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OICR invests $2 million to move cancer discoveries from the lab into the clinic

Toronto — April 2, 2008 — Dr. Tom Hudson, President and Scientific Director of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) today announced the investment of $2 million in four promising early stage technologies, including a new diagnostic, an imaging and therapeutic platform and two new treatments for cancer. The four recipients will each receive $500,000 to continue the early commercial development of their discoveries.

The recipients of the awards are:

  • University Health Network, Toronto, for Dr. Li Zhang's novel cellular immunotherapy for leukemia;
  • Robarts Research Institute, (at The University of Western Ontario) London, for Dr. Aaron Fenster's 3-D ultrasound-guided intra-operative and dynamic minimally invasive brachytherapy and biopsy platform;
  • ArcticDx Inc., Toronto, for the development of a colon cancer risk prediction diagnostic tool; and
  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, for a revolutionary MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound therapy for localized prostate cancer developed by Drs. Michael Bronskill and Rajiv Chopra.

"By increasing access to study groups, research materials and commercialization experts, the OICR has ensured that more researchers are developing, testing and performing more leading-edge cancer therapies in more Ontario clinics and hospitals," said Minister of Research and Innovation, John Wilkinson. "Our government is proud to support this important endeavour. The Institute's efforts continue to bring hope to Ontarians and Ontario families dealing with cancer."

"Moving discoveries out of the lab and into the clinic is very important," Dr. Hudson said. "We are bridging a funding gap because these translational projects are often ineligible for academic funding and are at too early a stage of development for private investors."

OICR will actively participate in efforts to commercialize the selected projects by providing additional expertise and resources and working collaboratively with the recipients and their scientists.

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research is a centre of excellence, moving Ontario to the forefront of discovery and innovation. It is dedicated to research in prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and control of cancer. OICR is a not-for-profit corporation funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Research and Innovation.

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