The Governors of the University of Calgary

A new patient-directed research program, Patient Voices in Research, led by Terry Fox Research Institute, will fund $1.8M to 10 Canadian research teams to address gaps in precision oncology identified by cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. One team, led by Dr. Bishal Gyawali, received $180,000 to study disparities in access to precision oncology drugs across Canada, aiming to identify barriers and improve timely access to life-saving treatments.

Fluid Biomed, a Calgary-based startup, raised $27M to develop the world's first bioabsorbable brain stent, aiming to address limitations of existing metal stents. The stent, made of polymer and metal, is designed to disappear over time, improving healing and reducing risks. The funding will support expanded clinical studies.

Simon 2-Stage futility trial design is feasible for early Parkinson's disease treatments, potentially accelerating discovery of new treatments by reducing time, cost, and sample size. The design uses an interim analysis to stop ineffective treatments early, focusing on a 12-month follow-up and a five-point worsening on the UPDRS motor score as primary outcome. However, it has limitations like longer recruitment periods and a higher probability of falsely stopping trials.

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.

1000 children aged 0–14 in Australia/New Zealand are diagnosed with cancer annually, with paediatric brain cancers causing 40% of cancer-related deaths despite representing only 14% of diagnoses. Although overall cure rates exceed 80%, many brain tumour types have bleak outlooks, and survivors often face lifelong clinical sequelae. The Australian Brain Cancer Mission (ABCM) and the Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology/Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) have addressed challenges in clinical trial execution, leading to the initiation or expansion of 11 clinical trials. These trials aim to improve survival rates and quality of life for children with aggressive brain cancers, leveraging international collaborations and innovative treatments. Despite progress, challenges remain in funding and resource constraints, necessitating sustained strategic funding and international partnerships to advance paediatric brain cancer research.

Ipsen presents Iqirvo data at AASLD 2024, showing sustained efficacy and safety in PBC patients over 3 years, with improvements in pruritus, fatigue, and sleep. Iqirvo is approved in the U.S., E.U., and U.K. for PBC treatment.

The Precision Health and Longevity Summit 2024, to be held in Calgary, unites global experts to discuss health and longevity, aiming to make Canada a leader in these fields. The summit features discussions on AI, Genomics, and strategic policy, with a focus on personalized healthcare and longevity solutions. Key speakers include Dr. Dilpriya Kaur Mangat, Dr. David Barzilai, and Dr. Anmol Kapoor, among others. The event aims to drive equitable healthcare solutions and enhance the quality of life for Canadians.

A gene desert adjacent to the Shox2 gene, crucial for limb and cardiac development, contains 15 regulatory elements that control Shox2 activity, impacting sinoatrial node formation and heart rate regulation. These findings, published in *Nature Communications*, highlight the importance of non-coding DNA regions in embryonic development and genetic diagnostics, particularly for cardiac arrhythmias.

Alimetry raised $18m to commercialize its AI-powered wearable gut health monitoring device, supported by FDA clearances, a CPT III code, and over 30 clinical studies. The device, used in over 40 hospitals and clinics, provides rapid diagnosis of gut disorders, improving patient care and reducing diagnostic time and cost.