FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
endMS speeds research effort,
pushes to cure multiple sclerosis
$60 million campaign funds national research and training network and
enables Canadian scientists to accelerate pace of discovery
Toronto, September 16, 2008 - Today, the Multiple
Sclerosis Society of Canada announced the launch of endMS, a
three–year
national campaign with a goal of raising $60 million to fund
research activities
and establish the endMS Research and Training Network. The
Network is a first in the MS community and represents an immediate,
dedicated investment
to advance Canada’s leadership position in MS research.
"Collaboration is critical to significant, continued success in
MS research," says Dr. Jack Antel director of the endMS Research
and Training Network and clinical neurologist at McGill University. "When
we work together, we can more clearly understand how our research findings
apply to real patients and that sharing is what will continue to propel
us forward toward a cure."
The goal of the endMS Research and Training Network is to accelerate
research to end multiple sclerosis. The Network will help attract and
train young researchers and retain seasoned scientists in an effort to
speed the pace of discovery.
 |
| Montreal, September 16th 2008. Daniel Larouche, Yves Savoie
and Dr. Jack Antel put together the last pieces of the puzzle
symbolizing the launch of the endMS campaign. |
Canadian MS researchers are world-renowned and have made incredible advances
in the knowledge and treatment of multiple sclerosis. However, if a limited
number of young scientists make MS their professional focus, accelerated
progress towards the end of MS could be in peril.
"With one of the highest rates of MS in the world, no known cure,
and an annual economic impact that totals more than $1 billion annually,
a lack of researchers is a vulnerability Canadians can ill afford," says
Yves Savoie, president and CEO, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
"At the time I was diagnosed, I thought my life was over," says
Jennifer Pevec, who was diagnosed with MS more than three years ago. "But
today, research has given me new treatment options and a glimmer
of hope. People in the prime of their lives don't just have to fade away
with a
diagnosis of MS. There is help and there is support."
About the endMS Research and Training Network
Through the endMS Campaign, the MS Society of Canada will create
a research enterprise that will revolutionize the way the
MS medical community communicates and collaborates. It will attract and
retain
the best and brightest minds by establishing Canada as the
premier destination
in the world in which to train for and pursue a career in
MS research.
The goals of the endMS Research and Training Network include:
- Increase the pace of translation of research from the laboratory
to the clinic so that effective therapies are available sooner.
- Foster active collaboration between clinicians and scientists
through a technology-based infrastructure, including a comprehensive,
online library of research data and educational material.
- Ensure that advancements in research benefit all people with
MS regardless of community size or location.
"We are proud to lead an aggressive charge toward a cure for MS",
says Savoie. "The endMS campaign continues our long-held tradition
of research excellence. The funds raised will help ensure the Canadian
research community maintains its world-class standing and will secure
our place as the country of choice for MS researchers."
Canadian MS Research Successes
Historically, Canada has led the world in MS research. Canadian
MS research successes include:
- The first North American pediatric MS clinic and the development
of a comprehensive study looking at MS in children.
- Advancement of MRI technologies that allow for faster diagnosis
and treatment of MS
- Pioneering work in bone marrow transplants and MS
- The world’s
largest genetic susceptibility study in MS
"When you look at the tremendous advances we’ve seen
in MS in the last ten or twenty years, we know that we’ve already
changed the face of the disease," says Dr. Antel. "And while
those achievements are quite remarkable, they also represent a very real
opportunity for
our community, our teams, to build on the momentum and, together,
move forward."
About the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is the only national
volunteer health agency in Canada that funds MS research, provides
services for people with MS and family members and conducts public
education programs. Since its founding in 1948, the MS Society has worked
to hasten
the discovery of the cause, effective treatment and cure for
MS. From basic laboratory research to the development of new
treatments
for people
with MS, the MS Society’s research program is making a difference
in people’s lives today.
The MS Society also provides services to people who have multiple sclerosis
and family members through its seven division offices and more than 120
chapters. MS Society volunteers and staff are also actively involved in
educating health care professionals about MS and its treatment, in public
awareness programs and in social action.
-30-
Contact information:
Stewart Wong
National Senior Manager, Media and Public Relations
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Phone: 416-967-3025
stewart.wong@mssociety.ca
www.endMS.ca
 |
