KIRKLAND (Quebec) and VANCOUVER (British Columbia), December 4, 2018: Pfizer Canada is proud to announce an $800,000 contribution to BC Cancer to form a new BC Cancer Research-Pfizer Innovation Fund to support innovative basic, translational, and clinical research. The goals of the fund are to provide pilot funding for innovative or disruptive ideas and initiatives as well as support projects of high scientific value with potential to leverage additional funding from other sources.

BC Cancer will manage the Fund, which will support research projects related to the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment or management of cancer, including psychosocial aspects of cancer care, end-of-life care, and health economics/health services research; the Fund is designed to allow BC Cancer to direct resources to cutting edge research priorities. 

Projects supported by the Fund will be selected based on scientific excellence of the proposal, the strength of the team, and the innovative scientific and therapeutic implications of the research. The novelty and merit of any applications for funding will be evaluated in the context of the field of research proposed. A portion of the Fund will be allocated to support at least one innovative research project in the areas of population health, health services research, health economics or cancer epidemiology.

The allocation of funds will remain entirely with the leadership of BC Cancer Research. Programs and projects funded through this initiative will be publicly announced and shared with the community.

“Through the formation of this new fund, Pfizer Canada is enhancing its ongoing commitment to health innovation and research in British Columbia. We are proud to partner with BC Cancer to advance research on this critical disease to make a difference in patients’ lives. At Pfizer, our purpose is to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies that matter most. Although not currently captured in the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program, this investment will support Canada's innovation ecosystem, and the BC government priorities to develop a strong innovation base in British Columbia.’’

“We are grateful to Pfizer for this contribution to support research innovation at BC Cancer. The Pfizer Innovation Fund will create significant opportunities across the entire spectrum of cancer research. While the funds are entirely managed by BC Cancer, partnerships like the one with Pfizer are invaluable to help drive creativity and development in research that will make a difference for patients today and in the future.”

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About Pfizer Canada Inc.  ̶  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, vaccines and consumer health products. Every day, Pfizer Canada employees work to bring therapies to patients that significantly improve patients’ lives. 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 we do, 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). 

BC Cancer, part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. For more information, visit www.bccancer.bc.ca or follow us on Twitter @BCCancer.