I would like to announce the launch of "Worthy of Love" leggings by Four Athletics, benefiting girls rescued from sex trafficking via non-profit organization Saving Innocence. For every "Worthy of Love" leggings purchase, Four Athletics will donate a pair of its best-selling black 7/8 Omni leggings directly to Saving Innocence to give to a rescued girl in need.

During this upcoming holiday season, this is the brand's way of saying thanks by giving to those most in need.

• Over 100,000 girls under 18 years of age are bought and sold for sexual exploitation every year in America
• The average entry age for girls is 12 years old
• 70% of minors recruited into sex trafficking are from the foster care system
• Once trafficked, a girl's life expectancy is 7 years more years if not rescued
• Sex trafficking has grown at a rate of 35% from 2015 to 2016, making it one of the fastest growing crimes in America

Please click here for more information:

FOUR ATHLETICS x Saving Innocence Launch _FINAL

ALS Canada awards $3 million for 12 new research projects to help make amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) a treatable, not terminal disease

2017 funding competition completes $20 million research partnership with
the Brain Canada Foundation following the Ice Bucket Challenge

TORONTO, Nov. 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, the ALS Society of Canada announced 12 exciting new research projects being funded in 2017 through the ALS Canada Research Program, which is supported by ALS Societies across Canada. The research being funded includes a multi-year study of a promising drug combination, three trainee grants that will help to nurture the next generation of Canadian ALS researchers currently pursuing their PhDs, two projects that explore how ALS treatments could be delivered through the bloodstream, and an initiative that seeks to understand why the muscles of the eyes are often more resistant to ALS as other muscle groups shut down. The announcement was made in partnership with the Brain Canada Foundation, which through the Canada Brain Research Fund (with financial support from Health Canada) is co-funding the largest grant of $1.8 million through matching funds committed following the Ice Bucket Challenge.

Approximately 3,000 Canadians are living with ALS, a disease that paralyzes the body, taking away the ability to move, talk, swallow and eventually breathe. Each year about 1,000 Canadians are diagnosed with the disease and a similar number die. Most people die within two to five years of their ALS diagnosis because the disease has no cure and few treatment options.

"ALS is an incredibly complex disease, but the research community is making tremendous headway and has come very far with very little in comparison to annual funding levels of diseases that have treatment options," says Dr. David Taylor, Vice President of Research, ALS Canada.  "For the ALS Canada Research Program this has only been possible because of the generosity of donors, partnerships with provincial ALS Societies across Canada, and organizations like Brain Canada, which by matching donations made through the Ice Bucket Challenge has essentially doubled Canada's ALS research investment over the past several years."

Combined with research grants jointly awarded by ALS Canada and Brain Canada in 2015 and 2016, the grants awarded in 2017 are putting to work the $20 million earmarked for Canadian ALS research following the Ice Bucket Challenge that in 2014 raised unprecedented awareness for the disease and funds for ALS charities including ALS Societies across Canada. With Brain Canada's commitment of matched funds now complete, the ALS Canada Research Program will soon return to its historic funding levels with $1.5 million to $2 million in research grants awarded each year.

"Canadians responded generously to the Ice Bucket Challenge, and by matching the $10 million earmarked for research through our partnership with Health Canada, Brain Canada doubled the impact of this generosity," said Inez Jabalpurwala, President and CEO, Brain Canada Foundation. "Since 2015, in partnership with the ALS Canada Research Program, we have funded 20 grants for novel, outside-the-box research; nine grants for collaborative, translational research projects that will move discovery from the lab to the clinic; and five grants that enable the next generation of researcher professors to start or continue research in promising areas of investigation.  While the focus of all these research investments remains ALS, Brain Canada has brought its one system approach, whereby researchers from other areas were encouraged to apply their knowledge, and every discovery carries the potential to impact other neurodegenerative disorders which share common underlying mechanisms with ALS."

Of the research grants announced today, the $1.8-million project co-funded by ALS Canada and Brain Canada will seek to find out whether a promising drug combination can address misfolded proteins, one of the defining biological characteristics of ALS. It was awarded to a research team led by Dr. Heather Durham from McGill University, with collaborators Dr. Josephine Nalbantoglu (McGill University); Dr. Richard Robitaille (Université de Montréal), and Dr. Chantelle Sephton (Université Laval).

The other 11 projects were funded through the ALS Canada Research Program through two different grant competitions as a direct result of donations and partnerships with ALS Societies across Canada including 40% of net proceeds from the WALK for ALS fundraising events that take places across the country.

The research being funded in 2017 seeks to answer the following questions that will help to move us from greater understanding of ALS to the development of therapies for human use:

