Federal government investing nearly $7 million in stem cell research

The federal government recently announced their intention to invest $6.9 million in stem cell research.

Stem cells are the building blocks of the body, and are responsible for growing and repairing tissue; they have the potential to treat a myriad of illnesses including heart disease–the leading cause of death in North America.

Canada has been one of the leading countries when it comes to stem cell research, and Canadian researchers have brought stem cells from the lab into hospitals to save countless lives.

This funding will go towards nine translational projects and four clinical trials across the country aimed at providing new therapies and fostering continued growth in Canada’s regenerative medicine sector.

Two of the projects are being conducted by the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Quebec; one trial involves testing a promising new protocol to make blood stem cell transplants available to more patients with severe leukemia, the other is a biotechnology partnership that is advancing a stem cell-based approach to vision loss.

“When we invest in science, we invest in better, healthier lives for everyone,” Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, said in a news release.

“Our government’s support will help Canadian researchers further their ground-breaking work to tackle some of the most serious illnesses we face today. Congratulations to all of the recipients, and thank you for your work to keep Canada on the cutting edge of discovery and innovation,” he continued.