Alberta to drive Canada’s competitive edge in health innovation using AI-powered genome sequencing data for more precise, preventative and cost-effective health care.
Calgary, Alberta – March 5, 2024 – Today, new investments into Alberta initiatives were announced as part of the Canadian Precision Health Initiative (CPHI) led by Genome Canada. This $81 million in Government of Canada investment through Genome Canada is expected to result in a total investment of $200 million with co-funding from industry, academia and public sector partners.
The CPHI will build Canada’s largest-ever collection of human genomic data—more than 100,000 genomes representing the diversity of Canada’s population. In a Canadian first, the CPHI will build a public genomic data resource that reflects the nation’s diverse population. This will ensure precision health innovations benefit all and positions Canada as a global leader in representative genomic data collection.
As part of Pillar 1 of the initiative, generating population-level genomic data, Alberta researchers will develop new datasets to accelerate precision health solutions for assessing risk and prevention of strokes, early interventions for children and youth with mental health disorders, improving the efficacy and safety of pediatric drugs, and reducing the time to diagnosis for patients with rare diseases.
“Genomic data holds the keys to unlock many of the challenges we still face in providing patients with the best possible care. This investment will enable the essential collaboration between our top researchers and health care providers while also bridging genomics technology and data with the power of AI technology to deliver faster diagnosis, insights into prevention, as well as safer and more effective treatments tailored to individual patients.”
Dr. David Bailey, President and CEO, Genome Alberta
The future of health care is personal….and data driven.
Genome sequencing is revolutionizing health care by providing the genetic blueprints—and comparative data—needed to more accurately and effectively diagnose and treat health issues. To realize the full potential, we need large, high-quality and appropriately managed datasets that can be securely, and appropriately and securely shared by researchers and clinicians.
Four new initiatives with top researchers from Alberta institutions will contribute to the Pan-Canadian Genome Library (PCGL)—a national databank designed to reflect Canada’s diversity and accelerate health breakthroughs-through:
- More Effective Stroke Prevention and Risk Assessment for Albertans
Led by experts at the University of Alberta, this initiative tackles Canada’s fifth-leading cause of death—stroke. Sequencing the genomes of stroke patients, it integrates multi-omics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, epigenetics) to uncover pathways for brain injury and recovery, refine stroke risk scores, and use AI to pinpoint stroke causes. With an annual economic burden of $3.6 billion, this work is focused on personalized therapies and prevention strategies to reduce disability and save lives. - Supporting Earlier Intervention for Children and Youth with Mental Health Disorders
Led by experts at the University of Calgary, this initiative targets mental health disorders affecting 1.6 million Canadian children and youth. This sequencing project will identify genetic and environmental risk factors for children and youth with mental health disorders, through building a national network, standardizing data tools, and shaping policies to enable earlier, equitable interventions. - Accelerating Rare Disease Diagnosis
Experts from the University of Calgary will contribute to this initiative which aims to expand crucial datasets to better reflect Canada’s diversity and ultimately end the diagnostic odyssey for families living with rare disease who are marginalized, and face substantial barriers to accessing appropriate care and social services. The comprehensive data generated from these efforts will improve interpretation and access to testing, and advance genomic health for all. - Improving Drug Safety and Effectiveness in Children
Experts from the Universities of Alberta and Calgary will contribute to this initiative which aims to enhance pediatric drug safety. Building on the Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety’s patient databank—spanning 100,000 medication uses and 10,000 adverse reactions—it will sequence new genomes and identify biomarkers for seven severe drug reactions in pediatric oncology patients. This diverse, 40-year longitudinal dataset will empower safer treatments for Canadians.
Learn more about these projects at genomealberta.ca/project-portfolio/ .
Genome Alberta is proud to invest in these large-scale, diverse genomic data assets, and together with regional partners, work to transform our health care approach and deliver a new standard of care to all Albertans.
Why This Matters: Better Health Outcomes for All
By generating population-level genomic data, these investments aim to address Alberta’s health priorities while contributing to a national resource that mirrors Canada’s diversity leading to:
- Enhanced health care option: Faster diagnoses, safer drugs, and tailored treatments will save lives and reduce suffering.
- Economic Growth: empowering our health innovators and accelerating the development of world-leading, next generation health solutions.
- Strengthening health security and data sovereignty: increasing access to data needed to protect Canadians from public health threats.
Read more about the Canadian Precision Health Initiative and News Release about the full suite of Genome Canada’s funded projects across the country.
About Genome Alberta
Genome Alberta is working towards a better future through genomics innovation. Our mission is to promote and support genomics solutions to create value and investment opportunities through excellent science, technology and application development, collaborations, and partnerships. We work on priority areas in health, agriculture, environment & energy, and forestry, driving growth across sectors while helping to develop Alberta’s next generation of talented innovators.
For more information on Genome Alberta, please visit genomealberta.ca.
Media inquiries:
Erin Tessier
etessier@genomealberta.ca
587-643-9973
