The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer receives funding support from AbbVie for its work involving acute myeloid leukemia, paving the way to developing a cancer vaccine

MONTREAL, June 5, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal is proud to announce that it has received funding support from AbbVie, a global research development-driven biopharmaceutical company, which will allow Dr. Claude Perreault, principal investigator working in the IRIC's Immunobiology research unit and hematologist at Hopîtal Maisonneuve-Rosemont, to continue his work on acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The work carried out by the Perreault lab paves the way for developing a vaccine against AML and other types of cancer.

Acute myeloid leukemia: one of the most malignant forms of cancer

Acute myeloid leukemia is one of the most malignant types of cancer. In fact, because of how quickly the disease evolves, life expectancy following diagnosis is a matter of weeks. Although AML is complex, the impact and effectiveness of a potential treatment to counter it are quickly noticeable, particularly through the daily quantification of the number of cancer cells.

Immunotherapy to fight cancer

Dr. Claude Perreault's team focuses on immunotherapy to better fight cancer, particularly by using the immune system to kill cancer cells.

In all types of cancers, the spontaneous reaction of the immune system, meaning the presence of immune cells in the tumor, provides a way to predict patients' survival. Administering "non-specific" stimulants allows tumors to shrink (partially or totally). It should be noted that this type of treatment is more effective than chemotherapy in many cases. It involves immune cells (T lymphocytes) recognizing "foreign" molecules, called "cancer-specific antigens" (CSA), thus enabling them to destroy them. By demystifying the origin of human CSAs and by defining their molecular composition, we can hope to be on the verge of developing therapeutic vaccines against certain types of cancer.

The work done by the Perreault lab to better understand the disease is made possible as a result of the close collaboration with the teams headed by Pierre Thibault (Proteomics and Bioanalytical Mass Spectometry research unit) and Sébastien Lemieux (Functional and Structural Bioinformatics research unit), both of whom are principal investigators at the IRIC.

A substantial contribution from AbbVie 

Thanks to the generous support from AbbVie, Dr. Perreault's team was able to begin the experiment on human cancer cells.

"At AbbVie we are committed to improving the lives of people living with cancer. Dr. Perreault is conducting research in a very interesting area called immuno-oncology so it was only fitting that we collaborate with his laboratory to help in the discovery of new tumour targets for AML and other types of cancer," explains Dr. Thomas Hudson, VP, Head of Oncology Discovery and Early Development, AbbVie.

"We are proud of our partnership with Dr. Perreault and IRICoR. Investing in research in Quebec is a priority for us and we are confident that it will have a profound impact on the way we approach cancer care in the coming years," states Stéphane Lassignardie, General Manager, AbbVie Canada.

"AbbVie's contribution is a telling example of the rapprochement between the academic milieu and pharmaceutical research, which has been noticeable over the past few years. We are more equipped than ever to pave the way towards developing a vaccine against certain types of cancer," points out Dr. Perreault.

The vital support from IRICoR 

Dr. Perreault's work was made possible thanks to the involvement of IRICoR (Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer – Commercialization of Research) which, by ensuring the support of AbbVie and by working to attract other investors, contributes to enabling research to lead to an innovative therapeutic solution.

The potential impact

AbbVie's commitment and the participation of IRICoR represent an important gage for continuing work on AML and provide for the possibility of developing and establishing a cancer antigen platform.

What's more, their success would undoubtedly lead to growing interest from companies and investors for the immunotherapy option, which has gained popularity over the past few years.

We should also point out that because therapeutic discoveries and treatments related to AML could potentially be applied to other types of cancer, it can suggest the development of a vaccine that could also short-circuit them.

"The contribution made by AbbVie will help support the mission of the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer and accelerate the development of innovative therapies in the field. The groundbreaking work of Dr. Charles Perreault in this area is undeniable and his contribution deserves to be recognized", said Gaétan Barrette, Minister of Health and Social Services.

Watch the video What drove AbbVie to invest in Dr. Perreault and IRIC's work?  featuring Dr. Tom Hudson, M.D., VP, Oncology Discovery and Early Development at AbbVie

Watch the video AbbVie soutient la recherche sur la Leucémie Aiguë Myéloblastique featuring Dr. Claude Perreault, principal investigator working in the IRIC's Immunobiology research unit and hematologist at Hopîtal Maisonneuve-Rosemont at IRIC

About the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal

An ultra-modern research hub and training centre located in the heart of the Université de Montréal, the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer of the Université de Montréal was created in 2003 to shed light on the mechanisms of cancer and discover new, more effective therapies to counter this disease. The IRIC operates according to a model that is unique in Canada. Its innovative approach to research has already led to discoveries that will, over the coming years, have a significant impact on the fight against cancer. For more information: iric.ca

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About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global, research and development-driven biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience.  In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.ca and www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvieCanada and @abbvie on Twitter or view careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page.

About the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer – Commercialization of Research (IRICoR)

As Université de Montréal's drug discovery and project maturation cluster, IRICoR is a not-for-profit organization based at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), with the mandate to accelerate the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapies in cancer, immunotherapy and related fields. Since its creation in 2008, IRICoR successfully invests in and supports cutting-edge projects with disruptive potential to rapidly translate innovation into patient-accessible therapies, through either co-development partnerships with industry or company creation. IRICoR seamlessly integrates business-related expertise with industry-level drug discovery in a world-renowned research institute, providing academics with access to a full drug discovery chain with one of the largest academia-based medicinal chemistry groups in Canada. For more information about IRICoR: iricor.ca

Twitter: @IRICoR

SOURCE Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) of the Université de Montréal

or interview: Catherine Cardinal, Chief, Communication and Media Relations, Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC), 514 343-6111 # 41299, [email protected]; Muriel Haraoui, Communications Manager, AbbVie Canada, 514 717-3764, [email protected]

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