News
Assumption Life once again raised $100,000 at its golf tournament for ACRI!
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is very grateful for the generosity of its community and the contributions of donors who continue to support our research efforts in the fight against cancer. ACRI is fortunate to have the unwavering support of a partner of Assumption-Life’s caliber, and we are forever grateful. The funds raised during this tournament will allow ACRI to continue their research and thus contribute to the improvement of cancer care and ultimately to find solutions for these diseases which afflict so many families across the country.
CHANGE IN SCIENTIFIC LEADERSHIP – SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT
It is ACRI’s pleasure to announce that Dr. Stephen Lewis will be assuming the full-time role of Scientific Director. Dr. Lewis has held the position of Assistant Scientific Director at ACRI since 2013 and his scientific rigour and mentorship has helped shape ACRI as a reputable research centre. In addition to his role at ACRI, Dr. Lewis is currently Chair of the Management Advisory Council of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, a member of the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation’s Board of Directors and is a Provincial Co-lead for the Terry Fox Research Institute’s Atlantic Cancer Consortium of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network.
Dr. Lewis’s mandate will focus on overseeing the scientific research development of the Institute while continuing to pursue his own research program as a principal investigator. Dr. Lewis will lead the identification of ACRI’s strategic scientific objectives and will contribute to the development of resulting action plans. He will also develop new partnerships and see to the maintenance of dynamic relationships with granting agencies and existing strategic partners.
ACRI wishes to thank its long-time Scientific Director Dr. Rodney Ouellette for his nearly 25 years of scientific leadership at ACRI. The team and the local research ecosystem are indebted to Dr. Ouellette for all that he has done to establish and grow ACRI. The Institute thanks him for his passion, his know-how, and his unwavering efforts that have made ACRI the unique and vibrant research institute that it is today. Dr. Ouellette will continue to focus on his research programs at ACRI as Founding Scientist and the R.R. Leger-NBHRF Chair in Precision Cancer Research. He will also be continuing his research activities with the Vitalité Health Network as a clinician researcher. His contributions and ongoing support continue to be highly valued by all members of ACRI and the broader scientific community.
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute anticipates that this restructuring will bring positive change to the Institute’s scientific research objectives as it faces an ever-evolving research landscape.
About the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
ACRI is a non-profit research organization founded in 1998 and located within the New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine in Moncton. ACRI works on cutting edge research in the quest to find solutions to cancer and impact patient care in the region and around the world. ACRI scientists are advancing their research with the aim to improve patient care through precision medicine. To this end, ACRI researchers are making significant contributions in liquid biopsy for cancer diagnosis, disease monitoring, and detection of treatment response. In addition, ACRI scientists are pursuing studies on cancer cell biology, gene editing, and the discovery of targeted treatments.
ACRI is a team of over forty researchers, support staff and students with a wide range of expertise in genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioinformatics, pathology, mass spectrometry, as well in vitro and in vivo testing. Through its work, ACRI is making positive contributions to research efforts locally and globally, all aimed at defeating cancer.
Changes to the Board of Directors
ACRI is therefore proud to announce that Mr. Gaëtan Thomas was elected Chairman of its Board of Directors on October 28, 2022.
Mr. Thomas has served on ACRI's Board of Directors since 2015 and has acted as Vice-Chair for the past few years. Mr. Thomas, a seasoned and well-known provincial leader, currently serves as CEO of the Conseil économique du Nouveau-Brunswick and previously had a long career with NB Power. His contributions have been innumerable over the past few years and ACRI is fortunate to benefit from his continued support in its evolutionary journey. Mr. Thomas' chairmanship comes at a turning point for ACRI and will aim to mobilize and bring together key partners in the co-creation of a new health research institute in which ACRI will occupy an important place.
To Madame Gionet, our outgoing Chair and the first woman to serve in this capacity for the organization, ACRI would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the time and resources you have devoted to helping steer ACRI towards a prosperous future. During her mandate, Ms. Gionet devoted great energy to the sale of the Conceptia fertility clinic to a Canadian consortium. A transaction that allows ACRI to focus on its research vocation while having increased its coffers to finance its operations. In addition, she conducted strategic discussions with ACRI's close partners, namely the Université de Moncton, the Vitalité Health Network and the Center de formation médicale de l'Université de Sherbrooke to pave the way for a new research institute that will allow ACRI to better share its knowledge, create partnerships in research, and thereby increase its impact, its effectiveness and reduce its operational costs. Contributions that put ACRI on the right path to continue to make significant contributions to cancer research and to meet the needs of our population.
Assumption Life keeps driving research further as they once again raised $100,000 at its golf tournament for ACRI!
Assumption Life drives research further by raising $100,000 at its golf tournament for ACRI!
Moncton (NB) – Tuesday August 17th, 2021 – Assumption Life has donated $100,000 to the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) as part of its annual “Driving Research, together” golf tournament.
For the first time, Moncton’s own Philippe Myers, #55 of the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League, was the special guest at the Tournament. Philippe participated in a guided ACRI tour, met the teams, and also participated in a Question and Answer session with Mr. Sébastien Dupuis, President and CEO of Assumption-Life.
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute would like to thank Assumption Life and all those involved and their generous support. The ACRI is fortunate to have the unwavering support of a partner of Assumption-Life’s caliber.
The funds raised during this tournament will allow the ACRI to continue their research and thus contribute to the improvement of cancer care and ultimately to find solutions for these diseases which afflict so many families across the country.
