The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) announced on Apr. 9 that it is providing $3.1 million over two years to four research teams in Ontario to support the development of new cancer therapies. The funding, distributed through OICR's Cancer Therapeutics Innovation Pipeline (CTIP) program, aims to advance drug discovery projects targeting breast and ovarian cancers, a challenging form of leukemia, aggressive childhood brain tumors, and a key protein involved in various cancers.
The initiative seeks to address ongoing challenges in cancer treatment by supporting research into therapies that could be more effective at destroying tumors while reducing side effects and minimizing the chances of cancer returning. Terry Hawrysh, CTIP patient partner, said, "Patients need faster access to new, cutting-edge therapies that offer better options and outcomes. Too many patients still face limited or ineffective treatments, or must endure severe side effects that seriously impact their quality of life." Hawrysh also said CTIP grants play an important role in identifying solutions through innovative discovery and eventual clinical use.
Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security for Ontario, commented on the announcement: "Ontario-made research is saving and transforming lives. Our government is proud to support the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and applaud their Cancer Therapeutics Innovation Pipeline that ensures Ontario's world-class researchers can keep developing live-saving cancer treatments that protect our loved ones."
The newly funded projects include efforts led by Dr. David Andrews at Sunnybrook Research Institute targeting a "master regulator" protein linked with poor outcomes; Dr. Jumi Shin at University of Toronto (Mississauga) developing novel "frankenprotein" drugs against hard-to-treat breast and ovarian cancers; Dr. Anastasia Tikhonova at University Health Network working on targeted therapy for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia; and Dr. Sheila Singh at McMaster University focusing on blood-brain barrier-penetrating inhibitors for Group 3 medulloblastoma in children.
According to OICR’s announcement, these studies are part of its broader Therapeutic Innovation research theme which supports one of Canada’s largest drug discovery programs while collaborating with institutions across the province.
Applications for CTIP undergo rigorous review by an expert panel from academia and industry who provide scientific guidance throughout the process. Through this support structure—and with continued provincial investment—researchers hope these innovative approaches will deliver safer treatments with improved outcomes for patients facing some of the most difficult forms of cancer.
