GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN INVEST IN RESEARCH TO IMPROVE DIALYSIS TREATMENT

New technology may soon be available to improve the quality of life for patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) by reducing the length and number of hemodialysis sessions.

Funding for the University of Saskatchewan to develop and commercialize an improved hemodialysis treatment system was announced today by Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification and First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff on behalf of Enterprise Minister and Minister responsible for Trade Jeremy Harrison.

"The development of an improved treatment system is a great example of cutting-edge research taking place right here in Saskatchewan," said Yelich. "Our government is proud to support this project as it has the potential to enhance the lifespan and quality of life for hemodialysis patients, as well as significantly reduce the costs of hemodialysis in both the short- and long-term."

"Saskatchewan is known as a leader in innovation and research," Cheveldayoff said. "This new technology demonstrates our ability to be a leader in the medical industry and we anticipate it will make a positive impact on people from across this province and around the world."

Through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA), the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are investing a combined $789,000.

Funding will be directed toward the development and commercialization of a product designed, fabricated and manufactured in Saskatchewan, suitable to be marketed to medical institutions throughout Canada and around the world. The new treatment system will be more efficient than current technology, reducing the frequency of hemodialysis treatments and time per session - a great advantage, particularly for residents in rural and remote communities. The technology promises to improve quality of care and increase life expectancy in ESRD patients, while drastically reducing the costs of hemodialysis locally, nationally and globally.

"Living with chronic kidney disease comes with great cost not only to the patient but to their families and to the health care system," University of Saskatchewan Vice-President Research Karen Chad said. "This research has broad potential for impact in improving the quality of life for people in our province, our country and indeed around the world."

Both Canada and Saskatchewan are contributing $25 million each over four years to the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western Canadian communities.

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For more information, contact:

Nicholas Insley
Office of the Minister, Western Economic Diversification
Phone: 613-954-1042
Email: nicholas.insley@wd.gc.ca

Joanne Johnson
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7967

Michael Robin
Research Communications, University of Saskatchewa
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-966-1425