ACRI: Partner in the ACC - Atlantic researchers join forces, receive $3.6 million in new provincial and national funding to accelerate precision medicine for cancer patients
Moncton, NB – With a commitment to work together and $3.6 million in new funding from provincial and national partners, doctors and scientists at leading cancer centres, hospitals and research in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland & Labrador have formed an alliance focused on providing improved cancer outcomes.
CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP AT THE ATLANTIC CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Moncton, NB –After two successful decades and a long list of accomplishments, Dr. Rodney Ouellette has made the decision to step down as President and CEO of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute. For the last 20 years ACRI has grown significantly under his steady leadership and wisdom.
Since 1998, Dr. Ouellette grew ACRI from two to almost 60 employees and built the Institute as the global centre of excellence for precision medicine that it is known for today. The Institute has thrived in a very competitive environment with larger facilities in urban centres.
During the last 20 years Dr. Ouellette secured over $100 Million in research funding and investments to New Brunswick and attracted numerous highly qualified and sought-after researchers to work at the Institute. Under Dr. Ouellette’s leadership ACRI has successfully marketed numerous inventions and secured patents Worldwide.
“ACRI was Dr. Ouellette’s vison and he turned that into a reality. From a small two-person facility to a globally recognized leader in cancer research. The Institute has excelled under his expertise and ACRI would not be what it is today without his leadership,” said Ms. Nicole Gionet, ACRI Board Chair. “Dr. Ouellette and his team have been focused on finding solutions to cancer that ultimately improve patient care here in New Brunswick and around the world. We are proud to carry on his work and can never thank him enough for all he has done.”
“There is something very special about ACRI and I feel extremely privileged and fortunate to have worked with a professional and brilliant team of experts in their field,” said Dr. Rodney Ouellette, “and I look forward to continuing clinical duties as Head of the Vitalité Health Network Molecular Genetics Laboratory and my research as interim Scientific Director at ACRI. I am passionate about cancer research and happy to continue contributing to it.”
The Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Brigitte Sonier-Ferguson, Vice-President University Mission at Vitalité Health Network as acting CEO at ACRI as of May 3rd, 2021. Brigitte’s new responsibilities with the Health Network and her active involvement in the ACRI Board of Directors make her the ideal candidate for this role. “Dr. Ouellette leaves a big legacy, and it will be a challenge to step up and fulfill his role, but we are committed to continuing the great work and progress he has made as we work to bring the Institute to its next level of its evolution through close partnerships with other stakeholders in the province such as the Vitalité Health Network and Université de Moncton.,” added Ms. Sonier-Ferguson.
About the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
ACRI is a partner non-profit research organization founded in 1998 and located within the New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine in Moncton. ACRI works on cutting edge research in the quest to find solutions to cancer and impact patient care in the region and around the world. ACRI scientists also work with partners around the globe to advance their research with the aim to improve patient care through precision medicine. ACRI researchers are making significant contributions in areas such liquid biopsy for diagnosis, treatment monitoring and response as wells as other focus on gene editing and targeted treatments.
ACRI is a team of over fifty researchers with a wide range of expertise in genomics, proteomics, molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, bioinformatics, pathology, mass spectrometry as well in vitro and in vivo testing. Through its work, ACRI is making positive contributions to research efforts locally and globally, all aimed at defeating cancer.
Board changes
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) is fortunate to be guided by the firm leadership of our Board of Directors. The members of our Board are volunteers from the community with a wide range of experience in academia, law, finance, business and government. Our cancer research mission and achievements would not be possible without them at the helm.
We are very excited to announce that Ms. Nicole Gionet has been elected as ACRI’s new Board Chair!
Ms. Gionet has been part of the ACRI Board since 2017 and has been an invaluable asset in ACRI’s recent achievements, and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the leadership team.
To Mr. Gilles LeBlanc, our outgoing Board Chair, we want to say thank you for the immeasurable time and resources that you have dedicated to the Institute’s growth and successes, past and present. We are fortunate that Mr. LeBlanc will remain a Board member and act as Secretary/Treasurer for the upcoming year.
We also want to take this opportunity to announce our newly elected Board members, Dr Denis Prud’homme, President and Vice-chancellor of Université de Moncton and Mr. David Savoie, President of Acadian Construction.
Finally, we extend our warmest gratitude for the contributions, advice and support of outgoing Board members and give a big thank you to Mr. Joey Caissie, past Secretary/Treasurer, Dr Jacques Paul Couturier, administrator and Mr. Martin LeBlanc, previous Board Chair and administrator.
ACRI has Liquid Biopsy Patent Granted in Canada
Moncton, New Brunswick -- (May 29, 2020) – The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is pleased to announce that the Canadian Patent Office has granted as of April 28, 2020 Patent Application No. 2830772 entitled: POLYPEPTIDES WITH AFFINITY FOR HEAT SHOCK PROTEINS (HSPS) AND HSP ASSOCIATED COMPLEXES (HACS) AND THEIR USE IN DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY.
ACRI also holds a granted patent for this technology in the United States (US Patent # 8956878) and Europe (EPO Patent # 2688904). ACRI's technology described in the patent includes the Vn96 peptide used for liquid biopsy applications. The peptide has a high affinity for heat shock proteins (HSPs) lining the surface extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs contain a sample of the DNA, RNA, protein and metabolites found within the cells from which they are derived. Since EVs appear in blood, urine and other body fluids, they are a rich biomarker source that can be obtained by minimally-invasive methods to screen for diseases and follow treatment.
