With promising new therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) on the horizon, now is the time for ongoing investment in research discovery that will continue to fuel the development of treatments. That is why, together with Brain Canada, the ALS Canada Research Program is proud to announce nine new Discovery Grants, which were awarded in late 2021. These leading-edge research projects, led by teams across Canada, have a critical role to play in contributing to global scientific discovery in ALS and improving the lives of people living with ALS and their families.
The projects funded include fundamental laboratory research to identify new biological targets for ALS therapies; clinical research to identify biomarkers that could help to improve clinical research and care, and a clinical trial to test a new means of delivering ALS therapies.
“What’s exciting about these nine research initiatives is that they include foundational lab research, clinic-based research and even a clinical trial – demonstrating our continually evolving knowledge in ALS,” said Dr. David Taylor, VP Research for the ALS Society of Canada. “Fundamental research is still very much necessary to better understand how and why ALS develops in the body, but because of the state of the research field today there are also increased opportunities to support biomarker studies and clinical trials – and Canada’s ALS research community has an important contribution to make to these areas.”
The nine Discovery Grants bring together multidisciplinary teams of research experts to investigate critical areas of disease processes and clinical care. They were selected following a rigorous peer-reviewed grant competition that engaged an international panel of experts to select the best work, grounded in scientific excellence and with the potential to quickly advance the field of ALS research.
“Through my personal connection to ALS I know that effective new therapies can’t come soon enough – which means that high-quality research is essential as the foundation on which therapies are built,” said Cali Orsulak, a member of ALS Canada’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Council who is also a personal caregiver to a family member living with the disease. “Having had the opportunity to observe the peer review panel that evaluated the research initiatives to ensure the quality of the science and the potential for impact, I’m excited by the promise that these research initiatives represent.”
“Collaboration and innovation are important principles for Brain Canada, and these nine Discovery Grants bring together strong Canadian research expertise to move the field forward,” said Brain Canada President and CEO, Dr. Viviane Poupon. “Our partnership with ALS Canada doubles the investment in high-quality Canadian ALS research that will lead to new approaches, new thinking, and transferable insights that will benefit other neurodegenerative diseases with similar underlying mechanisms.”
Summary of 2021 Discovery Grants
Clinical trials
Biomarker research
Laboratory research
The Discovery Grant competition is funded through matched funds contributed by the Canada Brain Research Fund, an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada, and by the ALS Canada Research Program, which is supported by ALS Canada donors including community-based fundraising events, individual and corporate donors, and provincial ALS Societies who contribute 40% of net proceeds from the Walk to End ALS. The Discovery Grant funding is part of ALS Canada’s 2021 research commitment, with additional 2021 initiatives to be announced in the coming months.
About the ALS Canada Research Program
The ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) works with the ALS community to improve the lives of people affected by ALS through support, advocacy and investment in research for a future without ALS. Through the ALS Canada Research Program, we fund peer-reviewed research grants, foster collaboration and build capacity within Canada’s ALS research and clinical community and invest in new areas of research positioned to have high impact. As the only national dedicated source of funding for ALS research across Canada, the ALS Canada Research Program aims to accelerate research impact by providing funding for the most promising ALS projects focused on translating scientific discoveries into treatments for ALS. We are grateful for the support of our donors and the contributions from each of the provincial ALS Societies through the Walk to End ALS.
About Brain Canada
Brain Canada is a national non-profit organization that enables and supports excellent, innovative, paradigm-changing brain research in Canada. It plays a unique and invaluable role as the national convener of the brain research community. We join people, labs and platforms across the country, as well as institutions, organizations and sectors – to drive innovation and foster an interconnected brain research system. Our work enables Canada to excel and make even greater contributions to the global quest to understand the brain and brain disorders. Join us in funding brilliance daily, braincanada.ca.
For more information
ALS Society of Canada
media@als.ca
437-703-5391
Brain Canada
Melissa Arauz, Melissa.arauz@braincanada.ca
514-377-6461