The Government of Canada is significantly enhancing Simon Fraser University's medicinal chemistry capacity - and that of the B.C. life sciences sector - by establishing a new research facility to be called MedChem.

More than $1.9 million in federal funding for the new MedChem laboratory was announced today by the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification.

"The Government of Canada is committed to maintaining Simon Fraser University's position as a science and technology leader, a training ground for highly skilled personnel, and a key economic driver," said the Honourable Rona Ambrose. "MedChem will help industry, as well as Simon Fraser University students and faculty, access the essential equipment needed to research, develop and commercialize new technologies."

MedChem will be a vital resource for academic and industrial researchers to produce larger amounts of promising new therapeutic drug compounds for further testing and potential commercialization. This includes an incubator for early stage biotechnology companies. These additions will ensure B.C. remains a leader in Canada's science technology sector through strengthened research and development capabilities.

"We are extremely grateful to Western Economic Diversification for their investment in the SFU Medicinal Chemistry Facility. The funded physical infrastructure renovation and equipment will build on SFU's own investment in medicinal chemistry in terms of physical infrastructure and faculty appointments," said Dr. B. Mario Pinto, Professor of Chemistry and Vice President, Research at Simon Fraser University. "The Facility will be used to house start-up companies and the Centre for Drug Research and Development, and will complete the cycle from ideas to innovation to commercialization."

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