MONTREAL, July 14, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - The pandemic has highlighted the importance of supporting scientific research in order to allow investigators to find real solutions to deal with public health issues such as COVID-19 or cancer. In this context, IRICoR and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation (QBCF) have joined forces to fund research on breast cancer, a cancer that affects a large and vulnerable population. Today, they proudly announce the four recipients of their joint LeadAction|Breast Cancer du Sein Competition, launched across Canada. These winning investigators from Quebec will benefit from a total amount of 3 million dollars over three years, with $1.5M coming from IRICoR and $1.5M from the QBCF.
This substantial support will enable recipients to accelerate their innovative breast cancer research work in order to offer more therapeutic options to those affected. The projects selected target two major breast cancer issues:
- Understanding why certain types of breast cancer are treatment-resistant and thus fight these resistance mechanisms with new therapies.
- Developing new treatments for aggressive types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative and HER2-dependent.
"The LeadAction|Breast Cancer du Sein Competition is unique and innovative! It is translated by the convergence of three vital scientific and social innovation components, namely science, industry and the patient community. Therefore, by jointly launching this call, IRICoR and the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation have met the glaring needs of the people affected by breast cancer, by supporting large-scale projects that will result in developing new promising therapies", points out Jida El Hajjar, Ph.D., Vice-President of Investment and Health Promotion at the QBCF.
"Leading-edge breast cancer research must effectively translate into benefits to patients. The LeadAction|Breast Cancer du Sein Competition represents an exceptional opportunity to support creative projects that will ensure the development of novel therapeutic solutions for those suffering from breast cancer. This Competition allows us to seize the opportunity of combining our expertise in transforming research into therapeutic innovations with respect to the needs of breast cancer patients. IRICoR is excited about the outstanding quality of the projects submitted as part of the LeadAction|Breast Cancer du sein Competition launched across Canada", added Dr. Nadine Beauger, Ph.D., MBA, Chief Executive Officer of IRICoR.
Recipients of the LeadAction|Breast Cancer du Sein Competition
Following a competitive process and a thorough assessment of applications from Quebec and the rest of Canada by an independent international peer committee, four projects were selected:
1. Blocking the addictions of cancerous tumors in order to destroy them
Rationally designed approaches to target mRNA translation in eradicating poor outcome breast cancers [Team headed by Jerry Pelletier, Principal Investigator at the Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University]
While cancer cells depend on the translation of mRNA to produce the proteins required for their aggressive nature, no molecule has yet been developed to block that process in breast cancer. The team headed by Jerry Pelletier seeks to remedy that situation by developing a molecule belonging to a whole new class of anti-cancer agent that can target and block that addiction.
2. Countering resistance to treatments
Development of orally bioavailable antiestrogens optimized for induction of estrogen receptor post-translational modifications by SUMOylation [Team headed by Sylvie Mader, Principal Investigator at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal]
30 to 50% of patients affected by hormone-dependent (ER+) breast cancer develop resistance to therapies targeting the estrogen receptor. This team has already discovered that SUMOylation of the estrogen receptor contributes to the efficacy of fulvestrant, an anti-estrogen used in the treatment of ER+ breast cancer progressing after hormonal therapy. They are now working on developing new molecules optimized for this activity to better treat those affected by ER+ metastatic breast cancer.
3. Demystifying the role of a protein responsible for the spread of triple-negative breast cancer
Development of small-molecule inhibitors of Ran GTPase as anti-cancer agents [Team headed by Anne-Marie Mes-Masson, Principal Investigator at the CHUM Research Centre]
Breast cancer is much more difficult to treat at the metastatic stage. In many cases, the protein Ran is associated with the spread of the disease to the other healthy tissues. The two investigators are currently testing molecules to curb the protein Ran for the purpose of slowing down or stopping the progression of breast cancer.
4. Developing a new molecule comparable to vitamin D to fight triple-negative breast cancer
Bifunctional vitamin D analogues as novel therapeutics against triple-negative breast cancer [Team headed by John White, Principal Investigator at the Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital]
This team of investigators developed a new class of molecules as therapeutic agents against triple-negative breast cancer. They are vitamin D analogues. Their distinctive feature: they combine 2 active functions against cancer, namely HDAC inhibitors and the active form of vitamin D.
About IRICoR
Designated as a Centre of Excellence in Research and Commercialization (CECR) by the Canadian government and based at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal, IRICoR is a pan-Canadian leader in the de-risking of early-stage assets in the field of drug discovery. IRICoR's mandate is to accelerate the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel therapies in cancer and rare diseases. Since 2008, IRICoR has been successfully investing in and supporting selected high-value projects in order to rapidly translate early-stage innovation into potential new therapies, through either co-development partnerships with the biopharmaceutical industry or the creation of spin-off companies. IRICoR seamlessly combines its business-related expertise with access to industry-level drug discovery capabilities, providing selected academic and industry projects with access to its network of experts and cutting-edge infrastructure, including one of the largest academia-based drug discovery unit in Canada. IRICoR's major funding sources include the federal CECR Program, the Ministère de l'Économie et de l'Innovation du Québec (MEI), and collaborative partnerships with the biopharmaceutical industry.
For more information about IRICoR: iricor.ca
About the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation (QBCF) is dedicated to achieving its vision: a breast cancer free future. Breast cancer milestones underline the importance of our MISSION: advancing leading-edge research, education, community support, and advocacy. Since 1994, QBCF has raised more than $46 million to support promising research leading to key breakthroughs in breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of life care. Our role as catalyst for establishing strategic collaborations brought cancer institutions, health professionals, and researchers to adopt interesting innovations such as artificial intelligence, telehealth, 3-D printing, big data, and many more. Together with our researchers, volunteers, supporters, stakeholders and staff, we are committed to continue our mission and to transform breast cancer control.
For more information about the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation: rubanrose.org/en
SOURCE IRICOR
For further information or interviews: Marie-Pier Cornellier, Media Relations and Communications Specialist, Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, 819 572-1254, [email protected] ; Noémie Desbois Mackenzie, Communication Advisor, Public Relations, IRICoR, 514 475-7682, [email protected]
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