The FRSQ, the MSSS and Pfizer launch research grant program for chronic
disease research

    
                         An INVESTMENT OF $5 MILLION
         IN SUPPORT OF CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT IN
                           THE PROVINCE OF QUEBEC

       Fund open to Quebec-based researchers who work in collaboration
                          with health professionals
    
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<p><span class="xn-location">MONTREAL</span>, <span class="xn-chron">March 16</span> /CNW Telbec/ - The Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ) in partnership with the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) and Pfizer <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>, is announcing the creation of the Pfizer-FRSQ-MSSS Chronic Disease Fund. Established with an investment of <span class="xn-money">$5 million</span> from Pfizer <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>, this research grant program, coordinated by the FRSQ, is open to Quebec-based researchers who work in collaboration with health professionals. The fund is aimed at evaluating chronic-disease prevention and management initiatives and will also support and encourage their implementation across the province of <span class="xn-location">Quebec</span>.</p>
<p>Chronic diseases pose a major challenge to those affected, to the health-care system and to society in general, a challenge that is growing with the aging of the <span class="xn-location">Quebec</span> population. Managing people with chronic diseases is often a complex task, and introducing changes to the way things are presently done, especially in the primary care setting, is necessary to meet the needs of people dealing with those diseases. Several local and regional settings have already launched chronic-disease prevention and management initiatives that are based on innovative approaches and which could serve as best practices for clinical settings in other jurisdictions.</p>
<p>The aim of this new grant program is to encourage initiatives in the primary care setting that foster the prevention and management of chronic diseases. These initiatives would be evaluated scientifically with the goal of exporting them to other locations in the province.</p>
<p>"This type of research grant program is innovative as it combines a clinical and evaluative component. The collaboration between health professionals and researchers should make it possible to identify original initiatives, to evaluate them scientifically and to help export them to other locations in the province," says Yves Joanette, President and Chief Executive Officer of the FRSQ.</p>
<p>"Pfizer <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> is firmly committed to discovering new ways to improve the health of the population and, as such, is proud to team up with the FRSQ and the MSSS to stimulate innovation and the sharing of best clinical practices from within the province," says Paul Lévesque, President of Pfizer <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>. "We are confident that this initiative will help to discover innovative solutions for reducing the burden of chronic diseases in the province of <span class="xn-location">Quebec</span>."</p>
<p>Applications will be reviewed by a scientific evaluation committee consisting of experts from both the scientific and clinical settings. Projects must involve a clinical component and an evaluative research component. Priority will be given to projects that are already operational, ready to be implemented or in the process of being implemented. The preferred areas of focus will be: cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, diabetes, chronic pain, smoking cessation, diet and physical activity. The <span class="xn-location">Quebec</span> Population Health Research Network, which is supported by the FRSQ, will offer support to the researchers whose projects are selected. The maximum amount awarded for any one grant will be <span class="xn-money">$700,000</span> for two years.</p>
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<p>Chronic diseases in <span class="xn-location">Quebec</span>(1):</p>
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    - In Quebec, 1 million people have hypertension, and more than 330,000
      have a cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
    - In Quebec, cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of
      hospitalization in 2004-2005.
    - Asthma affects 13% of children aged 4 to 11 years, and in 2005, 2.8% of
      Quebecers reported that they had COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease).
    - In 2005, 14.1% of Quebecers aged 12 years and older reported that they
      suffered from arthritis and other types of joint pain.
    
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<p>About the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ)</p>
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<p>The mission of the Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ), which reports to the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, is to support health research to foster the wellness of Quebec's population. Its mandate is to promote and financially support this research, to share knowledge and train researchers, as well as to establish partnerships necessary for the development of Quebec's research and innovation system, and to advance the research internationally. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.frsq.gouv.qc.ca">www.frsq.gouv.qc.ca</a>.</p>
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<p>About Pfizer <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> Inc.</p>
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<p>Pfizer <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., the world's leading biopharmaceutical company. The company is one of the largest contributors to health research in <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>. Pfizer's diversified healthcare portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small-molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world's best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer <span class="xn-location">Canada</span> employees work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. 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 Pfizer does, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships, to our belief that it takes more than medication to be truly healthy. To learn more about Pfizer's More Than Medication philosophy and programs, visit <a href="http://www.morethanmedication.ca">www.morethanmedication.ca</a>. To learn more about Pfizer <span class="xn-location">Canada</span>, visit <a href="http://www.pfizer.ca">www.pfizer.ca</a>.</p>
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    (1) Source: Stratégie de prévention et de gestion des maladies chroniques
    et Plan d'action 2008-2013 : Mieux soutenir les personnes atteintes, les
    milieux cliniques et les communautés (working document), Ministère de la
    Santé et des Services sociaux, 2008.
    

For further information: Michelle Dubuc, FRSQ, [phone], ext. 235; Julie-Catherine Racine, Pfizer Canada Inc., [phone]