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"We are aimed at bringing together the many resources and talents of Quebec to face the challenge of the drug discovery process. Our program strongly encourages collaborative efforts between researchers from the industrial and the academic sectors" said Mr. Max Fehlmann, President and CEO of the CQDM.
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The priority topic for 2008-2009 competition is Efficacy. Therefore, the priority will be given to enabling technologies that are designed to:
1) accelerate the discovery of new drugs,
2) increase drug efficacy,
3) improve predictability of efficacy,
4) facilitate evaluation of efficacy.
CQDM's funding will be awarded following a competitive process in 2 stages. Applicants must submit a letter of intent before November 27th, 2008. The selection will be overseen by the CQDM's Strategic Orientation Committee. Only applicants whose letter of intent will be selected will be invited to submit a full project proposal before February 27th, 2009. Evaluation of the proposals will involve an international peer review led by the Fonds de la recherche en sante du Quebec (FRSQ). Announcement of the final selection will be made in April 2009.
"Thanks to our financial partners, the CQDM has the capacity this year to fund 3 to 5 innovative projects for up to $3 M per project ($1 M/year for 3 years). We are proud of our funding program, as it represents an innovative solution to the drug discovery industrial challenges" concluded Mr. Fehlmann.
About CQDM
The CQDM is a non-for-profit organization that responds to the needs of the pharmaceutical industry by contributing to accelerating drug discovery and developing safer and more effective drugs. The CQDM is a meeting ground for reflection and analysis by all stakeholders in the drug industry. Its mission is to identify, finance and support research projects carried out in partnership between the academic and hospital milieus in the public and the private sectors. Initial financing for the CQDM's operation is mainly provided by a grant awarded by the Fonds de la recherche en sante du Quebec (FRSQ), the Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade (MDEIE) as well as investments from Pfizer Canada, AstraZeneca Canada and Merck Frosst.
SOURCE Quebec Consortium for Drug Discovery
