Research on new stem cell models receives $2.6 million
Thomas Durcan’s project will dissect the role of microglia in degenerative conditions, to identify new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's treatment
An innovative new program based at The Neuro has received $2.6 million from the CQDM and the Brain Canada Foundation.
Led by neuroscientist Thomas Durcan, PhD, in collaboration with scientists from Merck pharmaceutical company, the project will dissect the role of microglia in degenerative conditions and enable the identification of new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's treatment. Microglia are nervous cells that regulate brain development, maintenance of neuronal networks, and injury repair. Changes in their functioning affect brain development and aging, as well as neurodegeneration.
Durcan’s grant, totaling $2.6 million, is made possible by $407,814 from the Quebec government via the CQDM, as well as $500,000 from the Brain Canada Foundation. Merck Canada is also contributing $867,403 to continue its existing collaboration with Durcan to search for novel therapeutic targets through stem cell models.
The project is one of three funded by the CQDM/Brain Canada partnership, totaling $4.5 million.
“By joining forces, this initiative will accelerate the development of tools, therapies and treatments for common neurological disorders, bringing tangible benefits to Quebec and Canadian patients while generating economic spin-offs for the companies involved,” says Diane Gosselin, President and CEO of CQDM.
"The brain is a complex enigma that requires us to innovate and rethink our approach to offer new solutions to patients. Despite the progress we've made, there are still many unmet needs. The three projects we are funding are pushing back the frontiers of research and placing Quebec and Canada at the forefront of the development of revolutionary medical solutions to better meet the challenges of healthcare," says Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada Foundation.
