Alberta Government and Pfizer Canada provide an additional $1.3 million contribution to the Pfizer-Alberta Collaboration in Health

KIRKLAND (Quebec) and EDMONTON (Alberta), November 26, 2018 Pfizer Canada ($800,000) and the Government of Alberta ($517,000) are proud to announce an additional contribution of $1,317,000 to the Pfizer-Alberta Collaboration in Health (PACH). This support builds upon an ongoing collaboration between Pfizer, the Alberta government, and Alberta Innovates to foster and accelerate health innovation in the province of Alberta.

The Pfizer-Alberta Collaboration in Health (originally the "Alberta/Pfizer Translational Research Collaboration Fund") was established in 2011 as a co-managed fund together with the Alberta Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (EDT), Pfizer Canada, Alberta Innovates, and Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) to support a collaborative health innovation and commercialization model in Alberta. The fund totaled $3,500,000 in 2013, and with this additional round of investment, the fund is now valued at over $4.8 million.

Since its inception, a total of 14 research grants have been awarded resulting in the advancement of novel therapeutic compounds into clinical trials, and the development of new diagnostic tools, software development, and drug delivery devices. This support enabled awardees to secure over $13 million in additional funding to accelerate their research and technology commercialization efforts.

This additional funding represents phase-two of the partnership between Alberta and Pfizer. Administered by Alberta Innovates, the new funding will be used to support health innovation in the province, including health industry skill development and training, applications of virtual reality and artificial intelligence to solve healthcare challenges, and new innovations that will diversify our knowledge-based economy and provide economic and health benefits to Albertans.

Pfizer Canada is enhancing its ongoing commitment to health innovation and research in Alberta through this partnership. Research and Development is at the heart of fulfilling Pfizer's purpose as we work to translate advanced science and technologies into the therapies that matter most. Our approach is to collaborate in new and dynamic ways with various stakeholders such as Alberta Innovates which builds research and development strength required for Alberta to meet the health challenges of the future.

While this is an example of pharmaceutical investment in Canada's innovation ecosystem that is not currently captured in the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program, we are pleased that it is aligned with Alberta's strategy to develop health innovation in the province.

John Helou, President of Pfizer Canada


Having Pfizer add to the Alberta-Pfizer Collaboration in Health fund will help launch new leading-edge health innovations in the province. We value Pfizer Canada's commitment to an ongoing relationship between us and the Ministry of Economic, Development and Trade."

Tim Murphy, Vice President, Health, Alberta Innovates 

Alberta's health innovators are making our province proud - attracting international attention and investment. World-renowned life-sciences companies, like Pfizer, want to help our researchers and entrepreneurs create new products and businesses based on Alberta discoveries. That means healthier lives for people around the world - and new jobs and a more diversified economy here at home.

Deron Bilous, Minister of Alberta Economic Development and Trade

About Alberta Innovates
Alberta Innovates invests in research, innovation and entrepreneurship to drive provincial economic growth and diversity. We ignite the power of innovation through our work with researchers, industry and entrepreneurs to move Alberta to a lower-carbon future, enhance the responsible use of land and water, and contribute to the improved health and well-being of Albertans.
Alberta Innovates provides technical expertise, entrepreneurial advice and support, opportunities for partnerships, and funding to advance the best ideas. We support a broad range of research and innovation activity - from discovery to use. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do - bringing together bright minds and great ideas to drive innovation.

About Pfizer Canada Inc.
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Our diversified health care portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most prescribed medicines, vaccines and consumer health products. Every day, Pfizer Canada employees work to bring therapies to patients that significantly improve patients' lives. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/PfizerCA) or Facebook (facebook.com/Pfizer.Canada).

Contacts:
Dwayne Brunner
Alberta Innovates, Manager, Media Relations
780-429-9344 or 403-619-4556 (Cell)
Dwayne.Brunner@albertainnovates.ca

Media Line for Pfizer Canada: 1-866-9Pfizer (1 866 973-4937)
CorporateAffairsCanada@pfizer.com