The ACRI team is working to identify the specific proteins and nucleic acids that are released from cancer cells in these small biomarker packets. These cancer-specific proteins and nucleic acids hold the potential to be used as new biomarkers for disease detection using a liquid biopsy. They could also be used to indicate if a patient’s treatment is working earlier than current standard of care methods. ACRI is focused on advancing its extracellular vesicle capture technologies to enable new disease diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment-response tests.
For technology information, collaborations or partnerships, please contact:
Remi Richard
Business Development Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone : +1 506 869 2048
Fax : +1 506 862 7571
Atlantic Cancer Research Institute to Contribute in Global COVID-19 Fight
Moncton, NB – The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) is mobilizing its team to help in the global fight against COVID-19. ACRI hopes to contribute in the efforts by applying its technologies to develop a simpler diagnostic test and to use liquid biopsy as a means to predict host response to the virus.
Current testing for COVID-19 is completed using a nasopharyngeal (nasal) swab administered by a health professional, which can create an unnecessary risk for healthy people.
“We have research scientists from around the world that work here in New Brunswick,” said Dr. Rodney Ouellette, President and Scientific Director at ACRI. “We are using our expertise developed for cancer to contribute to the fight against the global pandemic and evaluating the feasibility of a self-sampling method that relies on saliva collection for a COVID-19 assay while also examining COVID-19 detection in plasma.”
A saliva-based assay was recently approved by the FDA for COVID-19 testing and ACRI will investigate the potential benefits of enriching viral material from saliva samples using their liquid biopsy assays.
Dr. Ouellette added, “A second stream of our research is trying to determine which patients will develop worse symptoms with COVID-19 and which will have a more favorable course. This approach may also provide a means to evaluate how patients may respond to experimental therapies.”
Early identification of high-risk patients would allow better allocation of limited resources and care for patients. Research being conducted at the ACRI will evaluate the feasibility of using a liquid biopsy approach to identify plasma biomarkers that are predictive of outcome and therapeutic response.
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is working to secure research funding made available by provincial and federal agencies to combat the pandemic.
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is a private, not-for-profit research organisation created in 1998 and located at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton, NB, Canada. Unique to the region and operating a modern biomedical research laboratory, this team of scientific experts is striving to innovate by accelerating its understanding of cancer, thus paving the way to better diagnosis, more accurate patient stratification and drug discovery.
For over 20 years the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) has been a leader in innovative research working to find cures for cancer.
Closure of Conceptia Fertility Clinic due to COVID-19 measures
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) is announcing the immediate closure of its Conceptia Fertility Clinic due to directives from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society in response to the COVID-19 threat.
Effective immediately Conceptia will suspend all new consultations and procedures for patients. The clinic will maintain a minimum staff to ensure follow-up consultations and phone calls from existing patients who are in treatment. Embryologist’s expertise will be maintained to protect gametes and embryos in storage.
ACRI is in communication with the Regional Health Authorities about temporary transfer of nurses and staff to assist them during this crisis. ACRI has also communicated with authorities about offering its expertise and infrastructure in molecular testing if required.
"The safety of our staff and patients is our top priority. We want to reassure staff and clients that this measure is temporary and that we hope that activities can resume as soon as possible". Craig Ferguson, Clinical Director of Conceptia.
About Conceptia
Conceptia was founded in 2000 and is the only “full-service” fertility treatment center in New Brunswick and is the only private non for profit fertility Clinic in Canada. This organization is a leading fertility clinic in the country with many years of success above national average, focused entirely on patient-specific treatment strategies and welfare. Conceptia employs innovative and advanced techniques in conjunction with a professional and courteous staff in order to help reach goal of pregnancy in a compassionate, discreet, secure and comfortable setting.
About the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI)
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is a private, not-for-profit research organisation created in 1998 and located at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton, NB, Canada. Unique to the region and operating a modern biomedical research laboratory, this entrepreneurial team is striving to innovate by accelerating its understanding of cancer, thus paving the way to better diagnosis, more accurate patient stratification and drug discovery.
"This is a very difficult period and we are disappointed that we have to suspend this very important service to families. We also regret the hardship this will cause our staff and their families and hope that we will return to normal activities soon. In the meantime, our talented staff of nurses and receptionists may be able to help our health system deal with this pandemic. " Dr. Rodney Ouellette, President and Scientific Director at ACRI.
Signature of a Tripartite Agreement on the New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine
On December 13 the Université de Moncton, the Vitalité Health Network and the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) signed a ten-year agreement establishing the governance model for the New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine (NBCPM).
Prostate Cancer Wakeup Call Breakfast
On October 22nd, during a “Prostate Cancer Wakeup Call Breakfast”, the Prostate Cancer Foundation has raised a total of $73,990. A portion of this amount will benefit the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute. We would like to thank all the people involved with this event and also all the people that were present during this fundraiser for prostate cancer research.
Assumption Life Contributes $ 60000 to Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
Moncton, NB - Friday, August 9, 2019 - Assumption Life has donated $ 60 000 to the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) as part of its annual Greater Forth for Research Golf Tournament !
The federal Minister of Health, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, announced today an investment of $150 million over five years by the Government of Canada for the creation of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centers network
The federal Minister of Health, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, announced today an investment of $150 million over five years by the Government of Canada to the Terry Fox Research Institute. This funding will create the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres network to help accelerate precision medicine for cancer patients across the country.
