20/02/2024

Celebrating Excellence in IBD Research!

TORONTO, Ontario and KIRKLAND, Quebec, February 20, 2024 ‒ In partnership with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, we are thrilled to announce our 2024 IBD research joint awards program, now in its fifth year, aimed at empowering Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research and driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in patient care. The award program consists of two new awards this year, each with a $20,000 grant to support exceptional researchers who are making a difference in the lives of Canadians living with IBD.

Firstly, the Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Researcher Award acknowledges an individual whose clinical work or research aligns with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s mission and focuses on addressing or understanding issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in IBD patient care in Canada. This award aims to foster inclusive research and improve outcomes for diverse IBD patient populations.

Secondly, the Women in IBD Researcher Award highlights the contributions of women in IBD research and their invaluable impact on patient care. The award recognizes either an exceptional female IBD researcher, who is an inspirational leader and role model to others, or an emerging researcher, whose work has significantly advanced Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s mission.

Kate Lee, Vice-President of Research and Patient Programs at Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, says she is delighted to see these awards entering their fifth year.  "Pfizer's longstanding partnership and commitment to the IBD research awards program helps recognize those who are at the forefront of advancing IBD care," says Lee. "Together, we are working towards improving outcomes and enhancing the lives of Canadians living with IBD."

Frédéric Lavoie, Pfizer Canada's Specialty Care Lead says Pfizer is proud to see the awards evolving to ensure a broader patient population. "At Pfizer, we believe research should be inclusive and strive to improve outcomes for all. This award recognizes those who are actively working towards creating a healthcare system that is equitable and accessible for everyone."

We invite IBD experts to nominate a Canadian researcher for the 2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards Program in IBD Research. For more information, visit www.crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Us/Awards and be a part of the positive change we're creating. Join us in celebrating excellence, promoting diversity, and fostering inclusion in IBD care. Applications are open until July 15, 2024.

ABOUT INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
IBD describes a group of conditions, the two main forms of which are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases inflame the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and disrupt a person’s ability to digest food, absorb nutrition, and eliminate waste in a healthy manner. ^[i]

Since the mid-20th century, diagnoses of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease increased dramatically in Canada. In 2023, 322,600 Canadians are estimated to be living with IBD (0.8% of the population). By 2035, that number is expected to rise to 470,000 (1.1% of the population).^[ii] Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are lifelong diseases with no known cure.i Several treatments are available to treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis but more innovation is required to help patients cope with the burden of IBD until cures are found.

ABOUT CROHN’S AND COLITIS CANADA
We are on a relentless journey to transform the lives of people affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis by delivering impact at all stages of life, in every corner of the country,

• by finding the cures for these lifelong diseases,
• and improving the quality of life of everyone affected by these diseases.  

Our 2023-2026 Impact Strategy creates a roadmap for our journey with a focus on accelerating the impact of research 

• address key gaps and success factors; shorten the timeline from discovery to patient impact reaching further 
• help more people with Crohn’s and colitis and their caregivers with our wide range of programs boosting awareness and understanding 
• engage and motivate Canadians driving system change 
• advocate and partner to influence change 

Follow us at crohnsandcolitis.ca, @getgutsycanada on Facebook, X, Instagram, Tiktok, and YouTube at Crohn’s and Colitis Canada on LinkedIn. 

ABOUT PFIZER CANADA
 Pfizer Canada ULC is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that help extend and improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacture of health care products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Corporate Affairs Canada
Pfizer Canada Media Line: 1-866-9Pfizer (1 866 973-4937)
[email protected]

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada
[email protected]

[i] About Crohn’s and Colitis. What are Crohn’s and Colitis? https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Crohn-s-Colitis/What-are-Crohns-and-Colitis   
[ii] About Crohn’s and Colitis. Are you at Risk? https://chrohnsandcolitis.ca/About-Crohns-s-Colitis/Are you at risk.