University of Alberta

Recent studies show psilocybin can treat severe depression and PTSD by promoting neuroplasticity. Peter Silverstone, a psychopharmacology expert, highlights psychedelics' potential as a mental health breakthrough. Despite risks, supervised use shows promise, with Alberta leading in psychedelic therapy regulation and insurance coverage. Caution is advised due to potential risks and hype.

Pacylex Pharmaceuticals, a University of Alberta spinoff, aims to raise funds for Phase 2 trials of its anti-cancer drug, zelenirstat, which has shown potential in Phase 1 trials. The company, founded in 2012, was named 2024 Company of the Year by BioAlberta, highlighting its progress from lab concept to clinical development. Zelenirstat, an N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor, targets cancer cells preferentially and has demonstrated safety and efficacy in early trials. Pacylex faces competition from Myricx Bio but views it as validation and an opportunity to explore new drug delivery methods.

Alberta's Clinical Trials Alberta (CTA) initiative, launched in 2021, highlights the province's robust health research infrastructure, attracting global clinical trials. CTA, a collaboration of government, academic, and healthcare entities, promotes Alberta's unique assets, including a centralized clinical trial management system and a diverse patient population, to boost industry R&D, create jobs, and diversify the economy. Alberta Innovates' investments in provincial platform systems and the REB Exchange have enhanced research efficiency, while events like Alberta BioPartners facilitate global connections. Clinical trials not only improve healthcare but also generate substantial economic benefits, contributing to Alberta's GDP growth.

International symposium on “Systems Immunology in Transplantation: Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities” co-hosted by Alberta Transplant Institute and NIAID, March 27-28, 2025, in Edmonton. Focuses on leveraging systems immunology technologies to address transplantation challenges.

Researchers at the University of Alberta identified two proteins, galectin-9 and artemin, as potential markers for long COVID, which could lead to treatments for the condition. These proteins are linked to inflammation and cognitive issues in long COVID patients. The study also found that long COVID disproportionately affects women and is not necessarily linked to the severity of the initial infection. The research suggests that chronic inflammation and gut issues may be key factors in the development of long COVID.

Edmonton Region's life science companies form a strong, growing community at the forefront of breakthroughs in diabetes, virology, precision health, AI, and more. Home to world-class research facilities and Canada's largest integrated healthcare system, it supports diverse clinical trials and data access.

Satellite internet, particularly SpaceX's Starlink, played a crucial role in maintaining connectivity during Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand. The technology is seen as a game-changer for rural connectivity and disaster resilience, with implications for Canada's telecom sector. Canadian carriers like Rogers and Telus are already exploring satellite partnerships, and the federal government is considering regulatory changes to support satellite expansion. However, concerns remain about reliability, cost, and the need for traditional broadband improvements.

University of Alberta-led research introduces FAST-PLV, a proteolipid vehicle platform that bypasses the liver, enabling effective gene therapy delivery to target tissues like the brain and lungs. This platform could revolutionize treatments for diseases such as muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, with potential for a new COVID-19 vaccine and cancer therapies.

A new anti-obesity drug, GDF15, improves diastolic heart function in Type 2 diabetic mice independently of weight loss, suggesting it could prevent heart failure in diabetic patients. The drug's anti-inflammatory effects in the heart were identified as the cause of the improvement. John Ussher aims to find treatments for this hidden disease, with future research focusing on the mechanism behind GDF15's anti-inflammatory action.

Dr. Emily Walker and her team use advanced analytics to predict future cancer care needs in Alberta, ensuring timely access and high-quality care for both new and long-term cancer patients.