HMR receives $1.5 million for stem cell research

The Fondation de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (FHMR) is pleased that the Government of Canada has just awarded $1.5 million in funding for two research projects on stem cell treatments at the HMR.

Stem cell treatment: the medicine of the future

This funding, granted through the Stem Cell Network, will benefit the research project of Dr. Sandra Cohen, a clinician in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, and that of Dr. Gilbert Bernier. It demonstrates the importance of stem cell treatment, which is already saving lives here at the HMR today and offers a way forward to treat many diseases that are currently considered incurable.

Stem cell therapy: A long-standing commitment from the Foundation

For more than 40 years, the Foundation has been a beacon of healing for the Hospital’s patients. It funds numerous research projects on stem cell treatments. In 2012, it contributed $9 million to the Centre of Excellence in Cellular Therapy (CECT), an international reference in its field, headed by Dr. Denis Claude Roy, who is recognized for his expertise in stem cells.

About the FHMR

A key partner of the Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (HMR) since 1978, the Foundation supports the hospital in its strategic development orientations in order to better meet the needs of patients. It provides funding for projects focusing on the ongoing improvement of patient care, the development of teaching and the expansion of research. As part of its ongoing efforts, the Foundation is currently conducting a major fundraising campaign to raise $15 millions for stem cell research.

About Stem Cells

Stem cells are the building blocks of the body. They ensure the growth, regeneration and repair of tissues. Used in regenerative medicine, they hold immense promise for the treatment of diseases such as particular cancers, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

˃ Read the press release from the CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal. (in French only)

˃ Watch the testimonials of three patients (in French only).

From left to right: Dr. Denis-Claude Roy, Directeur scientifique of Centre de recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont and Director of Research at CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’île-de-Montréal; Cate Murray, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Stem Cell Network; Dre. Véronique Moulin, chercheur at Centre LOEX de l’Université Laval and at Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval; Dre. May Griffith, chercheur at Centre de recherche de l’HMR et Full Professor at Département d’ophtalmologie de l’Université de Montréal; Dr. Gilbert Bernier, chercheur at Centre de recherche de l’HMR, Associate Professor at Département de neurosciences de l’Université de Montréal and researcher; Pr. Julie Fradette, chercheure régulière au CRCHU de Québec-Université Laval depuis 2005, et professeure titulaire au département de chirurgie de la Faculté de médecine de l’Université Laval; Dr. Michael Rudnicki, Scientific Director and CEO of the Stem Cell Network; William Amos, Secretary to Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry; Soraya Martinez, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; Dr. Sandra Cohen, researcher at Service d’hématologie et d’oncologie médicale de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont and Associate Professor at Département de médecine, Université de Montréal; Jean-François Fortin Verreault, président-directeur général adjoint, CIUSSS de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal;