Announcements

Brain Canada and CQDM fund collaborative research project to unlock the potential of RNA therapies    

Group photo of seven people standing in front of a purple and blue backdrop with a Quebec flag visible. They are dressed in business attire, smiling, and posing for the camera at an event.

In Boston Wednesday June 18, Quebec Minister for the Economy Christopher Skeete joined representatives from CQDM and partners to highlight Quebec’s leadership in life sciences innovation.

Brain Canada in partnership with CQDM is proud to announce the funding of a collaborative research project focused on the development of RNA-based therapies.  This project is a powerful example of the exceptional vitality of Quebec’s biotechnology ecosystem and the ingenuity of its researchers. This initiative leverages innovative delivery technologies designed to transport next-generation therapies safely and effectively to their target sites, paving the way for the treatment of diseases with unmet medical needs.  

By investing in this project Brain Canada is supporting the development of novel technologies that will open the door to new advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders. 

Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada. 

New Hope for Treating Central Nervous System Disorders Through RNA Therapeutics 

RNA Technologies & Therapeutics (RNA T&T) and CereCura Nanotherapeutics, in collaboration with Professor Sébastien Tremblay from Université Laval who is also an affiliated researcher at CERVO, and Professor Brian MacVicar from the University of British Columbia, are joining forces to evaluate a novel therapeutic approach targeting the central nervous system (CNS). Their technology, which uses high-quality optimized messenger RNA sequences designed and produced by RNA Technologies & Therapeutics and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP-RNA), instructs specialized cells within the CNS to produce and secrete a desired therapeutic protein that can then diffuse throughout the brain. This approach holds great promise for the treatment of a wide range of brain disorders. This project, valued at $1.46 million is supported by a grant of $538,037 from Brain Canada, will help the participating companies strengthen the proof of concept for the technology and advance the development of a lead therapeutic candidate. Its success could attract new investors and clinical partners, while supporting the continued commercial development of a transformative solution co-developed in Quebec and British Columbia for neurological disorders. 

“By supporting innovative projects in the promising field of RNA therapies from the earliest stages, we are actively contributing to creating value for Quebec, both scientifically and economically, while strengthening our position in a strategic sector for the future of healthcare.” Véronique Dugas, President and CEO of CQDM. 

“As an anchor company in Quebec’s RNA field, we are incredibly proud to contribute to the growth of Quebec’s bio-innovation and manufacturing landscape. By providing cutting-edge RNA solutions, our active participation in this initiative further indicates our unwavering support to the province’s ambition for greater autonomy and increasing leadership in critical biotechnologies, further cementing Quebec’s position as a global leader in biosciences.” stated Pierrino Torbey, Interim CEO of RNA T&T. 

“This significant investment from Brain Canada and CQDM is a powerful validation of CereCura’s innovative LNP-mRNA approach to treating brain disorders. Their support will enable us and our collaborators to push forward critical preclinical milestones, bringing our unique technology closer to delivering new hope for patients facing these devastating conditions.” Louis-Philippe Bernier, CEO & Co-founder of CereCura Nanotherapeutics. 

Brain Canada | CQDM | Mental Illness