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Canadian Genetic Diseases Network is a not-for-profit
corporation, committed to advancing Canada’s scientific
and commercial competitiveness in genetic
research, and the application of genetic discoveries to
prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.
To achieve its objective, CGDN participates in three essential
activities:
- Facilitates collaborative research in human genetics
across Canada
- Facilitates partnerships between industry (biotechnology,
pharmaceutical, and diagnostic firms) and academia to translate
research discoveries into therapies or diagnostic tests.
CGDN scientists are at the leading-edge of
genetic research. Scientists funded by the network have discovered
more than 35 disease causing genes, including genes involved
in Alzheimer’s, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, epilepsy,
muscular and myotonic dystrophies, colon cancer, breast cancer,
and juvenile diabetes. Network scientists have made other
significant breakthrough advances in birth defects, cardiovascular
disease, neurodegenerative disease, Down syndrom, retinal
and blood disease, childhood eye cancer, Huntington disease,
and recessive gene disorders.
CGDN is also a leader in training emerging scientists to
excel in human genetic research. The Network launched the
Canadian Bioinformatics Workshops (CBW) in 1999, in partnership
with the Biotechnology Human Resource Council and Human Resources
Development Canada, to address the critical shortage of researchers
possessing essential skills in Bioinformatics. CBW is a national,
accredited program that is taught by leading Bioinformatics
experts. Since its inception, more than 450 biologists and
computer scientists, from both academia and industry, have
participated in the workshop series.
CGDN has an outstanding track record for commercializing
genetic discoveries. CGDN’s ‘Strategic Investment
Fund’ provides seed funding to early-stage research
projects that demonstrate commercialization potential. The
investment fund has resulted in the successful spin-off of
companies such as Xenon Genetics, Aegera, SignalGene, and
NeuroVir Therapeutics (acquired by MediGene). These spin-offs
in turn have raised more than $135 million in investments
and generated more than 900 jobs.
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