Moncton Institutions on Cutting Edge of Medical Research
Atlantic Cancer Research Institute and Université de Moncton strengthening New Brunswick’s bioscience sector
April 18, 2019 – Moncton, NB – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Developing new technology and seeking healthcare innovations to offer Canadians better access to medical treatment are key to improving lives, advancing standards of care and encouraging prosperity.
Moncton-based Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) and the Université de Moncton (U de M) are undertaking projects to bring cutting-edge disease screening technology and research platforms one step closer to commercialization, and to establish the New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine (NBCPM).
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing non-repayable contributions totalling more than $4.9 million for these projects, while the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) is contributing $374,000 to the U de M project.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, along with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade and Member of Parliament for Beauséjour, ACRI officials, and U de M representatives made the announcement today.
Economic growth and the creation of good jobs for Atlantic Canadians require innovation and diversification. Support for these projects is one way the Government of Canada is growing the innovation economy by working to sustain strategic clusters, and enhance the development and reach of business accelerators and incubators. Projects like these also contribute to the Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
Cancer centres and researchers in Atlantic Canada join forces to provide precision medicine for cancer patients across region
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. (FRIDAY, APRIL 12TH, 2019) – For the first time, leading cancer centres, hospitals and researchers in Atlantic Canada are coming together to help deliver personalized and precision medicine to cancer patients across the region.
The group, known as the Atlantic Cancer Consortium (ACC), is comprised of about 40 researchers and clinicians from institutions in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador and hopes to join the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, a national initiative launched today by the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) in St. John’s, N.L.
Representatives from the three provinces participated in the launch event in St. John’s. The consortium will make an application to the national network next month for funding to launch a pilot project focused on colorectal and lung cancers, the two most prevalent cancers in the region.
Prostate Cancer Wakeup Call
On October 19th, during a “Prostate Cancer Wakeup Call”, the Prostate Cancer Foundation has raised a total of $61,530. A portion of this amount will benefit the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute. We would like to thank all the people involved with this event and also all the people that were present during this fundraiser for prostate cancer research.
Atlantic Cancer Research Institute Receives $35,000 Donation During the National Bank Golf Tournament
(Moncton, NB) September 13th, 2018 - On September 13th, during a golf tournament at the Fox Creek Golf Club, the National Bank, their employees and their sponsors have raised $25000 dollars to benefit the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute. We would also like to thank Stéphane Achard, Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking & Insurance at the National Bank, for an additional donation of $10000 dollars for a grand total of $35000 dollars.
ACRI would like to thank the National Bank and all those involved for their generous support.
Assumption Life golf tournament raises $50,000 for ACRI
( Moncton, NB )- August 10th, 2018 -Yesterday, during a golf tournament to benefit the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI), Assumption Life, their employees and their sponsors have raised fifty thousand dollars.
ACRI would like to thank Assumption-Life and all those involved for their generous support.
New Brunswick Minister of Health visits ACRI
( Moncton, NB )- July 27, 2018 - Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming the New Brunswick Minister of Health, Mr. Benoît Bourque, at the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI). Dr. Jocelyn Paré gave him a tour of our research laboratories and presented him with details about the activity he leads at ACRI, namely an ablation technology that combines the advantages of chemical ablation to those of microwave ablation.
Dooly's raises $1 million in support of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
(Moncton, NB) - June 7th, 2018 - Dooly's franchisees, their employees and customers have officially raised a grand total of $1 million over the last 13 years in support of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI). ACRI would like to thank Dooly's and all those involved for their generous support over the years and for reaching this great achievement.
For information on how you could support the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, please contact
Remi Richard
Business Development Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone : +1 506 869 2048
Fax : +1 506 862 7571
ACRI has Liquid Biopsy Patent Granted in Europe
ACRI also holds a granted patent for this technology in the United States (US Patent # 8,956,878). ACRI's technology described in the patent includes the Vn96 peptide used for liquid biopsy applications. The peptide has a high affinity for heat shock proteins (HSPs) lining the surface extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs contain a sample of the DNA, RNA, protein and metabolites found within the cells from which they are derived. Since EVs appear in blood, urine and other body fluids, they are a rich biomarker source that can be obtained by minimally-invasive methods to screen for diseases.
The ACRI team is working to identify the specific proteins and nucleic acids that are released from cancer cells in these small biomarker packets. These cancer-specific proteins and nucleic acids hold the potential to be used as new biomarkers for cancer detection using a liquid biopsy. ACRI is focused on advancing its extracellular vesicle capture technologies to enable new cancer diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment-response tests.
For technology information, collaborations or partnerships, please contact:
Remi Richard
Business Development Officer
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone : +1 506 869 2048
Fax : +1 506 862 7571
Assumption Life Golf Tournament raises $55,000 for ACRI
(Moncton, NB) - August 11th, 2017 - The Assumption Life Golf Tournament raised $55,000 for the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI). ACRI is very grateful to Assumption Life, the tournament participants, the tournament sponsors and special guest, Guy Lafleur. Thank you!
ACRI Signs Non-Exclusive License Agreement with BioVendor for liquid biopsy enabling technology
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which include exosomes, are small cell-derived particles that are present within body fluids such as plasma and urine. EVs contain a sample of the DNA, RNA, protein, lipids and metabolites found within the cells from which they are derived and therefore are a valuable source of biomarkers that reflect the real-time state of both healthy and diseased cells. The Vn96 synthetic peptide, developed by ACRI and New England Peptide Inc. (Gardner, MA), is recognized as one of the leading technologies that enables EV capture from body fluids.
