Takeda Canada Partners with Canadian Institutes of Health Research to Advance Research in Rare Diseases

Takeda Canada and Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Genetics have partnered to establish a fellowship program to identify emerging talent and innovation to support advancements in rare disease across Canada.

Photo: hristopher McMaster, scientific director of CIHR’s Institute of Genetics

The fellowship will provide support and training to ensure participants emerge as scientific, professional, or organizational leaders within and beyond the health research enterprise. This specific opportunity seeks to support postdoctoral fellows focused on one or more rare disease disorders.

A “rare” disease in Canada is any disease that affects a very small number of individuals. It is often genetic, chronic throughout a patient’s life, and life-threatening. In Canada, one in 12 Canadians are affected by a rare disorder.

“Rare disease research is a priority in Canada. With advances in genetics and genomics, we have the ability to ensure rare diseases are diagnosed and managed more efficiently and effectively, and we aspire to see this integrated in Canadian health care delivery,” said Christopher McMaster, scientific director of CIHR’s Institute of Genetics.

Takeda and CIHR are investing $720,000 to fund up to four awards for up to three years. Takeda and CIHR’s Institute of Genetics have contributed $360,000 each to fund this priority area. Applications for the fellowship will be accepted until October 5, 2022.

“Partnerships are imperative to support research discovery and enhance patient care across our health care system,” said Jefferson Tea, vice president, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Takeda, Canada. “Takeda and CIHR’s Institute of Genetics’ research fellowship will support innovation and advancements in rare disease care while fostering future collaboration.”

Author: Rare Daily Staff