Mission to BIO International deemed a success

“BIO is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our province’s research capabilities and potential to funders who are looking for nimble, innovative partnerships that improve patient care and strengthen our healthcare system,” said Health Minister Bruce Fitch.

The three projects were announced during a news conference in the Canada pavilion late Monday:

•           A new partnership among Horizon Health Network, the Extra-Mural Program and Roche Canada will evaluate treating some cancer patients at home by using subcutaneous injection.

•           The New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training, Horizon Health Network and Abbvie’s Canadian affiliate will collaborate on a study on the epidemiology and management of large B-cell lymphoma.

•           A study examining the epidemiology, treatment patterns, outcomes and health resource utilization of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, which stemmed from a partnership between the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training and AstraZeneca, has been extended.

Details on these projects will be released over the coming days as they are finalized.

In addition, researchers and the province’s regional health authorities reached agreement on four partnerships that had their beginnings at last year’s convention. Other meetings were held that could lead to more announcements.

“The digital health sector offers technological advances that transform health care for people around the world,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Greg Turner, who is also minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “This convention is an opportunity to show potential investors that great things are happening in New Brunswick and that our health ecosystem is primed for innovation and growth.”

The convention is the world’s largest biotechnology event and welcomes more than 14,000 attendees every year, including researchers, pharmaceutical companies, health-technology companies and governments from more than 65 countries. The event began Monday and continues through Thursday.

The mission was organized by ResearchNB, which provides the province’s research sector with leadership and support, including advocacy, initial funding, connections to potential partners, and helping transform developments in science into economic opportunities.

“We are thrilled to be connecting members of our province’s research ecosystem to potential partners from around the world as we work to transform health care and enhance our bioeconomy,” said Damon Goodwin, CEO of ResearchNB. “Our role in building win-win collaborations is one we take seriously because they drive advancements in patient care, support a thriving bioeconomy and increase economic growth.”