Liquid biopsy is a precision medicine technology that offers physicians and health professionals the ability to test a patient in real time to obtain multi-parametric biomarker information and guide therapeutic choices. The Vn96 peptide enables liquid biopsy by providing a fast and reproducible method for the isolation of EVs, and the information that they contain, which is clinically amenable and requires minimal specialized equipment.
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About BioVendor
BioVendor - Laboratorni medicina a.s. was established in the Czech Republic in 1992 as a distributor of clinical chemistry and life science laboratory products. The Research and Diagnostic Products division is an innovative biotechnology company focused on the development and manufacture of in vitro diagnostics and for-research-use immunoassays, recombinant proteins and antibodies. BioVendor’s R&D assays for in vitro diagnostics are aimed at rapidly growing fields of interest within the international research and diagnostic community, such as the oncology and liquid biopsy markets.
About ACRI
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is a private, not-for-profit research organization created in 1998 and located at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton, NB, Canada. Unique to the region and operating a modern biomedical research laboratory, this entrepreneurial team is striving to innovate by accelerating its understanding of cancer, thus paving the way to better diagnosis, more accurate patient stratification and drug discovery.
Quotes
“The license agreement is a very important piece in our strategy to bring innovative immunoassays that target miRNA as clinically valuable biomarkers.”- Viktor Růžička, M.D., CEO of BioVendor – Laboratorní medicína a.s.
“We are very pleased to conclude this licensing agreement with an innovative company like BioVendor. We are confident that our extracellular vesicle isolation technology will be able to enhance their diagnostic and liquid biopsy products.” – Dr. Rodney Ouellette, President and Scientific Director of ACRI
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For additional information, please contact:
Remi Richard, Business Development Agent
Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
T 506.862.7512
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.atlanticcancer.ca
World Cancer Day: Updates from ACRI
(Moncton, NB) – February 4th, 2017 – World Cancer Day, which takes place every year on February 4th, is an initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. With research facilities located in Moncton, New Brunswick, the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) is an integral part of efforts of the world-wide scientific community to progress the battle against cancer.
“Breakthroughs in our knowledge of cancer biology are the key that allows innovation to reach the cancer patient.” says Dr. Rodney Ouellette, President and Scientific Director at ACRI. “This new knowledge allows for the development of improved tests for early detection and diagnosis on the one hand, while leading to improved tailoring of new treatments to the individual. We can now say that we are routinely analyzing individual cancer genomes and with our liquid biopsy technologies we are moving towards the real-time personalization of patient care.”
Investing in Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Detection
September 14, 2016 Moncton – NB – (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency – ACOA)
Testing patients for cancer and other diseases will become more efficient and less painful as a result of an investment of up to $3 million from the Government of Canada.
IMPORTANT NEW COLLABORATOR AT ACRI
(Moncton, NB) – August 16, 2016 - The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) is pleased to welcome Dr. Sylvain Mailhot as an Associate Researcher.
$4 MILLION PARTNERSHIP TO REDUCE BARRIERS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE IN ONCOLOGY
• Make Canada’s rich scientific resources accessible to the research community
• Create a comprehensive cancer database of tissue samples, genomic data and clinical
data from the cancer patient population
• Match patients to available clinical trials based on the profile of their cancer
Moncton, New Brunswick - April 18, 2016 - At an announcement made earlier today at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, confirmed its commitment to research and innovation in oncology by contributing a total of $2 million to the Exactis Innovation ‘Personalize My Treatment’ (PMT) initiative. In addition, the Cancer Research Society (CRS) and the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation (NBHRF) will also contribute $1 million each to help bring innovative precision medicine to Canadians living with cancer.
“Cancer Research Saves Lives” Fundraising Campaign Reaches Goal
“Over its first fifteen years the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute has had some significant accomplishments and now with the successful completion of this $10 million fundraising campaign the Institute is looking toward an even brighter future,” according to ACRI President Dr. Rodney Ouellette.
Enabling precision medicine with liquid biopsy technologies
We need to focus our healthcare spending in NB
New Brunswick faces daunting challenges in the delivery of health care services to residents. The current public debate between Saint John and Moncton regarding investment in a duplicate gene sequencing facility is another example of the consequences when we overlook opportunities to collaborate and optimize.
Patients want and need access to the best available diagnostic technologies. In the area of gene sequencing we already have the capability right here in New Brunswick through Vitalité Health Network and Atlantic Canada Research Institute (ACRI). The Molecular Genetics Laboratory is located in and part of the Dr GL Dumont University Hospital laboratories which was accredited in September 2014 by the Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (formerly Ontario Laboratories Association). Any clinician in New Brunswick can access this testing through the Vitalité Health Network. Our professionals are skilled and available for consultation. Our service is timely and costs are comparable or lower to those charged by other labs operating outside of the province. As good stewards of health care dollars we believe should be using this existing facility taking advantage of our capacity before investing in another lab when there are so many pressing priorities to improving health care in our province.
ACRI welcomes Dr. Jocelyn Paré
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is very happy to welcome Dr. Jocelyn Paré, recipient of the New Brunswick Innovation Research Chair in Medical Technologies.
ACRI team joins forces with Heroes of the Heart to help raise funds for pediatric leukemia research
Justin Bujold, Roxann Guerrette, Rémi Richard et Annie-Pier Beauregard
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is rarely found in adults but will affect more than a fourth of children diagnosed with cancer. With around 90% remission, this cancer is still a very morbid disease with high mortality rates.
