In a groundbreaking move, the University of Toronto’s Medicine by Design initiative and CCRM, a non-profit dedicated to advancing regenerative medicines, are embarking on a strategic alliance to elevate Toronto’s status as a global hub for regenerative medicine.
This transformative partnership, unveiled at Medicine by Design’s 8th Annual Symposium on December 6, leverages the strengths of both organizations in connecting high-risk, high-reward research with industry expertise, cutting-edge biomanufacturing infrastructure, and clinical applications.
At the core of this collaboration, which also includes key players such as the University Health Network (UHN) and U of T, is the objective to establish seamless, end-to-end capabilities spanning the entire spectrum from discovery to clinical translation and eventual commercialization.
Allison Brown, Executive Director of Medicine by Design, expressed enthusiasm about the collaborative venture, emphasizing the unique contributions each entity brings to the table. “Medicine by Design has a robust academic network and a history of supporting world-class research across the Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN). CCRM, with 12 years of success in launching cell and gene therapy companies at the intersection of academia and industry, is investing to ensure the sustainability of Medicine by Design’s discovery programs for the future.”
Leah Cowen, U of T’s Vice President of Research, Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, underscored the alignment of this alliance with the university’s strategic plan, emphasizing the manifold benefits of academic-led innovation. “This partnership not only secures an investment in Medicine by Design but also unlocks a global network of biomanufacturing expertise, infrastructure, and industry partnerships extending beyond regenerative medicine, a strategic advantage for Toronto’s research and clinical communities.”
Medicine by Design, initiated in 2015 with a $114-million investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), has spearheaded large-scale investments in high-risk, high-reward research, propelling over 190 projects forward. CCRM, funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and various partners, has been instrumental in expediting scientific discoveries into new companies and products, with a particular focus on cell and gene therapies.
Michael May, President and CEO of CCRM, anticipates that this collaboration will contribute to realizing the life-saving potential of regenerative medicine and cultivating a talent pool that positions Canada as a leader in the global cell and gene therapy sector. He emphasized the alliance’s comprehensive perspective, covering the entire journey from research and discovery to company development, manufacturing, and market entry.
Brad Wouters, Executive Vice-President of science and Research at UHN, highlighted the alliance’s role in facilitating funding and infrastructure access for the clinical translation of emerging cell and gene therapies. “From discovery to clinical validation and manufacturing, we look forward to advancing the next generation of living therapies for our patients.”
The alliance between Medicine by Design and CCRM stands as a testament to Toronto’s global prominence in stem cell and regenerative medicine, positioning the city to create groundbreaking medicines with a lasting global impact.
