Ontario Funds Research into Treatment of Depression, Alzheimer’s, Autism and Parkinson’s
Ontario Brain Institute to Improve Treatment of Brain Disorders
Ontario is supporting ground-breaking research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as autism, depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
This major investment is part of the province’s ongoing support to the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI). The not-for-profit research centre brings together multi-disciplinary, patient-centered research teams to make advances in neuroscience that improve the lives of those living with brain disorders.
“The Government of Ontario created the Ontario Brain Institute to maximize Ontario’s neuroscience excellence by fostering and nurturing collaborations among Ontario’s leading researchers, clinicians, patient advocacy groups, and industry partners. Together these groups play a crucial role in translating high-quality research to real impact for patients, as well as increased economic prosperity.” Dr. Don Stuss, President & Scientific Director
The province’s investment will:
- Foster breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of cerebral palsy, epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD.
- Support faster diagnosis and more personalized treatments for depression.
- Promote advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
This funding builds on the leading brain research already underway in Ontario, which is fostering the province’s growing knowledge economy and supporting good jobs. The province’s support is enabling the Ontario Brain Institute to leverage additional investments through matching funds from collaborating institutions and various other partners including industry, philanthropic, federal and international sources.
Investing in patient-focused health care innovation is part of the government’s economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
“Brain disorders not only affect many Ontarians very personally, they also have a huge economic impact on our province, so I’m thrilled that Ontario is so sharply focused on becoming a global leader in brain research and innovative patient-focused treatment. The Ontario Brain Institute is bringing partners together to make critical discoveries that will get important treatments out of the lab and into clinics faster to treat patients, and we look forward to their continued progress towards this critical goal.” Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation
Quick Facts
- Ontario is providing $56 million in support to the Ontario Brain Institute.
- This funding is part of Ontario’s five-year, $100 million commitment to the Ontario Brain Institute, which was announced in March 2013.
- The investment leverages an additional $28 million from the Ontario Brain Institute’s partner institutions, bringing the total value of these programs to $84 million.
- Last year, OBI funding helped create 260 jobs in external organizations, and in the past two years it has provided funding to 15 entrepreneurs, resulting in 26 prototypes that have the potential to improve people’s everyday lives.
- In Ontario, the economic impact of brain and mental health disorders is estimated to cost more than $39 billion annually.
- It is estimated that more than one million Ontarians live with depression.
- One in three Canadians will be affected by a neurological or psychiatric disease, disorder or injury at some point in their lives.
