Vancouver, BC, June 12, 2007--(T-Net)--The Centre for Drug Research and Development, a unique hybrid organization that helps health researchers collaborate, refine discoveries and develop them for commercial use, is the recipient of a $1 million funding grant from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR).
One of only six winners selected from a field of 38 applicants, CDRD applied to MSFHR's Technology & Methodology Platforms Program. Applicants were required to submit both scientific and business plans describing how the platform would be developed and accessed as a province-wide resource. A choice identified by both Life Sciences BC and the BC Innovation Council as a number one priority for funding, CDRD brings together researchers, institutions and industry to create a collaborative environment that advances discovery and commercialization of new therapeutics.
"The CDRD will be using funds from this grant for personnel and programs that enable BC researchers to access the CDRD facility and foster interdisciplinary collaborations to move potential drug candidates towards becoming successful new commercial therapeutics," said CDRD founder and CEO Natalie Dakers.
"MSFHR is pleased to support the CDRD - its innovation and collaborative focus reflects our own vision for a new way of doing business in health research, " says Dr. Aubrey Tingle, MSFHR President & CEO. "The CDRD's nurturing of early stage health research promises to make a significant, positive impact on healthcare and on our economy."
Learn more about CDRD...
About the Centre for Drug Research and Development
CDRD is a unique hybrid organization that brings together researchers, institutions and industry to bridge the gap between primary research and the successful development of new medicines. CDRD includes two separate bodies: The Drug Research Institute(s) (DRI) is an academic research infrastructure that enables B.C. researchers in universities and hospitals throughout the province to focus and amplify their drug discovery and development efforts; DDI Drug Development Inc. assists the commercialization of drug therapies by driving drug development projects and bringing the technology to market either by creating companies or licensing to an existing company. The CDRD was founded by several scientific and business leaders with proven track records, in response to the growing challenges of securing funding and increasing the talent pool for early stage drug research and discovery in British Columbia.
Website: http://www.cdrd.ca
Centre for Drug Research and Development
For General Inquiries
email: info@cdrd.ca
phone: (604) 221-7750
For Media Inquiries
Catherine Ducharme
email: cducharme@outsideincommunications.com
phone: (604) 813-6104