Research project to explore new therapies for Alzheimer’s treatment

Source: The Neuro

An innovative new program based at The Neuro has received $2.6 million from Brain Canada and CQDM.

Led by neuroscientist Thomas Durcan, PhD, in collaboration with scientists from Merck pharmaceutical company, the project will dissect the role of microglia in degenerative conditions and enable the identification of new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s treatment. Microglia are nervous cells that regulate brain development, maintenance of neuronal networks, and injury repair. Changes in their functioning affect brain development and aging, as well as neurodegeneration.

Durcan’s grant, totaling $2.6 million, is made possible by $407,814 from the Quebec government via the CQDM, as well as $500,000 from the Brain Canada Foundation. Merck Canada is also contributing $867,403 to continue its existing collaboration with Durcan to search for novel therapeutic targets through stem cell models.

The project is one of three funded by the Brain Canada/CQDM partnership, totaling $4.5 million.

The hope is that by innovating with new stem cell models, we can uncover new mechanisms and pathways associated with Alzheimer’s disease, that weren’t previously known with earlier approaches.

Thomas M Durcan, Ph.D.

Supporting innovation, through collaboration

The brain is a complex enigma that requires us to innovate and rethink our approach to offer new solutions to patients. Despite the progress we’ve made, there are still many unmet needs. With these projects, we are placing Canada at the forefront of the development of revolutionary medical solutions to better meet the challenges of healthcare.

Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada Foundation.

Read the full story: Research on new stem cell models receives $2.6 million