Canada's patent-holding pharmaceutical companies have teamed with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to create the not-for-profit Rx&D Health Research Foundation 2006 (HRF), replacing the previous HRF Awards Program. HRF will hold annual thematic grants competition and make awards on a theme chose by its scientific advisory panel. Former Liberal senator Dr Yves Morin will serve as HRF's inaugural president. The first funded project, which includes a research and training component, is for influenza pandemic preparedness and control and is worth $1 million. HRF competition proposals are peer reviewed and open to to academic and other research institutions. The sunsetted HRF awards program provided $23 million to more than 1,400 researchers during its 20-year lifespan….