Provincial funding gives Genome BC flexibility to launch new projects

Genome BC is striking out on an ambitious five-year plan that could see up to $300 million invested in key areas of research and applications that correspond to the province's emerging life sciences strategy. Flush from its success in last year's Genome Canada Competition III, the agency recently secured $45 million in funding from the provincial government that will help meet the needs of current research projects and provide critical leverage for future initiatives.

If Genome BC succeeds in meeting its financing targets, it will have raised at least $500 million for genomics and proteomics research from its inception in 2000. Since its launch, it has been remarkably successful in Genome Canada competitions and garnered international recognition for its support of several research breakthroughs, including its role in identifying the genetic sequence for the SARS virus.

The BC government's decision to fund both existing projects and future collaborations is indicative of the importance it places on genomics research to the province's ongoing prosperity and well-being. Genomics cuts broadly across many industries within the life sciences sector, making its success critical to future competitiveness.

"We had an initial discussion with Genome BC to ensure that its focus was consistent with priorities and they are. We will continue discussions to ensure ongoing congruency," says an official with the Ministry of Advanced Education, adding that it will play a key role in the forthcoming provincial research and innovation strategy.

For Genome BC, the province's support give it the flexibility to approach potential collaborators and funding partners with the knowledge that a portion of financing requirements is already in place.

"The government really appreciated the fact that we had a strategic plan and that if they invest, we can go back and leverage it four times and deal with issues they think are important," says Winter. "We presented our plan to 2010 and they moved the complete $45 million over to us. When you go out to a Glaxo or any other organization and want to attract co-funding and you have the money in the bank, it's very important."

Of the province's $45-million contribution, $20 million is being used to fund Competition III projects. Genome Canada was successful in nine projects or about 25% of the competition total. Those projects are worth $100.5 million over four years, but Genome Canada is able to commit to just three years of funding for a total project value of $82.5 million. The fourth year of funding is conditional upon Genome Canada convincing the federal government that further investment is justified (R$, June 6/06).

"Beyond three years is unknown at this point although I think Genome Canada has a good case," says Winter. "What will probably happen is we'll see some science and technology priorities this fall and then I hope we'll see (additional funding) in the Budget."

The remaining $25 million in provincial funding is intended to begin moving BC's genomics research out of the lab and into life sciences applications. The funding is important as it gives Genome BC the flexibility to initiate research projects outside of the Genome Canada competition cycle, reflecting the growing autonomy of the regional centres. The last major Genome Canada competition was held last year and another major competition is not expected until 2007.

An applications research program has been tagged to receive $20 million while a development program will receive the remaining $5 million. Winter says this funding is intended to lever about $50 million from other sources, including Genome Canada if future funding is provided and big pharma. The $25 million is more strategic in nature and is intended to address the needs of specific sectors, whether it's the forestry, fisheries or wine making industries. The objective is to equip industry with cutting-edge genomics applications that give them a global competitive edge.

"This is our vision, to be the catalyst for a life sciences cluster. That's different from other genome centres because this is one province and it's life science, so it's easier for us to act as that catalyst," says Winter. "We're building a good base here of Canadian science and moving it to worldwide recognition for international projects, so that there can be strategic investment from pharmaceutical companies in applications. Eventually we'll be able to raise private money and public money to co-fund some of our own projects. We're starting this process now."

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