Canadian Hemophilia Society Introduces "Care Until Cure" Research Program With Genetics Institute
Landmark Research Partnership Announced to Hemophilia Community in Conjunction with World Federation of Hemophilia Meeting

MONTREAL, July 15, 2000 -- The Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS) and Genetics Institute today formally introduced the Care Until Cure Research Program, a partnership designed to support clinical research in hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. The introduction was made to the hemophilia community at an evening reception prior to the 24th annual meeting of the World Federation of Hemophilia, being held July 16 - 21 in Montreal.

The Care Until Cure Research Program will award $150,000 annually in grants to Canadian investigators to conduct research on various medical and psychosocial aspects of bleeding disorders. The program will support clinical research that will lead to improving the quality of life of persons with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand Disease.

"Until now, we have not had the capacity to fund research that would help us choose the most appropriate programmatic interventions, nor the most appropriate clinical supports to those with bleeding disorders," said Erma Chapman, president of the Canadian Hemophilia Society, in a speech during the reception attended by approximately 130 hemophilia patients, family members, health professionals and supporters.

"We know that we have the expertise among our health care providers to conduct such research. Now we have the means for supporting such research," Chapman added.

As currently structured, the Care Until Cure Research Program is a three-year initiative. Grant amounts will vary, with a maximum of $50,000 awarded for any one project. A call for research proposals has been issued for Year 1 of the program and applications are due Sept. 29. First-round grants will be awarded by Nov. 15.

"A major part of Genetics Institute's commitment to the hemophilia community is the sponsorship of innovative clinical research," said Aldo Baumgartner, President, Wyeth-Ayerst Canada. "Our partnership with the Canadian Hemophilia Society on the Care Until Cure Research Program reflects our shared vision to optimize care and treatment for people with hemophilia and related disorders, and to improve their quality of life." GI is the biotech research lab of Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories.

"As well, this program expands our support of hemophilia research in North America and complements our support of gene therapy research in the United States with the U.S. National Hemophilia Foundation, called 'Together for A Cure,'" Baumgartner added.

The Canadian Hemophilia Society (CHS) was founded in 1953 by persons with hemophilia to improve the quality of life for all persons with hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. The CHS National Office is located in Montreal. There are 10 provincial chapters operated by volunteers across the country as well as provincial and regionally staffed offices located in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Information about hemophilia and the Society may be found on the CHS web site: http://www.hemophilia.ca.

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