Novartis becomes new partner of CQDM's Explore programme

Novartis has invested in the Explore programme to help fund cutting-edge pharmaceutical research in Quebec.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada has agreed to partner in the Explore programme of the CQDM.

CQDM provides a meeting ground for stakeholders in biopharmaceutical research in Canada, funding projects carried out in partnership between the academic and private sectors to accelerate the drug discovery process and develop safer, more effective drugs.

Its Explore programme aims to fund unconventional and innovative research projects that could lead to significant improvements to the drug discovery or development process.

Novartis is now investing $300,000 in the project, having already invested approximately 30 per cent of its total sales in the province over the past five years.

Dr Riad Sherif, president of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada, said the company was "very pleased" to be joining the CQDM and its partners "in this very important programme to encourage cutting-edge pharmaceutical research in Quebec".

He revealed: "The Explore programme is fully compatible with the Novartis objectives to discover, develop and successfully market innovative products to prevent and cure disease, to ease suffering and to enhance quality of life."

Diane Gosselin, president and chief executive officer of CQDM, welcomed Novartis as a partner and claimed that the programme had become "an important means for Quebec researchers with new ideas to secure funding to pursue their innovative approaches".