Personalized medicine is the most promising alternative to fight cancer. Briefly, this new procedure allows for the detection of specific mutations indicative of a specific cancers allowing doctors to access better treatment.
World Cancer Day 2015
(Moncton, N.B.) – February 4th, 2015 – Taking place under the tagline 'Not beyond us', World Cancer Day takes a positive and proactive approach to the fight against cancer, highlighting that solutions do exist across the continuum of cancers, and that they are within our reach. This year's campaign focuses on four key areas: choosing healthy lives, delivering early detection, achieving treatment for all and maximising quality of life.
What do Burgers and Cancer Research have to do with each other?
(Moncton, NB) – Friday, January 30, 2015 – Imagine if everyone one the planet was "inspired to Relish their life through their dreams, passions and aspirations."
This is exactly what inspires reLiSH Gourmet Burgers to make a difference in people and their journey on Earth. Their mission to reLiSH life is what has inspired reLiSH Gourmet Burgers all across Atlantic Canada to team up with the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute in the fight against cancer with the creation of The Terminator burger. Last year, for its first edition, relish created the Terminator which is made-up of reLiSH's signature burger The Simpleton™ topped off with salsa, avocado, pepper jack cheese and crispy bacon. This burger had a warm welcome and was such a success that people wanted more and kept requesting it after the event was over. It took one year for the return of the Terminator which will be featured at your local reLISH burger restaurant in light of World Cancer Day. A portion of the sales from each Terminator burger sold on February 3rd and 4th will be donated to the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute.
"reLiSH Gourmet burgers and our franchisee operators are really excited about the Terminator program this year," says Rivers Corbett, co-founder of reLiSH Gourmet Burgers. "ACRI is a key community partner and we relish this opportunity to help out. This mouth-watering burger is sure to leave you completely satisfied, not only because it tastes so good, but also because by purchasing one, you know you'll be supporting a great cause – terminating cancer."
"We at ACRI are extremely grateful to be able to partner with community leaders like reLiSH Gourmet Burgers in such initiatives," says Sophie Thériault, Director of Business Development and Communications at ACRI. "More than one out of three people in Atlantic Canada will be affected by this terrible disease and raising money to fight to terminate cancer with innovative and motivated partners helps us make a difference. We are thankful to reLiSH Gourmet Burgers for supporting, for the second year in a row, the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute with this pan-Atlantic initiative and invite you to go and try The Terminator. They really are delicious!"
Those who can't let go of their favorite reLiSH burger will be able to make a donation in the amount of their choice, write their name on an "Atlantic Cancer Research Institute" Logo and the staff at reLiSH gourmet burgers will proudly put it up for everyone to see the supporters who encourage cancer research conducted right here in Atlantic Canada!
Visit any of the four reLish locations in Fredericton, Halifax and St. Johns and help us in the fight to terminate cancer.
About Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) is a private, not for profit research organization created in 1998. Located at the Dr.- George-L. Dumont University Hospital in Moncton, NB, it employs a multidisciplinary research team of over 50 people. Unique to the region and operating a modern biomedical research laboratory, this entrepreneurial team is striving to innovate by accelerating its understanding of cancer, thus paving the way to better diagnosis, more accurate patient stratification and drug discovery.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticcancer.ca or on Facebook, Atlantic Cancer Research. www.cancerresearchsaveslives.ca
-30-
For further information:
riVeRS Corbett
co-founder
reLiSH Gourmet Burgers
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.reLiSHCanada.com
www.riVeRSCorbett.me
This is exactly what inspires reLiSH Gourmet Burgers to make a difference in people and their journey on Earth. Their mission to reLiSH life is what has inspired reLiSH Gourmet Burgers all across Atlantic Canada to team up with the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute in the fight against cancer with the creation of The Terminator burger. Last year, for its first edition, relish created the Terminator which is made-up of reLiSH's signature burger The Simpleton™ topped off with salsa, avocado, pepper jack cheese and crispy bacon. This burger had a warm welcome and was such a success that people wanted more and kept requesting it after the event was over. It took one year for the return of the Terminator which will be featured at your local reLISH burger restaurant in light of World Cancer Day. A portion of the sales from each Terminator burger sold on February 3rd and 4th will be donated to the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute.
"reLiSH Gourmet burgers and our franchisee operators are really excited about the Terminator program this year," says Rivers Corbett, co-founder of reLiSH Gourmet Burgers. "ACRI is a key community partner and we relish this opportunity to help out. This mouth-watering burger is sure to leave you completely satisfied, not only because it tastes so good, but also because by purchasing one, you know you'll be supporting a great cause – terminating cancer."
"We at ACRI are extremely grateful to be able to partner with community leaders like reLiSH Gourmet Burgers in such initiatives," says Sophie Thériault, Director of Business Development and Communications at ACRI. "More than one out of three people in Atlantic Canada will be affected by this terrible disease and raising money to fight to terminate cancer with innovative and motivated partners helps us make a difference. We are thankful to reLiSH Gourmet Burgers for supporting, for the second year in a row, the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute with this pan-Atlantic initiative and invite you to go and try The Terminator. They really are delicious!"
Those who can't let go of their favorite reLiSH burger will be able to make a donation in the amount of their choice, write their name on an "Atlantic Cancer Research Institute" Logo and the staff at reLiSH gourmet burgers will proudly put it up for everyone to see the supporters who encourage cancer research conducted right here in Atlantic Canada!
