VANCOUVER, BC: Genome British Columbia and the Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD) announced today a new development fund that offers BC's researchers another avenue to move promising research along the commercialization path. Genome BC has earmarked $1 million for the fund to be provided on a project by project basis, which is matched by CDRD. The intent is for Genome BC and CDRD to leverage this fund to attract further investment from other parties.
"This is a great opportunity for Genome BC to connect to a significant commercialization centre, take advantage of an established infrastructure, tap into specialized expertise and potentially accelerate the development of new commercial opportunities derived from advances in genomics,” said Dr. Alan Winter, President and CEO at Genome BC. “This is a mutually beneficial opportunity as CDRD’s focus to move discoveries along the development path is in keeping with our mandate to develop products that utilize genomics."
Researchers interested in accessing the Genome BC/CDRD support can bring projects forward to CDRD's Project Development Team. Investigators must indicate how the projects relate to genomics-based drug development. Projects will be selected using the existing CDRD process with Genome BC involvement on review and approval committees.
"The creation of this fund signifies the commitment of both organizations to leverage our respective strengths and grow the life sciences sector in British Columbia, increasing its ability to compete in the global marketplace," said Natalie Dakers, Chief Executive Officer for CDRD. "By identifying genomics-related projects with commercial promise, CDRD and Genome BC are bringing important health technology to British Columbians and Canadians."
In addition to CDRD, one of five Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECRs) in this province, Genome BC has also established partnerships with three other CECRs to ensure existing genomics projects within those centres are well positioned for commercial success.
Researchers interested in submitting a project can contact CDRD's Project Management Team through Kaley Wilson, kwilson@cdrd.ca