Twenty-one projects receive funding to develop new therapeutics, tools and solutions by uncovering the roles of biological sugars in health and disease.
EDMONTON, ALBERTA (December 5, 2024) – GlycoNet, a global leader in glycomics research and innovation, today announced an investment of approximately $4.5 million for 21 research projects tackling unsolved health challenges through the study of biological sugars. Industry collaborators, health foundations and business partners are co-investing approximately $7.5 million to bring the total investment to $12 million over the next two years.
Unlike sugars we consume in our diet, glycans are complex sugars that coat the surface of cells. They are essential for a wide range of biological processes in humans, animals, plants and even viruses and bacteria. As a result, glycans play important roles in health and disease. This funding supports projects that expand our knowledge of glycans and aim to develop cutting-edge tools and treatments in areas including cancer, infectious diseases and pandemic prevention, cardiovascular health, dementia, organ transplantation and other pressing health issues.
“Our government, through the Strategic Science Fund, has invested in GlycoNet to drive forward groundbreaking glycomics research tackling critical health challenges,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “These projects are a prime example of how our strategic investments are empowering Canadian scientists to develop transformative tools and therapies that could revolutionize health outcomes, both in Canada and globally.”
One of the initiatives, led by Simonetta Sipione at the University of Alberta, is evaluating how well a glycan-based substance can disrupt a key mechanism that cancer cells use to promote growth, metastasis and drug resistance. “Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women,” said Sipione. “We are hopeful that our approach could be used in combination with other cancer therapeutics to increase the success of treatment in patients.”
Addressing another major health issue, Yvan Guindon at Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) is directing a project to develop a new class of drugs to prevent and treat heart failure—a leading cause of death worldwide.
Another funded project, led by Wesley Zandberg at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan, examines how glycans in the mucus lining of cow airways play a role in bovine respiratory disease, a major cause of illness and death in cattle. Without an effective vaccine, farmers often rely on antibiotics, which can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
“GlycoNet researchers are uncovering new pathways to healthier, more sustainable living,” said Elizabeth Nanak, CEO of GlycoNet. “By encouraging collaboration and leveraging strategic funding, we are fostering a supportive ecosystem for Canadian glycomics researchers to create next-generation therapies and diagnostics that address challenging health conditions.”
Quick Facts
- Glycomics is the study of complex sugars (called glycans) and their roles in organisms including humans, animals, plants, bacteria and viruses.
- Today’s announcement is for approximately $4.5 million plus approximately $7.5 million in co-funding from research partners and industry collaborators across Canada, supporting 21 projects over the next two years.
- GlycoNet is one of the inaugural recipients of the Government of Canada’s Strategic Science Fund and is being awarded $24.7 million over five years (2024-2029).
- Since 2015, GlycoNet has invested a total of $36.9 million from federal funding and leveraged $49.9 million of partner funding into research and development, trained over 720 highly qualified personnel and has supported the creation of 6 new Canadian companies.
Associated Links
About GlycoNet
Led out of the University of Alberta, GlycoNet is a pan-Canadian research network consisting of over 210 researchers in 36 institutions across the country and has funded over 180 projects. GlycoNet investigators use the study of carbohydrates (sugars) in living cells to find solutions to unmet health needs through the development of tools, drugs, vaccines and diagnostics. Taking a One-Health approach that considers the connections among human, animal and environmental health, GlycoNet is advancing research, innovation and training in glycomics to improve quality of life for Canadians. Under the network, GlycoNet Integrated Services (GIS) operates as a national platform of glycomics services. GlycoNet and GIS together provide one-stop access to glycomics tools, specialized expertise, consulting and collaborative opportunities to academia and industry, both nationally and internationally. GlycoNet is also a leader in training the next generation of glyco-scientists and promoting collaboration and advancement in glycomics research. GlycoNet is supported in part through the Government of Canada’s Strategic Science Fund. Learn more: glyconet.ca
Contact
Aalyssa Atley
Director of Communications, GlycoNet
aatley@glyconet.ca