Visit any of the four reLish locations in Fredericton, Halifax and St. Johns and help us in the fight to terminate cancer.
About Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) is a private, not for profit research organization created in 1998. Located at the Dr.- George-L. Dumont University Hospital in Moncton, NB, it employs a multidisciplinary research team of over 50 people. Unique to the region and operating a modern biomedical research laboratory, this entrepreneurial team is striving to innovate by accelerating its understanding of cancer, thus paving the way to better diagnosis, more accurate patient stratification and drug discovery.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticcancer.ca or on Facebook, Atlantic Cancer Research. www.cancerresearchsaveslives.ca
-30-
For further information:
riVeRS Corbett
co-founder
reLiSH Gourmet Burgers
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.reLiSHCanada.com
www.riVeRSCorbett.me
Moncton researchers receives funding for pancreatic cancer research
NEW BRUNSWICK, October 30, 2014 - The Canadian Cancer Society, in partnership with the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation and Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society, has announced a grant of $197,500 to support New Brunswick cancer research scientists exploring the development of a blood test to detect pancreatic cancer at an early stage.
"The survival rate for pancreatic cancer is only eight percent, so finding a way to detect it earlier could significantly improve outcomes for many patients," said Anne McTiernan-Gamble, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society New Brunswick. "We're extremely pleased to partner with Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society and the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation in funding this exciting research, led by Drs. Stephen Lewis, Rodney Ouellette and Anirban Ghosh."
Latest Research on Vn96
ACRI`s research team publishes article detailing its research on extracellular vesicle isolation.
Rapid Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles from Cell Culture and Biological Fluids Using a Synthetic Peptide with Specific Affinity for Heat Shock Proteins
BIGGER AND BETTER: 2014 NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY WEEK IN NEW BRUNSWICK
This year's National Biotechnology Week proved that New Brunswick is home to more than just a strong biosector – it's a community.
*Article published by BioNB on October 10th 2014
2013-2014 has seen more companies, more industry-research partnerships, more government investment, and more cross-sectoral events and meetings that are shaping the future of our province. Click here to see our timeline of highlights from the previous two years.
National Biotechnology Week is the nation-wide awareness week for the biosciences industry. The New Brunswick events hosted by BioNB were met with a level of participation and enthusiasm that was a welcome surprise. BioNB takes this as a sign that the sector is united, passionate, and gaining recognition as the sector to watch in the province of New Brunswick.
Between September 29th and 30th BioNB hosted the second annual NB Bioscience Twitter Scavenger Hunt. LuminUltra Technologies sponsored the two amazing prizes that were awarded to two very dedicated tweeters. Over two days, dozens of Twitter users religiously followed @BioScienceNB for clues and tasks related to bioscience in our province. Some of the tasks had participants finding creative uses for test tubes, doing some serious online detective work, and even filming their own sales pitches! In the end it was the sector that won. There were over 400 total #nbw2014 tweets, a 10% increase in our Twitter followers, and exposure for over 30 researchers, companies, and individuals. Click here to read our full recap of the Twitter Scavenger hunt.
LA VIE EN ROSE DONATES $2,500 TO THE ATLANTIC CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
Dr. Gilles A. Robichaud, Researcher at the ACRI, and La Vie en Rose Champlain Place store employees.
LA VIE EN ROSE DONATES $2,500 TO THE ATLANTIC CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH
Montreal, October 6th, 2014 – Today, La Vie en Rose, through its Roses of Hope Foundation, donated $2,500 to the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute for breast cancer research. The donation took place at the La Vie en Rose Champlain Place store in Dieppe, in the presence of the retailer's store employees and the beneficiary organization's representatives.
RECAP: CANCER RESEARCH OPEN HOUSE
*Article published by BioNB on October 2nd 2014
During National Biotechnology Week 2014 we toured the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute in the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick. Our tour guide, Ian Chute, who has been ACRI's Laboratory Manager for 7 years, led a group of curious visitors through ACRI's state of the art molecular biology labs.
ACRI has grown from a team of one into a 50+ member organisation of talented researchers and staff. After developing and commercializing a revolutionary method that will improve cancer detection, they continue to innovate. The centre is focused on three main areas of cancer research: early detection of disease, enhanced diagnosis, and targeted treatment.
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute Open House: Discover the lab and meet the staff
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute Open House: Discover the lab and meet the staff!
Cancer isn't invincible. There are solutions. Research remains our greatest ally in the fight against cancer.
ACRI has grown from a team of one into a 50+ member organisation of talented researchers and staff. After developing and commercialising a revolutionary method that will improve cancer detection, we continue to innovate.
Come see our state-of-the-art cancer research lab and meet our researchers and staff! We will be offering guided tours to guests as well as the opportunity to engage with our scientists to learn about their innovative research such as our Vn96 technology and our next generation sequencing.
What: Guided tours, refreshments and networking
Where: The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute
35 Providence, Hôtel-Dieu Pavilion, 4th Floor. Moncton, NB E1C 8X3
When: September 30th between 1PM and 4PM
* There will be visits starting approximately every 30 minutes.
Who: Anyone interested in learning more about ACRI's cutting edge research. All are welcome!
