Health research projects in Saskatchewan receive over $3M funding

Saskatoon, SK October 1, 2003 Nine health-related research projects at the University of Saskatchewan have received a total of $3.1 million in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The studies will be carried out over periods of one to five years and cover a wide spectrum of health research.

Some of the projects include:
– Michael MacGregor’s study of the relationship between anger and blood pressure;
– Peter Yu’s examination of the role of an enzyme called SSAO in the development of Alzheimer disease and the potential for a drug to slow the disease’s development by inhibiting the enzyme;
– Roger Pierson’s study of human ovarian follicular dynamics; and
– John DeCoteau’s study of a naturally occurring hormone in the body that helps inhibit the growth of acute leukemia cancer cells that could lead to new and more effective treatments for acute leukemia.

“The research projects announced today illustrate the breadth and excellence of Saskatchewan’s health research enterprise,” says Dr Bernstein, president of the CIHR. “The cutting-edge projects cover a broad spectrum of health research and will translate into better health for all Canadians.”

“The U of S is proud of the outstanding performance of its health researchers and is committed to increasing our excellence in health research through CIHR programs,” says Steven Franklin, vice presdient of research with the U of S. “These projects will help improve the health of all Canadians by addressing some of the most pressing medical issues of our day.”