JDRF Partners with Federal Government to Launch $30 Million Clinical Trial Network in Southern Ontario

WATERLOO, ON, Nov. 23 /CNW/ - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Canada is pleased to announce its first partnership with the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario. Through this innovative two-year partnership, the Government of Canada is committing $20 million and JDRF is making a matching contribution of $10 million to accelerate world-class diabetes research in Southern Ontario by implementing a clinical trial network for diabetes research.

Announced today by Minister of State, The Honourable Gary Goodyear, the Agency's $20 million contribution provides JDRF the opportunity to work with Canadian and international partners to build Southern Ontario as an international centre for the development and commercialization of treatments, cures, and medical technologies to improve the lives of people living with diabetes and its complications.

Andrew McKee, President and CEO of JDRF Canada noted the significance of this announcement: "The Government's commitment to medical research, and further developing Southern Ontario as a key international market for commercialization and translational research, is exemplary. This forward thinking investment comes at a critical stage internationally, as we look to quicken the pace of research leading to cures and better treatments. For JDRF, initiating the network in Southern Ontario - home to some of the best universities and research facilities in the world - is a timely global opportunity."

JDRF will collaborate with Southern Ontario universities and research institutions to create a world-class clinical research platform focused on:

-   Speeding advances in cures and therapies for diabetes and its
        complications;

    -   Positioning Southern Ontario as an international hub for
        translational research; and

    -   Attracting the best international scientists and institutions to
        Ontario.

JDRF is proud to be part of this partnership with the Government of Canada, Mr. McKee said. "This catalytic venture leverages JDRF's global leadership, and all Southern Ontario has to offer, by bringing together the brightest minds, and best track records, to become the international leader of innovative health and communications solutions."

About Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 diabetes research worldwide. JDRF's mission is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. JDRF funding is associated with most major scientific breakthroughs in type 1 diabetes research to date in Canada and around the world. JDRF has raised over $1.3 billion (U.S.) for diabetes research since its inception in 1970, including more than $100 million in 2009. JDRF supports research in over 22 countries globally. For more information, please visit www.jdrf.ca or call 1-877-CURE-533.

B-roll is available at http://public.me.com/batchfilms

For further information: For Media Inquiries Please Contact: Jessica Dupuis, JDRF, Cell: [phone], E-mail: [e-mail]; Jennifer Paul, JDRF, Cell: [phone], E-mail: [e-mail]