VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Contextual Genomics, a molecular diagnostics company developing genomic based cancer tests, and the Personalized Medicine Initiative (PMI), an organization bringing molecular-based medicine to Canadians, are pleased to welcome Pfizer Canada to its National Access Project consortium.
The National Access Project’s aim is to make genomic cancer testing available to any Canadian diagnosed with cancer and to drive and facilitate a shift toward personalized medicine, in which patients receive tailored treatment options correlated to their specific tumor profile. Pfizer Canada has provided a grant and technical support as part of their commitment to the National Access Project for Cancer Testing.
“We are pleased to receive Pfizer’s support of the National Access Project to improve access to genomic cancer testing in Canada,” said Contextual Genomics’ President and CEO, Chris Wagner. “Currently only a small number of cancer patients receive genomic cancer testing which provides valuable molecular information regarding the genes contributing to the cancer. Access to genomic cancer testing will help to minimize a trial and error approach, reduce adverse drug reactions and support better health outcomes,” he added.
“At Pfizer Oncology, we are committed to the discovery, investigation and development of innovative treatment options to improve the outlook for cancer patients. By working collaboratively with and supporting partners such as Contextual Genomics and the Personalized Medicine Initiative, we are getting closer to our goal of delivering the right drug for each patient at the right time,” said Dr. Craig Eagle, General Manager, Pfizer Oncology Canada.
The National Access Project for Cancer Testing, managed by the Personalized Medicine Initiative with testing provided by Contextual Genomics, launched in February. The program provides a 90-mutation cancer genomics test for 2,000 cancer patients free of charge in ten centres across Canada. Each identified mutation is actionable with current medications or Phase 3 investigational treatments. As part of the program, real-time reports will be made available enabling patients and oncologists to make informed treatment decisions early.
“We value the ongoing support from Pfizer Canada in the Personalized Medicine Initiative at UBC. Investments like this one with Contextual Genomics in oncology and the Pharmacogenomics Implementation project in primary care will contribute to the growing knowledge on how genomics and personalized medicine can positively impact our healthcare system,” said Rob Fraser, Chief Operating Officer of the Personalized Medicine Initiative.
About Contextual Genomics: www.contextualgenomics.com
Contextual
Genomics is a privately-held company developing a novel suite of
genomics-based cancer tests to identify a patient’s tumour profile. This
precision in cancer diagnosis allows healthcare professionals to more
accurately determine the most effective treatment options for the
patient. The company’s first products are actionable molecular tests
that guide diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Led by global leaders in molecular diagnostics, genomics and bioinformatics who have unparalleled expertise in genomic assay development, Contextual Genomics aims to bring patients a gold standard in molecular diagnostics that will lead to advanced services in personalized cancer care.
About Personalized Medicine Initiative: www.the-pmi.com
The
PMI is an inclusive organization representing stakeholders in BC and
Canada that has the objective of bringing personalized,
molecularly-based medicine to Canadians with the aim of improving
healthcare outcomes and efficiency as well as enabling more effective
preventive health delivery. The PMI is based at the Life Sciences
Institute at UBC; Canada’s leading Life Sciences Institute.
About Pfizer Canada: www.pfizer.ca
Pfizer
Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's
leading biopharmaceutical companies. Our diversified health care
portfolio includes some of the world’s best known and most prescribed
medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer Canada employees work to bring
therapies to patients that significantly improve patients’ lives. Pfizer
is a major contributor to health research in Canada. We apply science
and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of
Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in
everything Pfizer does, from our disease awareness initiatives to our
community partnerships. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit
pfizer.ca or you can follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/PfizerCA)
or Facebook (facebook.com/Pfizer.Canada).
This release contains forward-looking statements that are not based on historical fact. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
