Canada's Government Commits Funding to Establish Open Science Drug Discovery Network

06 Oct, 2023

Canada's Government Commits Funding to Establish Open Science Drug Discovery Network

The Government of Canada is unwavering in its commitment to advancing cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches to expedite drug discovery and the development of effective treatments for its citizens.

Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, representing the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, has announced a substantial investment of $49 million from the Strategic Innovation Fund. This investment will lay the foundation for the establishment of the Conscience Open Science Drug Discovery Network—a collaborative initiative spanning across Canada.

The primary objective of this pan-Canadian network is to address critical gaps in the development of potential drugs and therapeutics. It particularly focuses on areas where traditional market forces have failed, such as the development of antiviral medications for pandemic preparedness, treatments for antimicrobial resistance, and therapies for rare and pediatric diseases. Conscience, a non-profit organization, is at the forefront of this initiative, championing an open-science model. In this model, researchers, industry partners, and various stakeholders collaborate by openly distributing and sharing their research findings. The overarching aim is to identify and nurture promising drug candidates.

Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) will play a pivotal role in expediting the drug development process. By harnessing the power of AI, the network seeks to streamline research efforts, reduce duplication, and enhance the efficiency of selecting viable candidates for clinical trials.

This concerted effort to streamline drug research and development through AI will not only bolster Canada's capacity to meet the healthcare needs of its citizens but also enhance preparedness for future pandemics and emergencies. The project aligns seamlessly with Canada's Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, ultimately strengthening Canada's competitive advantage and capabilities in drug discovery.

Conscience will collaborate with 27 key partners, including non-profit organizations, academia, and industry players, including Canadian AI organizations and pharmaceutical companies. The network anticipates advancing new AI-based drug discovery algorithms, supporting robust data resources for effective AI training, and nurturing startups and drug discovery enterprises focused on antiviral, antibacterial, rare, or pediatric disease medications. This investment is projected to support more than 100 projects, foster the creation of ten new businesses, and attract $150 million in private investments.

Moreover, the establishment of the Conscience Open Science Drug Discovery Network is expected to generate a minimum of 80 highly skilled job opportunities and provide valuable support for student placements. This collaborative endeavor marks a significant step forward in Canada's mission to drive innovation in drug discovery and healthcare.