EDMONTON, June 20, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, Servier Canada Inc, the Canadian affiliate of The Servier Research Group, the University Hospital Foundation, and the Government of Alberta's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, announced the formation of the Servier Alberta Innovation in Health Fund, a Private Public Philanthropic Partnership in support of research and innovation.
The $1.7 million fund will focus on fostering and accelerating research and health innovation in four areas of healthcare - cardiac sciences, diabetes, neurology and oncology.
"Servier Canada is pleased to partner with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and the University Hospital Foundation to establish the Servier Alberta Innovation in Health Fund (SAIHF). The province of Alberta is recognized for having both nationally and internationally respected leaders in health research and innovation. The SAIHF fund will support their expertise to further advance initiatives and innovative health solutions that will lead to economic and societal benefits within the province," stated Frederic Fasano, Chief Executive Officer of Servier Canada.
"Servier Canada's first investment at the University of Alberta Hospital site brought the most advanced 3D imaging to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute," said Bob Bessette, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the University Hospital Foundation. "That's why we are so proud to be partnering with them again, along with Economic Development and Trade, to create the Servier Alberta Innovation in Health Fund."
Dr. Ken Butcher, stroke neurologist and researcher at the University of Alberta Hospital, adds the three-way partnership will open doors to healthcare innovation that will benefit all Albertans. "Innovation begins with research, but it can't advance to the stage where it impacts patient care without the support and guidance of partnerships like the Servier Alberta Innovation in Health Fund. That's what makes this an exciting day not only for researchers, but everyone who may need healthcare one day – which is all of us."
It will also have a positive impact on Alberta's economy, said the Honourable Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade. "By investing in partnerships like this to advance innovations in the life sciences, we are diversifying Alberta's economy and connecting our innovators to national and international expertise & mentorship."
Servier Canada's previous $1 million investment to the University Hospital Foundation led to the opening in 2014 of the Servier Virtual Cardiac Centre at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, the first of its kind in Canada.
About University Hospital Foundation
The University Hospital Foundation raises and manages funds to advance patient care, research and health care education at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic.
Learn more at: www.GiveToUHF.ca
About Alberta Economic Development and Trade
The Ministry of Alberta Economic Development and Trade focuses on economic growth and diversification by supporting innovation and research; expanding access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises; promoting trade, investment and market access initiatives; and leading Alberta's negotiations on trade agreements.
Please visit our website at http://economic.alberta.ca
About Servier Canada
Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation with its headquarters in Suresnes (France). With a strong international presence in 148 countries, Servier employs 21 000 people worldwide. Corporate growth is driven by Servier's constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, immune-inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Being completely independent, the Group reinvests 25% of turnover in research and development and uses all its profits for growth.
Servier Canada was established in 1978 in Laval, Quebec and employs over 320 people across Canada. Servier Canada is currently marketing medicines in Cardiology, Hematology and Diabetes, and will soon market oncology products indicated as treatment options in hematological malignancies. For additional information please visit our website at www.servier.ca
SOURCE Servier Canada Inc.
Media contacts: Nadine Doucet, Servier Canada, (450) 978-9700 ext. 4225, (514) 601-4881, [email protected]; Nicole Merrifield, University Hospital Foundation, (780) 407-6937, (780) 719-0313, [email protected]; Jean-Marc Prevost, Alberta Economic Development & Trade, (587) 988-4119, [email protected]
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