Click here to RSVP
www.atlanticcancer.ca
CancerResearchSavesLives.ca
New sequencing panel for cancer diagnostic
The Vitalité Health Network, in collaboration with the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI), is pleased to announce that the Molecular Diagnostic and Sequencing Laboratory at Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre is now equipped with a new, enhanced sequencing panel for the diagnosis of numerous cancers. The new panel, called the Cancer Hotspot v2, is being used alongside the panel in operation at the laboratory since March 2014 in the diagnosis of patients with lung and colon cancers.
Unlike the lung and colon cancer panel, which supports the sequencing of regions of 22 genes specific to these two types of cancers, the Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 offers more comprehensive functionality, supporting screening for mutations in 50 genes that typically mutate in a range of cancers, including melanoma, leukemia and breast cancer.
Dr. Turcotte receives funding close to half-million dollars from CIHR
Dr. Sandra Turcotte receives funding of close to a half-million dollars from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for kidney cancer research
(Moncton, N.B.)—July 10, 2014— Dr. Sandra Turcotte, Canadian Cancer Society Research Chair, biochemistry professor at the Université de Moncton and research scientist at the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI), has been awarded an operating grant by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). With this funding, valued at close to $500,000 over the next five years, she will be able to continue her research aimed at developing new strategies for the treatment of kidney cancer. In advanced stages, renal tumours are resistant to conventional chemotherapy treatments. Dr. Turcotte's approach involves the discovery of small molecules that target a common mutation specifically found within the cancerous kidney cells. Her team's work in this area is promising and their approach is innovative.
Launch of the PCC Wake up call Breakfast
Atlantic Cancer Research Institute and Prostate Cancer Canada announce Local Moncton Hero
Prostate Cancer Canada Atlantic Region and the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute announced that they are once again teaming up for Prostate Cancer Canada's annual Wake Up Call Breakfast. Chris Bacich, General Manager, BMW Moncton and Kevin Darling, VP Commercial Financial Services, Eastern NB & PEI, RBC are Co-Chairs of the 2014 Moncton Wake Up Call. Today they announced that His Worship, Mayor George LeBlanc will be the recipient of the 2014 Local Hero Award at the breakfast event on September 9th at Delta Beausejour.
"Cancer Research Saves Lives" Campaign Launch
Over its first fifteen years the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute has had some significant accomplishments and now with the launch of a $10 million fundraising campaign the Institute is looking toward an even brighter future.
The focus of the campaign entitled "Cancer Research Saves Lives" is to increase awareness and attract support for cancer research in Atlantic Canada which is important for several reasons. "Atlantic Canada has the highest cancer rates in the country," according to ACRI President Dr. Rodney Ouellette. "In fact one in three Atlantic Canadians will be touched by cancer, something that is very concerning to us as a cancer research institute based in our region. Who better to focus on this issue than Atlantic Canadians?"
"In addition to the alarming cancer statistics in the region, we are the most underfunded area of the country when it comes to research dollars," Dr. Ouellette continued. "This campaign is about finding a cure and improving patient outcomes through research. We are conducting cutting edge research that will contribute to the global efforts on this disease and it is important for Atlantic Canadians to be part of the solutions in the field of cancer. It also allows us to keep our brightest minds in the region."
Spotlight on Dr Rodney Ouellette
Chaque mois, la Fondation de la recherche en santé du Nouveau-Brunswick célèbre un(e) chercheur(e) en santé pour ses accomplissement en recherche en santé axée sur le patient, la médecine appliquée et l'innovation, en présentant leur recherche dans l'Acadie Nouvelle ainsi que dans le Telegraph Journal.
New Sequencing Technology for Advanced Diagnostic Testing in NB
Dr. Louis-Marie Simard, Medical Director of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre
The Honorable Marie-Claude Blais, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Minister responsible for Women's Equality
Mrs. Sandra Brady, patient
Dr. Rodney Ouellette, President and Scientific Director at the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI)
Dr. Nicolas Crapoulet, research scientist at the ACRI
Dr. Dhany Charest, Chief of Medical Staff, Area 1H-Moncton of the Horizon Health Network
Monsieur Richard Losier, Chief Operating Officer –Zone 1 Beauséjour of the Vitalité Health Network
(Moncton, N.B.) – March 24, 2014 – Vitalité Health Network, in conjunction with the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI), is pleased to announce that it is now offering next-generation DNA sequencing technology for diagnostic purposes. After becoming one of the first research centres in Canada to acquire the Ion Proton Sequencer manufactured by Life Technologies, in 2012, ACRI is now making this device available for use by the molecular genetics laboratory at Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre.
The TD Bank Cancer Research Training Awards at the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute: Call for Applications
The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI), in partnership with TD Bank, is pleased to announce a call for applications for the TD Bank Cancer Research Training Awards at ACRI.
Blossom of Hope for World Cancer Day
Moncton Blossoms and Atlantic Cancer Research Institute Present “Blossom of Hope” for World Cancer Day
ACRI Research update : Feature article in the Times & Transcript
Feature article, Cole Hobson from the Times & Transcript interviews Dr. Rodney Ouellette for ACRI's Cancer Research updates
Acadia Life Holiday Challenge results
Atlantic Cancer Research Institute Acadia Life Holiday Challenge Campaign a Success!
(Moncton, NB) – January 10, 2014 – Throughout the month of December the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) and Acadia Life invited the public to make a donation through the Acadia Life Holiday Challenge. During this matching gift campaign, every donation made until January 5, 2014 was matched dollar for dollar by Acadia Life. We are pleased to announce that the campaign raised $47,750.00 for cancer research in Atlantic Canada.
