Government funds technology aimed at improving cancer treatment

MONCTON (GNB) - The provincial government is partnering to bring cutting-edge genomics technology to the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute in Moncton.

The government, through Research NB, is providing $400,000 as part of a $1.75-million investment that will give researchers access to two new pieces of equipment (the Illumina NovaSeq X Plus and the Illumina NextSeq 2000) that should result in faster diagnoses, more personalized treatments and shorter wait times for cancer patients across New Brunswick and the Maritimes.

"This state-of-the-art equipment is a game changer for the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute and for New Brunswickers seeking medical treatment," said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D'Amours. "It will also build capacity in our research ecosystem and increase the institute's chances to participate in large-scale national genomic projects that can drive innovation in health care, personalized medicine and population health."

"The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is a leader in the field of genomics research," said Stephen Lewis, the institute's scientific director. "Therefore, upgrading our team's access to sequencing technologies will deliver faster, more accurate results, support groundbreaking studies, and, most importantly, improve the lives of patients and their families. It will strengthen our ability to help patients with inherited health conditions through rapid and accurate sequencing of their genetic information."

This improved testing capacity will allow treatments to begin sooner while improving the chances of success through personalized therapies.

"This funding, made available to purchase this equipment, was made possible thanks to an initial, transformative million-dollar gift from an anonymous donor, whose bold vision is dedicated to advancing cancer research for the benefit of all New Brunswickers," said Michael Cantwell, vice-president of philanthropy at the CHU Dumont Foundation. "Today's announcement shows how philanthropy, along with organizations - public and private - can work together for the benefit of all of the people in this province".

The Terry Fox Research Institute is also contributing $350,000.

"The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is at the forefront of sequencing technology, driving breakthroughs that are transforming care for patients with cancer and other diseases," said Dr. Rodney Ouellette, who is lead investigator with the Terry Fox Research Institute as well as a senior researcher and founder of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute. "With the exceptional talent we have here in New Brunswick, we play a vital role in advancing precision medicine - discovering unique biomarkers and developing more targeted therapies that bring real hope for improved patient outcomes."

"Research is at the foundation of a thriving economy in New Brunswick," said Candice Pollack, CEO of Research NB. "It leads to new ideas, products and projects that make our businesses more productive, our health-care system more innovative, and our environment more resilient. Investments like these are helping to power New Brunswick's research ecosystem forward and position our province as a national leader. At Research NB, we're proud to play a key role as a funder, connector and champion for research that drives meaningful impact for the benefit of all Atlantic Canadians."

The new equipment will support the genomics boom in academia, federal and provincial government agencies, as well as in the private sector. It will also support the deployment of clinical trials in New Brunswick by providing genomics capabilities that are in demand by pharmaceutical companies.