Génome Québec receives $30 million to strengthen Québec's competitiveness in
genomics

QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 8 /CNW Telbec/ - Génome Québec welcomes the initiative launched by the Québec Government, which, while unveiling its biopharmaceutical strategy, announced an investment of $30 million in genomics, a key sector for the development of biotechnologies. The sum was granted to Génome Québec and aims at helping Québec maintain its leadership position and strengthen its competitiveness in the field.

Confirmed today by the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Clément Gignac, the investment is critical for the socio-economic development and competitiveness of the life sciences sector. This sum will help to meet the investment targets set out in the Québec Strategy for Research and Innovation and, in particular, to address urgent funding needs in genomics research. Génome Québec recognizes the major efforts made by the government, especially given the difficult economic context at this time.

For President and CEO of Génome Québec, Jean-Marc Proulx, the announcement clearly demonstrates the Québec Government's commitment to the knowledge-based economy and its dedication to retaining top research expertise. "Genomics has led to notable achievements in the area of human health, sustainable development, and energy and natural resources management. Working closely with its partners, Génome Québec will use these funds to fuel this innovation sector, one of the most promising for the Québec economy and the well-being of its citizens."

The $30 million investment will be used to stimulate genomics research and consolidate our critical mass through the recruitment and retention of top researchers.

Catalina Lopez Correa, Vice President, Scientific Affairs for Génome Québec, welcomed the news and was already discussing the launch of a genomics competition focused on human health, an initiative that would be consistent with the objectives of the biopharmaceutical strategy presented by Minister Gignac. "Genomics is a crucial component of biopharmaceutical research. In personalized medicine, for example, genomics analyses are used to clearly determine the benefits and risks associated with the use of a given drug by different individuals."

About Génome Québec

Génome Québec is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen Québec's innovation system in genomics by financing major genomics research initiatives. Since 2001, more than $400 million has been invested to accelerate the discovery of new applications, such as screening tests, therapeutic tools in medicine and new environmental procedures in agriculture and forestry. The funds invested by Génome Québec are provided by the Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, the Government of Canada through Genome Canada and private partners. To find out more about Génome Québec and genomics, visit our Web site at www.genomequebec.com.

For further information: Marie-Kym Brisson, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, [phone]