Source: Pfizer Canada Inc.

Pfizer Canada and MaRS Innovation Partner to Convert Great Science into Solutions to Benefit Canadians’ Health

KIRKLAND, Quebec and TORONTO, April 09, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pfizer Canada is proud to announce an $800,000 contribution to MaRS Innovation to support the vision and mission of MaRS Innovation by providing funding for new ideas or technologies in the health sciences including; therapeutics, diagnostic and treatment tools, manufacturing technologies, and technologies that enable health sciences research.

The MaRS Innovation – Pfizer Translational Research Fund will be managed by MaRS Innovation and projects in the area of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, immunology, rare diseases, vaccines, and oncology will be prioritized.

Pfizer Canada is enhancing its ongoing commitment to health innovation and research in Ontario through this partnership, which complements Ontario’s Life Sciences strategy announced earlier in March. The Government of Ontario has acknowledged the importance of the life sciences sector and the budget includes a series of measures to stimulate and the support life science sector in the province.

John Helou, President of Pfizer Canada:
“Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer's purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies that matter most. We know that it takes more than just great science to deliver meaningful new therapies. Our approach is to collaborate in new and dynamic ways with academic scientists, patient foundations, governments, other biopharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals, and with organizations such as MaRS Innovation which specialize in commercialization of early stage technologies.”

“While this is an example of pharmaceutical investment in Canada’s innovation ecosystem that is not currently captured in the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program, we are pleased that it is aligned with the new Ontario government action plan to develop its Life Sciences industry.”

Raphael Hofstein, President and CEO, MaRS Innovation:
MaRS Innovation is thrilled to continue our long-standing collaboration with Pfizer; a partnership with a focus on translating the highly qualified research coming from our 15 member institutions. Pfizer’s contribution to MaRS Innovation’s efforts in accelerating the pace of commercialization of transformational research is invaluable. It is also opportune that our strategic partnership with Pfizer Canada exemplifies the stated goal of Federal and Provincial Governments to continue to support commercialization of homegrown excellent science.

About Pfizer Canada inc.  ̶  www.pfizer.ca
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Our diversified health care portfolio includes some of the world’s best known and most prescribed medicines, vaccines and consumer health products. Every day, Pfizer Canada employees work to bring therapies to patients that significantly improve patients’ lives. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/PfizerCA) or Facebook (facebook.com/Pfizer.Canada).

About MaRS Innovation http://marsinnovation.com/
MaRS Innovation is a leading provider of commercialization services, early-stage funding, and deal-brokering with industry and private investors. As a member-based organization made up of 15 Member institutions, MaRS Innovation’s mandate is to drive the commercialization of their most promising research breakthroughs. MaRS Innovation’s portfolio consists of early-stage assets and companies, and we leverage our deep expertise and experience to mature this portfolio via important global and strategic partnerships. With an active portfolio of more than 40 companies which have raised in excess of $240M from global investors, and with the creation of more than 400 direct jobs, MaRS Innovation is truly a leader in the commercialization field. For more information please visit www.marsinnovation.com and follow us on Twitter @marsinnovation.

Contacts :
Heather Bisset
Media Line for Pfizer Canada: 1-866-9Pfizer (1 866 973-4937)
CorporateAffairsCanada@pfizer.com 

Susanne Staer
Manager, Corporate Affairs
MaRS Innovation
T : 647-260-7869
sstaer@marsinnovation.com