Consortium Qu茅b茅cois Sur La D茅couverte Du M茅dicament (CQDM)
is a not-for-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium whose mission is to support and facilitate multi-stakeholder collaborative R&D aimed at accelerating the transformation of cutting-edge discoveries into vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics that address unmet medical needs, while generating significant benefits for the Canadian economy. They bring together world-renowned pharmaceutical organizations, Canadian biotech companies, top researchers from the public and private sectors, and the Canadian and Quebec governments. Their collaborative approach fills the funding gap needed to stimulate innovation in the academic and private sectors, particularly in early-stage research.听
CQDM is proud to contribute to the growth of Quebec鈥檚 life sciences industry by funding four projects, which aim to implement tools to accelerate drug development, particularly for new therapies against cancer and infectious diseases. These projects demonstrate the dynamism of Quebec鈥檚 biotechnology ecosystem. The solutions developed should generate significant spin-offs for the Quebec economy and for patients.
One such project, focused on 'Developing Immunotherapy for Two Aggressive Cancers", is led by Kanyrpharma, its Chief Executive Officer听Daniel Bouthillier, Ph.D, MBA, and its Chief Scientific Officer and GCI Professor Michel. L. Tremblay Ph.D, F.R.S.C, C.Q.
Developing Immunotherapy for Two Aggressive Cancers
Immunotherapy has the potential to treat multiple cancers, but current therapies lack efficacy against solid tumours and are very expensive. Kanyrpharma and Professor Tremblay of 91社区 will test KQ-791, a non-toxic, low-cost tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor capable of reactivating the immune response against cancer. Two common and deadly cancer models will be studied: triple-negative breast cancer and metastatic prostate cancer. This project, also financed by the partner company, will develop a new therapeutic avenue for these two cancers, and help establish Quebec as a leader in the fight against these cancers.
鈥淲e must continue to support companies in the life sciences sector to consolidate Quebec鈥檚 position on the international stage. By facilitating access to capital, we can support these companies in integrating innovation and enabling the emergence of new technologies,鈥� said Pierre Fitzgibbon.
鈥淭hese innovative initiatives are an excellent example of how collaborative research can support the development of innovative companies. These projects demonstrate the dynamism of the ecosystem in Quebec, and will generate significant spin-offs for the Canadian economy,鈥� emphasizes Diane Gosselin, President and CEO of CQDM.
Adapted from听, by听cbaillargeon [at] cqdm.org (Carl Baillargeon)