Research

The Beaulieu-Saucier Université de Montréal Pharmacogenomics Centre supports several large scale publicly and privately funded research projects in pharmacogenomics. The Centre also supports ongoing pharmacogenomic substudies for large pharma, as well as working with public agencies like Héma-Québec.

PHARMACOGENOMICS OF DRUG EFFICACY AND DRUG TOXICITY IN THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS: JEAN-CLAUDE TARDIF M.D. and MICHAEL PHILLIPS Ph.D.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in men and women in Canada and the developed countries. Although significant progress has been made in the treatment of CVD, clinicians and drug policy makers at both the federal and provincial levels clearly recognize the importance of developing effective strategies to address drug efficacy problems and to reduce adverse drug reactions (ADRs) resulting from CVD treatment.

Newer technologies and developments in pharmacogenomic approaches has lead the way to tackling medical issues concerning adverse drug reactions and the efficacy of drugs. The purpose of the three-year study is to examine approximately 5000 dyslipidemic patients from an international and national cohort who present clear rhabdomyolysis/muscular intolerance phenotypes and other less severe, but clinically relevant muscular intolerance phenotypes. A genome-wide association study using Illumina’s Human 610 Quad panel will be undertaken in early 2009. In addition, patient samples will be screened against custom genetic panels that specifically target ADME/toxicity.

For more information, contact Michael Phillips, Project Manager, mphillips@pharmacogenomics.ca.

Want to participate in this study? We are currently recruiting subjects.

QUEBEC CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOGENOMICS RESEARCH INITIATIVE

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS: JEAN-CLAUDE TARDIF M.D. and MICHAEL PHILLIPS Ph.D.

In partnership with Génome Québec, VIA Pharmaceuticals and technology partners Illumina, Invitrogen and Agencourt BioScience, this two-year project aims to accelerate the development of the platforms needed for clinical pharmacogenomics testing in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. An important part of this project is the development of a prototype Pharmacogenomics Health Information Management System (PHIMS).

For more information, contact Madjid Hihi, Project Manager, mhihi@pharmacogenomics.ca

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN PERSONALIZED MEDICINE AT THE MONTREAL HEART INSTITUTE

This projects represents an investment of more than $22M over five years. Of this amount, $13.8 will be provided by the Government of Canada’s Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) program. The remainder will come from investments by private and public partners, including the ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation of Québec.

The mission of the Centre of Excellence in Personalized Medicine is to develop approaches and methods that will optimize treatment and ensure their rapid and productive transition from the research stage to use in clinical practice. The integration of pharmacogenomics and biomarkers into drug development will improve effectiveness and safety, enabling the proper drug to be prescribed to the proper patient, at the proper dosage, right from the start. The Centre, which was developed in collaboration with major corporations from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, will serve as a unique tool in positioning these strategic sectors on the international stage.

For more information, contact Clarissa Desjardins, CEO, Centre of Excellence in Personalized Medicine, cdesjardins@cepmed.com