TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2018 /CNW/ - The Health Research Foundation (HRF) of Innovative Medicines Canada, along with Prix Galien and Research Canada: An Alliance for Health Discovery, are proud to announce the winners of this year's pre-eminent Canadian health research awards.These awards recognize and celebrate the best and brightest minds and discoveries in the Canadian life sciences sector.
The winners of this year's awards are:
HRF Medal of Honour: Dr. David Jenkins
Dr. David Jenkins is a world leader in nutrition research who has received international recognition for his contributions to the field of nutritional therapies for chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. He led the team that first defined and explored the concept of the glycemic index of foods. Dr. Jenkins was the first to demonstrate the breadth of metabolic effects of viscous soluble fiber (as found in fruit, certain beans, oats and barley) on blood glucose and the relevance of lowering cholesterol to prevention and treatment of diabetes and heart disease. His studies in combining cholesterol-lowering food components (dietary portfolio) have been recognized as creating an effective dietary alternative to drug therapy for lower risk people.
Dr. Jenkins is currently a Professor in both the Departments of Nutritional Sciences and Medicine at the University of Toronto, a Staff Physician in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, the Director of the Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center of St. Michael's Hospital, and a Scientist in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute also of St. Michael's Hospital.
Research Canada Leadership in Advocacy Award: Dr. Marla Shapiro
Dr. Marla Shapiro is a champion for Canadian health research and health innovation. As a physician and media personality, she has worked tirelessly to promote health research and health innovation through her numerous written publications, television appearances, and the behind-the-scenes work on academic and voluntary boards and committees. Dr. Shapiro has taken her own personal experiences with disease and loss and channeled them into passionate advocacy dedicated to bettering the lives, health and well-being of all Canadians.
Prix Galien Canada Innovative Product Award: Novartis
The Prix Galien Canada - Innovative Product Award for 2018 is awarded to Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. for Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto), the first medicine of its kind that improves the heart's ability to pump blood to the body through a unique mode of action which impacts the heart's neurohormonal systems. The initial discovery of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) by Dr. Adolfo de Bold of Queen's University in Canada led to the further discovery of naprilysin, the enzyme that degrades ANP, and to an inhibitor of naprilysin, sacubitril. The combination of an angiotensin receptor blocking agent (valsartan) and sacubitril to form Entresto has resulted in elevated standards of care in reducing cardio-vascular death and heart failure hospitalizations, and notable improvements in patients' quality of life.
Quick Facts
- The HRF Medal of Honour was first awarded in 1945 and recognizes remarkable individuals whose research or contributions to public policies supportive of research and development in Canada have achieved international recognition. Recipients have made pivotal contributions to the advancement of knowledge in health sciences and/or the improvement of therapeutics healthcare.
- The Prix Galien Canada is the most prestigious award in the field of Canadian pharmaceutical research and innovation, recognizing the efforts and achievements of pharmaceutical research and development.
- The Research Canada Leadership Award honours champions in health research advocacy and is given on an annual basis to recognize outstanding efforts in advocating for Canadian health research at the local, provincial and/or national level.
About the Health Research Foundation of Innovative Medicines Canada
The Health Research Foundation (HRF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and promote the value of health research in Canada. By applying the highest standards of scientific excellence, addressing health system sustainability challenges and establishing partnerships, the HRF, one of the leading private health research foundations in the country, contributes significantly to the prevention and treatment of disease, to a better health care system and the availability for Canadians to access effective health products.
About The Prix Galien
The Prix Galien is the most prestigious award in the field of Canadian pharmaceutical research and innovation. Referred to as the Nobel Prize of pharmaceutical research, it recognizes the efforts and achievements of pharmaceutical research and development. The Prix Galien Canada is organized by Innovation Life Canada, a non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate Canadian innovation in the life sciences.
About Research Canada
Research Canada: An Alliance for Health Discovery, is a national, broad-based alliance dedicated to increasing investments in health research through collaborative advocacy. We believe health research is a shared benefit, shared responsibility and an investment in Canada's future. We engage government, academia, industry and non-profit sectors to build support for balanced and long-term health research funding – investments that strengthen Canada's innovation system and lead to better health, sustainable health care, new commercialization opportunities, and skilled jobs for Canadians. Only through sustained and balanced investments in health research will Canada succeed in keeping its citizens the healthiest and most prosperous in the world.
SOURCE Innovative Medicines Canada
Sarah Dion-Marquis, Director, Media and Public Relations, Innovative Medicinces Canada, Telephone: (613) 769-6510, E-mail: [email protected]
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