News
Oncopole: A research, development, and investment hub to accelerate the fight against cancer
Published on February 16, 2017
A $15 million investment from Merck
Merck & Co., Inc., and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) are proud to announce the creation of Oncopole: a research, development, and investment hub to accelerate the fight against cancer. The Oncopole is starting with a solid foundation with a $15-million financial commitment over three years from Merck. The funds will be administered by FRQS.
Following a comprehensive analysis of various hosting possibilities identified in the province, the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) at the Université de Montréal was selected as the hosting institution for the Oncopole’s coordination offices.
A unique model
The Oncopole brings various partners around a structuring project. This is a one-of-a-kind co-creative partnership with an inclusive ideation and implementation process connected to the scientific community: over the past year, more than 50 experts worked together to establish the Oncopole’s priorities. Recognizing the wide range of resources and infrastructures currently available and the strategic position of several local researchers, this project will consolidate the current operating forces to benefit the patient.
The Oncopole galvanizes the community around a shared vision:
- Create a collaborative and structuring oncology hub recognized globally for its consistency, efficiency, and forward-thinking
- Enable the development and creation of companies capitalizing on innovation
- Generate direct positive impact for patients
- Position oncology care in Quebec among the best globally for clinical results, patient experience, and system efficiency
The next phase
The launch of the Oncopole outlines the next steps to consolidate the project and its structure. The Oncopole will leverage other projects by creating a centre of excellence at the leading edge of innovation in the fight against cancer.
The FRQS and Merck hope to see this initial investment encourage other partners to join the Oncopole and transform this project into a major hub for innovation in oncology.