Health News For South West
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Ministry of Research and Innovation
Ontario Supporting Groundbreaking Stem Cell Research
The province is investing in the health of Ontarians by supporting stem cell researchers to develop new treatments and therapies to help those who live with debilitating and costly chronic diseases.
The establishment of the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine (OIRM) will bring together world-class teams to conduct cutting-edge research and apply newly discovered treatments to a wide variety of diseases, including cancer, diabetes, blindness, heart and lung diseases.
The institute is a partnership between the Ontario Stem Cell Initiative (OSCI) and the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM). In addition to the breakthrough treatments that will improve the everyday lives of Ontarians, the institute will help the province commercialize new discoveries and benefit from significant economic opportunities in stem cell research.
Investing in research that supports the province's life sciences sector is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Quick Facts:
- Ontario is investing over $3 million to establish the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine (OIRM).
- The Ontario Stem Cell Initiative (OSCI) is a network of more than 145 stem cell and regenerative medicine programs across Ontario.
- The Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM) is a consortium of academics, industry partners and entrepreneurs that translates scientific discoveries into marketable products.
- Regenerative medicine represents a significant commercialization opportunity, as research breakthroughs lead to cutting-edge diagnostics, tools and products with strong market potential. The current global market for tissue engineering and cell therapy combined was $10 billion in 2011 and projected to reach $19.4 billion by the end of 2015.
- Stem cells were first discovered in Ontario by James E. Till and Ernest A. McCulloch.
- Chronic diseases, the breakdown of cells and tissues that can often be regenerated by stem cells, cost Canada $190 billion annually.
- To date, Ontario has committed over $150 million in funding to 139 stem cell and regenerative medicine projects.
Learn More:
Quotes:
"Ontario is thrilled to support this collaborative initiative, which holds the promise to help treat, manage and cure some of the world’s most devastating diseases while offering significant economic benefits. Stem cells were first discovered in Ontario and this new institute will help secure Ontario’s leadership position in the critical field of regenerative medicine."
— Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation
"Ontario is an international leader in stem cell and regenerative medicine research. This investment by the Government of Ontario ensures that we maintain our leading-edge capacity and continue to build towards a healthier future for Canadians."
— Janet Rossant, Interim Director of the Ontario Institute for Regenerative Medicine
"The government’s support of the Ontario Institute of Regenerative Medicine will have a significant impact on our ability to commercialize regenerative medicine products and technologies that will benefit Canadians living with chronic and debilitating diseases. The launch of OIRM complements CCRM's plan to build an international cell therapy manufacturing hub to accommodate the discoveries stemming from Ontario's prolific research community and accelerate treatments to the marketplace."
— Dr. Michael May, President and CEO, Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine
Media Contacts:
Terry Chemij
Minister’s Office
416-326-9492
Brigitte Marleau
Communications Branch
416-325-2479
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