Cancer Populomix Institute launched in Fredericton

Fredericton, NB – A new research institute in eastern Canada organization will facilitate research on the prevention and early detection of cancer.

The institute, called Cancer Populomix Institute (CPxI), is the result of a collaborative effort among leading eastern Canadian research institutions, with the goal of substantially enhancing the region’s research capabilities in the critical area of early cancer detection. It has already developed a partnership with the world-renowned Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center of Seattle, Wash. The New Brunswick Innovation Foundation provided the first funding to initiate the institute.

As a research organization, CPxI’s goals include identifying and managing resources to support research initiatives, and facilitating interactions and exchanges with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. It will be headquartered in Fredericton.

Atlantic Canada’s stable population will provide critical information about molecular keys, or biomarkers, and help to better understand, create diagnostic tests for, and develop strategies in the fight against the disease.

CPxI chairman Warren McKenzie recently announced the institute’s launch, along with the province’s premier, Bernard Lord, and Dr Lee Hartwell, president and director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and winner of the Nobel Prize in medicine for 2001.

“This is a major step forward,” says Mr McKenzie. “The CPxI will bring together the significant skill of researchers in science, health, medicine, computer science and statistics from institutions throughout the region. This collaborative effort will enhance the ability of the region to participate more fully in research for the prevention, early detection and cure of cancer.”