JDRF launches Clinical Trial Network Centre at University of Waterloo

Waterloo — Southern Ontario is one step closer to becoming a world-class hub for diabetes research. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada (JDRF) announced yesterday that the University of Waterloo, in alliance with McMaster University, will serve as the Centre for its Clinical Trial Network.

In November 2009, the federal government made a commitment of $20 million to support the launch of a Clinical Trial Network for diabetes research, funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). JDRF is contributing an additional $13.9 million, resulting in a $33.9 million investment that will help bring new technologies to the marketplace, so that Canadians and people around the world can benefit.

“Our government’s Economic Action Plan investments in type 1 diabetes research will create the jobs of the future and keep southern Ontario at the forefront of innovation and research,” said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (FedDev Ontario). “As the clinical trial network project progresses, we are closer to achieving our goal of creating jobs, strengthening the economy and improving Canadians’ quality of life.”

“We are delighted to select this Centre as we progress with this exciting initiative. This partnership is about utilizing Southern Ontario’s greatest strengths to create a research network unique in both Canada and the world. This announcement moves us that much closer to achieving this goal,” said Andrew McKee, President & CEO, JDRF Canada.

In addition to creating highly-skilled jobs, this new partnership will diversify Ontario’s economy into research fields for which there are worldwide needs, and attract international researchers and institutions to the province.

“Waterloo welcomes the opportunity to deepen our already broad involvement in health-related research by collaborating with JDRF and McMaster on this innovative approach to the management of clinical trials,” said David Johnston, President of the University of Waterloo. “The Centre will provide a Canadian beachhead for clinical trial activities aimed at reducing the impact of diabetes.”

University of Waterloo is one of the world’s best technology and data management institutions, and McMaster University currently operates the largest set of clinical trials in Canada.