$1.2M for multiple sclerosis research in Alberta

Dorval, QC – Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada says it is providing $1.2 million in Alberta to collaborate with the Alberta government for research in multiple sclerosis (MS). The funding marks the first collaboration under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Novartis and the Alberta government intended to stimulate health research and innovation in the province.

The $1.2 million funding will support research for the treatment of MS. The goal of the $1.2 million funding for MS research is to look at novel innovations, evaluation methods and care pathways and to translate these into practice to further the understanding of the disease and care of MS patients.

“This investment is a milestone for MS research in Alberta, which has one of the highest prevalence rates for the disease in the world¹,” said Dr. Riad Sherif B., president of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada. “Novartis commends the Alberta government for taking a proactive and collaborative approach to investing in the life sciences. We will bring our expertise in MS and neurosciences to this collaboration to support advances that will contribute to improving the lives of Albertans with MS.”

The MOU between Novartis and the Alberta government was signed in 2012. Under the agreement, the parties will assess opportunities to develop, fund, manage and commercialize innovations in health that support the interests and strategies of the two signatories. Areas for collaboration include neurosciences, autoimmune diseases and inflammation, oncology, molecular diagnostics, pulmonary and cardiac diseases, diabetes, and vaccines.

Note:

¹ Warren SA, Svenson LW, Warren KG, Contribution of incidence to increasing prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Alberta, Canada, Multiple Sclerosis Journal, August 2008; 14:7, 872-879, accessed on November 12, 2013 at: http://msj.sagepub.com/content/14/7/872.short