The partnership between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Rx&D seeks to strengthen Canada’s position as a preferred location to conduct clinical research. The partnership will play a key role in the implementation of the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research, a national initiative to ensure better translation of research findings into clinical practice. Minister Aglukkaq announced the strategy last August - and it will result in better alignment of research efforts with patients needs.
Through this partnership, CIHR and Rx&D member companies will fund clinical research across Canada through a competitive, peer-reviewed process and to improve the coordination of research activities. Rx&D member companies have set an objective to match CIHR clinical research commitments dollar-for-dollar.
Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of CIHR, added “This partnership will better integrate health research and health care. By bringing together researchers and industry, this partnership will accelerate the development of new clinical practices and health products which will have a direct impact on treatment and services provided to patients.”
Over the last ten years, CIHR and Rx&D have partnered on a collaborative research funding program. This program has supported a wide range of health research projects at universities and hospitals across Canada. They have led to significant research discoveries making a difference in patients’ lives today.
“The innovative pharmaceutical industry plays a critical role in the discovery and development of medicines and vaccines that improve and save lives,” said Russell Williams, President of Rx&D. “It is our goal, through this partnership, to outpace global competition and to build Canada’s position as a leader in clinical research, to create jobs and increase R&D investments in Canada for the benefit of all Canadians.”
About CIHR
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada. www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
About Rx&D
Rx&D is the association of leading research-based pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community represents 15,000 men and women working for 50 member companies and invests more than $1 billion in research and development each year to fuel Canada’s knowledge-based economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, our membership is committed to working in partnership with governments, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Cailin Rodgers, Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health 613-957-0200 David Coulombe, Media Relations, CIHR, 613-941-4563, email: david.coulombe@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Christine Choury, Media Relations, Rx&D, 613-236-0455 ext. 831, email: cchoury@canadapharma.org