Transformative New Research Platform

$4.2 million in funding for the Institut de pharmacologie de Sherbrooke (IPS)

A transformative new platform for research
on several brain disorders

Neuroscience research is taking a decisive step forward for Université de Sherbrooke and its partner CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, including its research centres. Thanks to a $4.2 million contribution from Brain Canada Foundation to the Institut de pharmacologie de Sherbrooke (IPS), a translational platform will see the light of day. CANDID (Center for Accelerating Neuroscience Drug and Imaging Development), the first of its kind in Canada, will fast-track the discovery and development of new treatments for central nervous system (CNS) pathologies.

Millions of people in Canada, are affected by central nervous system diseases such as glioblastoma, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cognitive decline, and chronic pain. Two major obstacles are currently slowing research into these notoriously difficult-to-treat diseases: complex and costly processes, and the blood-brain barrier, i.e., the protective structure that prevents many therapeutics from reaching the brain. Understanding and overcoming these challenges will be a key focus of the research team’s work.

The CANDID platform will tackle these obstacles by bringing together complementary expertise in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, cellular and structural biology, neuroimaging, artificial intelligence, preclinical modelling, and clinical trials. This one-stop shop for cutting-edge research will act as a centralized national resource for the scientific community.

“We aim to establish a continuum of technological platforms designed to accelerate the transition from basic to preclinical and clinical research,” says Professor Philippe Sarret, Scientific Director of the Institut de pharmacologie de Sherbrooke (IPS).

“The goal is to support all key stages of new drug development, from molecule identification to preclinical validation, in order to increase the chances of success during clinical trials.”

A driving force for innovation and training at IPS

By gathering all stages of CNS drug development under one roof, CANDID will also help train the next generation of scientists and stimulate the growth of Canada’s biopharmaceutical and biomedical sectors.

“The announcement of this new platform illustrates the IPS’s unparalleled expertise. Its team of experienced researchers are leading the charge in drug research through their interdisciplinary approach and innovative spirit,” says Professor Jean-Pierre Perreault, Rector of the Université de Sherbrooke.

“Brain Canada’s contribution will enable the IPS to strengthen its critical mass of scientists and research expertise to accelerate the discovery of new drugs, all while training the next generation of researchers.”

“We extend our sincere thanks to Brain Canada for its financial support and the trust it has placed in our team.”

An integrated, cross-sectoral platform

The CANDID initiative marks an important new step in Canada’s push to develop its domestic drug production capabilities and position itself as a major player in drug discovery. Funding is made possible through Brain Canada’s 2024 Platform Support Grants (PSG) program, which aims to support strategic research infrastructure.

“CANDID is an ambitious and exciting initiative that holds enormous promise.”

“It reflects the core goals of our PSG—to invest in enabling infrastructure, to support collaboration and innovation, and to drive scientific progress that ultimately improves lives,” explains Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada.

Strong partnerships to drive advancements

This platform brings together top-tier partners capable of meeting the challenges of neuroscientific research head-on. Thanks to WhiteLabs, Qubit, and Nestlé Health Science, as well as the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS, the Centre de recherche du CHUS, and the Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement, these advances could make their way into industrial and clinical settings.

“Our partnership with the Université de Sherbrooke ensures, among other things, that research and care are complementary, feeding off each other to transform science into solutions and discovery into hope. CANDID is one more step in the right direction.” – Stéphanie McMahon, Director, Direction de la coordination de la mission universitaire, CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS