QLTI---UBC pioneer in photodynamic therapy receives NSERC
funding for $3.2-million project
A UBC pioneer in the field of photodynamic therapy has received a grant totalling $1.4-million over five years from the Natural
Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Chemistry Prof. David Dolphin, UBC's acting vice-president, Research, will work to develop new photosensitizers -- a class of
light-activated drugs -- to treat new diseases, research ways to improve the molecules and new methods of treatment delivery
for patients.
The grant will fund a collaborative research program with Vancouver-based QLT PhotoTherapeutics Inc., which is contributing
$1.8 million to the effort.
The award was announced today in Ottawa by the secretary of state (Science, Research and Development) Dr. Gilbert
Normand, and NSERC president, Dr. Tom Brzustowski.
Considered a world expert on porphyrin chemistry for his extensive basic research in these areas, Dolphin helped spawn the
technology for QLT with his research into the photochemical behaviour of tetrapyrrolic macrocycles. Specifically, his work led
to the development of Visudyne(TM) (verteporfin), QLT's product for age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of
blindness in people over the age of 50.
Dolphin also holds an NSERC Industrial Research Chair. In addition, he serves as vice-president of technology development
for QLT and has consulted for chemical and pharmaceutical companies throughout North America.
QLT PhotoTherapeutics is a world leader in the development and commercialization of proprietary pharmaceutical products for
use in photodynamic therapy, an emerging field of medicine that utilizes light-activated drugs to treat disease.
NSERC is the federal agency that invests in people, discovery and innovation and is the national instrument for making strategic
investments in Canada's capability in science and technology. |
