advocacy. We believe health research is a shared benefit, shared responsibility and an investment in Canada’s future. We engage government, academia, industry and non-profit sectors to build support for balanced and long-term health research funding – investments that strengthen Canada’s innovation system and lead to better health, sustainable health care, new commercialization opportunities, and skilled jobs for Canadians.
About the Health Research Caucus Luncheon Events
Health Research Caucus luncheon events are organized by Research Canada as exclusive, by invitation-only events, where the Parliamentary Health Research Caucus Members invite a selection of Parliamentarians from their respective parties to attend a more intimate gathering of colleagues where experts in a particular research and/or technology field present to Parliamentarians. These events afford ample time for discussion and interaction among invited guests. They may include kiosk displays.
About the Stem Cell Network
Building Canada’s stem cell and regenerative medicine research sector has been the raison d’être of the Stem Cell Network (SCN) since its inception in 2001. In just over 16 years SCN has forged a national community that has transformed stem cell research in Canada, brought research to the point where regenerative medicine is changing clinical practice and established an outstanding international reputation. SCN has pushed the boundaries of what was a basic research area towards translational outcomes for the clinic and marketplace. By the end of 2016, SCN had provided over $90 million for innovative translational research. This funding has benefitted 160 world-class research groups and more than 2,500 trainees from across Canada. SCN has catalyzed 18 clinical trials and 16 start-up companies. SCN investigators have leveraged upwards of $100 million in partner contributions while SCN has incubated several international and Canadian research networks and organizations.