Government of Canada Invests in Centre of Excellence for Regenerative Medicine

May 08, 2009

 
Winnipeg, Manitoba – University of Manitoba researchers and students will benefit from a new Centre of Excellence for Regenerative Medicine thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification (WD).
 
“Our Government is committed to supporting Canadian researchers and innovators in developing new ideas by investing in world-class research facilities,” said the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Democratic Reform, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.  “This Centre of Excellence will be the only such facility in the prairie region, leading to the expansion of medical research in Manitoba and to increased commercialization of new technologies resulting in significant economic activity.”
 
Regenerative medicine is an emerging field focused on accelerating the healing process to fully restore the health of damaged tissues and organs. Regenerative therapies have been demonstrated (in trials or the laboratory) to heal broken bones, bad burns, blindness, deafness, heart damage, nerve damage, Parkinson's and other conditions.  Regenerative medicine will lead to improved patient care while eliminating the cost of treatments such as insulin injections or dialysis.
 
“Regenerative medicine is our best hope for breakthrough treatments to solve what have previously been insurmountable problems in chronic diseases and acute injuries,” said Dr. J. Dean Sandham, Dean of Medicine, University of Manitoba. “This program in regenerative medicine offers a unique opportunity for us in Manitoba. It was chosen by all departments and research institutes as an important new focus for investment, aligned with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s support of such research, and is an example of how the alignment of research strategies within the province can make us more successful.”
 
The new Centre will allow the University’s regenerative medicine program to expand its research endeavors and collaborations with industry and attract the highly qualified personnel required to support the growing life sciences cluster in Manitoba. The Centre will also provide students with the opportunity to access the modern scientific equipment necessary for research and development of products and technologies.
 
The WD investment of $1.7 million announced today will be used to purchase equipment for the Centre’s new laboratory to be located at the Basic Medical Sciences Building on the University’s Bannatyne Campus.
 
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations, and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.