Government of Canada Invests in Better Treatment for Hepatitis C

Mar 25, 2011 12:50 ET

Government of Canada Invests in Better Treatment for Hepatitis C

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 25, 2011) - Patients with Hepatitis C or liver cancer may soon benefit from a novel drug delivery system leading to a safer and more effective treatment, thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada in Therapure Biopharma Inc.

"The Government of Canada is investing in science and technology to create jobs, strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life of Canadians," said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). "This new drug delivery system will give patients with liver diseases a better chance for treatment."

Through the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), Therapure Biopharma Inc. has received a financial contribution of $350,000 to complete a range of key studies for the pre-clinical development of its new products. The company is currently developing hemoglobin, a natural blood protein, to serve as a drug carrier to improve the delivery of medications for Hepatitis C and Liver Cancer. This approach is expected to increase the supply of medication to the liver and reduce the drug's side effects. Thirteen members of Therapure's scientific development team are currently involved in this project.

"We sincerely thank NRC-IRAP for its great support in the testing of this novel drug delivery system," said Thomas Wellner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Therapure Biopharma Inc. "This made-in-Canada program has been an influential solution to Therapure's research and development needs by supplying invaluable resources."

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Therapure Biopharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, purifies and packages therapeutic proteins. The company applies scientific, manufacturing, and purification expertise to develop innovative solutions that advance products from discovery to market for its clients in Canada and around the world. Launched in 2008, Therapure now employs close to 100 people.

About National Research Council of Canada and its Industrial Research Assistance Program

The Industrial Research Assistance Program provides a range of both technical and business-oriented advisory services along with necessary financial support to qualified innovative small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada.

The program is delivered by a field staff of 240 professionals in more than 100 communities across Canada. The National Research Council of Canada is committed to working with small and medium-sized enterprises while they realize their full potential, turning knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.

Canada's Economic Action Plan provided new resources of $200 million to the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program over two years to support innovative firms in Canada. Learn more at Canada's Economic Action Plan website (www.actionplan.gc.ca).

For more information (media only), please visit the NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program's website (www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/irap.html )