Genomics to drive life-saving precision health care for cancer and rare disease patients

Facebook
Twitter
Email
LinkedIn

Four new projects funded through Genome Canada’s Genomics Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) will harness the power of genomics to transform Canadian healthcare by enabling quicker diagnosis and improved treatment plans.

Announced in December 2023, a new investment of $41 million will support the latest round of GAPP projects, fueling late-stage research and development (R&D) projects addressing real world opportunities and challenges, including a $28.7 million investment in precision health treatment and diagnosis.

FOUR NEW PROJECTS ADVANCING HEALTHCARE FOR CANADIANS

Development of a novel cyclin K degrader of high-risk AML patients and associated genomic features
  • Guy Sauvageau (Université de Montréal) and Anne Mariner (RejuvenRx Inc.) will validate and commercialize a new cancer drug to treat high-risk acute myeloid leukemia patients.
EpiSign international: Health system impact assessment and expanding clinical utilization of epi/genomic testing in rare diseases and beyond
  • Bekim Sadikovik (Lawson Health Research Institute; London Health Sciences Centre) and Dr. Rishi Porecha (Illumina Inc.) will improve and speed up diagnosis of rare genetic diseases.
Improving patient matching to therapy (PMATCH): Streamlining clinical trial criteria to guide precision oncology
Predict to prevent: A novel genomic-derived score to improve the prognosis of Type 2 (T2) diabetes patients at high risk of complications
  • Pavel Hamet (Université de Montréal), Johanne Tremblay (OPITHERA) and Laurent Amram (ELNA Medical Group) will bring early and personalized disease management for Type 2 diabetes patients at high risk of complications and reduce overtreatment of low-risk individuals.
To learn more about this investment in genomic research and development, click here.

 

 ABOUT GAPP

The Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) supports industry-facing partnered research projects that address real-world challenges. Designed to accelerate the social and economic impact of genomics, GAPP provides the space for research, innovation and application to thrive collaboratively. GAPP projects address real-world challenges and opportunities through greater collaboration between genomics scientists and the users of genomics research. They aim to stimulate public- and private-sector investment in Canadian genomics technologies, advancing technology uptake in receptors and moving technologies across readiness levels. 

Quick facts

  • Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP) is a flagship initiative that recently marked its 10th year and 100th funded project.
    • GAPP leverages world-leading expertise and diversified public-private partnerships to accelerate the adoption of genomics solutions to generate broad economic and societal benefits for Canada.
  • Budget 2021 provided $400 million over six years, starting in 2021–22, to support the creation of the Canadian Genomics Strategy to drive further innovation in genomics through commercialization and adoption. This funding included $136.7 million over two years, starting in 2022–23, for programming delivered by Genome Canada to kick-start the new strategy and complement existing genomics research and innovation programming.
  • Today’s announcement includes more than $11 million in federal funding for genomics research and an additional $30 million in co-funding from provincial governments, businesses and other research partners across Canada.
  • Since 2000, Genome Canada has leveraged $1.6 billion in federal investment into a total investment of $3.9 billion in R&D including co-funding, supported over 13,784 talented research trainees, and spun-out more than 120 new Canadian companies.

Media contact

Nicola Katz, Director, Communications Genome Canada Cell: 613-297-0267 nkatz@genomecanada.ca

Share

Facebook
Twitter
Email
LinkedIn