CSPC2016

Organized by Stem Cell Network, Cate Murray

Health Innovation is a critical component for any nation’s innovation strategy. In Canada, health innovation is of paramount importance for the sustainability of our health system and for improving the health and well-being of Canadians. Of the $190 billion spent annually on chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and cancer, approximately $68 billion is directly attributed to treatment expenditures. Stem Cell therapies and regenerative medicine promise to more effectively treat many of these debilitating conditions. Despite the relatively early stage of maturity, the market for therapies and treatments derived by these fields is growing and expected to surpass $20 billion U.S. by 2025.

Stem cell research and regenerative medicine are health innovation winners.  S&T experts agree that stem cell research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine are within the top three emerging research areas, and Canadian research strength is exceptional.  The proposed CSPC session will bring together key sector leaders who will address where the field is going, how Canada can secure its global strength, and the role & responsibilities of health innovation actors (i.e. industry, government, academia and civil society). Attention will also focus on translational research, commercialization, and support of both academics and industry in moving the best research to market and into the clinic.