$5.5 million funding for Oncopole to fight cancer

Oncopole, the cancer division of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) in Canada, has received a major investment that enhances a public-private partnership model dedicated to the fight against cancer.

Oncopole will continue to pursue its mission thanks to a $3 million reinvestment from founding partner Merck Canada.

Oncopole, the cancer division of the FRQS, is the result of a shared creative approach, supporting research, innovation and investment to accelerate the fight against cancer, made possible by founding partner Merck Canada. Oncopole’s mission is to act as a catalyst for action used by Quebec’s oncology research and innovation ecosystem. This aims to position the province as a leader in the field.

More funds for Oncopole

Oncopole also announced that GSK and Pfizer Canada have committed to invest $1 million and up to $1.5 million respectively in oncology research. This new partnership will support program development to mobilize financial and human resources for targeted and promising oncology treatment research.

“We are very pleased to be able to count on a new partner,” said Carole Jabet, director of Oncopole and scientific director of FRQS.

“This investment will allow us to accelerate the collaborative research that is critical to making a real difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.”

The new investment was announced at the BIO International Convention in Boston, USA, from June 5 to 8.

Updated commits for Oncopole

“Merck Canada is pleased to announce its new commitment to Oncopole to support oncology research. As a founding member, Merck Canada is proud to have participated in the creation of Oncopole and continues to be involved in this oncology research, development and investment initiative, which has the potential to make a real difference in patients’ lives.” said Jennifer Chan, vice president, policy and external affairs, Merck Canada.

“GSK is proud to support Oncopole and its synergistic role in oncology innovation. Through our partnership, we want to help improve and accelerate access to the latest advances for patients,” said Ranya El-Masri, vice president of government affairs and market access, GSK Canada.

“Innovation is at the core of GSK’s mission, and strategic partnerships are essential to pave new avenues of discovery, to stay ahead of cancer together.”

“It is critical that all stakeholders, scientists, healthcare professionals and leaders in the healthcare system support research that addresses the unmet needs of people living with cancer. We are proud to partner with Oncopole to actively contribute to the development of innovative cancer therapies,” said Karine Grand’Maison, vice president, access and government relations, Pfizer Canada.

Thanks to the support of founding partner Merck Canada and the Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Oncopole has successfully mobilized key players in oncology research in Québec since 2017. The investment will enable Oncopole to pursue its vision by focusing on strategic investments and partnerships that support innovation to deliver benefits for patients.

PROVEM program launched

Oncopole also announced the launch of the PROVEM program. The program aims to create a platform to facilitate dialogue between innovation promoters and drug and medical technology evaluators.

Funding of $1.5 million will be provided through a competition aimed at optimizing access to innovations whose value to patients and the healthcare system is uncertain.

Accelerating the care of cancer patients

Oncopole also announced funding for six research projects, through the ACCES-Onco competition and an investment of over $1.5 million thanks to a public-private partnership between MEIE and Merck Canada, along with support from the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation.

Led by a team in Québec, this project will accelerate access to optimal care for cancer patients. The goal is to improve access to care, care and services to prevent, detect and treat cancer.