• Can adjusting the levels of a "guardian" protein protect a protein that becomes toxic in most cases of ALS?  $125,000 awarded to Dr. Marco Prado with collaborators Dr. Martin Duennwald and Dr. Flavio Beraldo, all from Western University
• Can image-guided focused ultrasound technology be used safely in people living with ALS as a means of delivering future treatment? $124,948 awarded to Dr. Lorne Zinman with collaborators Dr. Nir Lipsman, Dr. Kullervo Hynynen, Dr. Sandra Black, Dr. Todd Mainprize, and Dr. Agessandro Abrahao, all from the University of Toronto
• Can microscopic bubbles in our bodies be used to deliver ALS treatments through the bloodstream? $125,000 awarded to Dr. Derrick Gibbings with collaborators Dr. Baptiste Lacoste and Dr. Maxim Berezovski, all from the University of Ottawa
• Could targeting the activity of motor neurons in the spinal cord be a new way to diagnose and treat ALS? $125,000 awarded to Dr. Yves De Koninck, Université Laval
• Could the change in communication processes between motor neurons and the immune cells of the nervous system after an ALS diagnosis help to identify new treatment targets? $124,930 awarded to Dr. Stefano Stifani, McGill University
• Could touchscreen technology help to improve testing for the cognitive impairment that occurs in some cases of ALS? $110,770 awarded to Dr. Flavio Beraldo with collaborators Dr. Marco Prado and Dr. Vania Prado, all from Western University
• Could whole genome sequencing reveal new areas of genetic mutations that make some people more likely to develop ALS? $75,000 awarded to Jay Ross, a PhD student in Dr. Guy Rouleau's lab at McGill University
• How might misfolded proteins that occur in ALS cause cells to die? $50,000 awarded to Sonja Di Gregorio, a PhD student in Dr. Martin Duennwald's lab at Western University
• What can we learn from mice that are able to walk almost normally despite significant loss of motor neuron function? $125,000 awarded to Dr. Turgay Akay, Dalhousie University
• Why are eye muscles more resistant to ALS, and what can we learn about this that could help to preserve the function and use of other muscles? $121, 048 awarded to Dr. Richard Robitaille with collaborator Danielle Arbour, both from Université de Montréal
• Will probiotics that improve ALS symptoms in worms also work in mice? $75,000 awarded to Audrey Labarre, a PhD student in Alex Parker's lab at the Université de Montréal

The funding of these 12 research projects follows a rigorous scientific assessment by global ALS experts who evaluated a larger pool of applications to identify the projects that are grounded in scientific excellence and have the potential to most quickly advance the field of ALS research in order to develop effective treatments. The scientific evaluation was observed by people who have personal experience with ALS.

About Canada's ALS Societies and the ALS Canada Research Program
ALS Societies across Canada fundraise on a regional basis to provide services and support to people and families living with ALS in their province and contribute to the funding of the ALS Canada Research Program. The ALS Canada Research Program funds peer-reviewed research grants and fosters collaboration amongst Canadian researchers, helping to nurture new ideas and build capacity. ALS Societies advocate federally, provincially and locally on behalf of people and families living with ALS for better government support and access within the healthcare system.

About Brain Canada and the Canada Brain Research Fund
Brain Canada is a national registered charity headquartered in Montreal that enables and supports excellent, innovative, paradigm-changing brain research in Canada. For nearly two decades, Brain Canada has made the case for the brain as a single, complex system with commonalities across the range of neurological disorders, mental illnesses and addictions, brain and spinal cord injuries. Looking at the brain as one system has underscored the need for increased collaboration across disciplines and institutions, and a smarter way to invest in brain research that is focused on outcomes that will benefit patients and families. Brain Canada's vision is to understand the brain, in health and illness, to improve lives and achieve societal impact.

The Canada Brain Research Fund is a public-private partnership between the Government of Canada and Brain Canada, designed to encourage Canadians to increase their support of brain research, and maximize the impact and efficiency of those investments. Brain Canada and its partners have committed to raising $120 million, which is being matched by Health Canada on a 1:1 basis for a total of $240 million.  For more information, visit www.braincanada.ca.

SOURCE ALS Canada

Canadian economy takes $7.1 billion hit annually due to pain, according to Global Pain Index

GSK study finds Canadians missing out on work and family time due to pain¹

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Body and head pain take a serious toll on the personal and professional lives of Canadians, according to a recent study by GSK. The Global Pain Index (GPI) examines the impact that pain has on people's lives, and found that Canadian workers lost an average of 1.8 working days due to body pain over the one-year survey period.² Two-thirds (66%) of workers suffering from body pain say they regularly work through their pain, which causes a detrimental effect on their performance,³ as well as a hit on the Canadian economy.

EFFECTS OF PAIN ARE FAR-REACHING
Most Canadians are affected by pain, with two-thirds (65%) of Canadians experiencing body pain on a weekly basis.⁴ Beyond the economic implications, the GPI identified that pain is holding Canadians back in their personal lives, affecting time spent with friends and family. What's worse, over half of the respondents (58%) agreed that they would be better parents without pain.⁵

"The GPI results describe what I see in my office. The effects of body and head pain experienced by patients go beyond physical symptoms," says Dr. Yvette Lu. "Patients are burdened by their pain and it's impacting relationships with loved ones, as well as their emotional health and well-being."

According to the GPI, pain has a significant emotional and social impact on Canadians, with a majority of body pain sufferers feeling worried or anxious (77%).⁶ Surprisingly, pain also affects sufferers' self-perceptions, with more than half reporting that their pain makes them feel older than they are (57%) and four in ten feeling unattractive when they are in pain (42%).⁷

GAP IN KNOWLEDGE OF PAIN MANAGEMENT
The study identified that while many Canadians are looking to non-prescription treatments to help manage their pain, it turns out that they don't know very much about the treatments they're using most often. The GPI found that only about one-third (31%) of Canadians are very or extremely knowledgeable about the potential risks associated with their medication,⁸ and only one in four (24%) report they know how it compares to other medications.⁹

Half of Canadians turn to oral pain treatments as a first method for treating their pain, and about 17% of patients look to treat pain with a cream or gel.¹⁰

"Patients are looking for solutions when it comes to managing pain," said Lu. "Most often, they grab a bottle of pills at the pharmacy, but there are also effective medicated topical options that work as anti-inflammatory pain relievers, reducing joint and muscle pain and helping to speed up the body's natural healing process, allowing sufferers to get back to doing the activities they love."

Visit www.GSK.com for further information on the Better for Everyone commitment and existing GSK initiatives to help reduce the impact of physical pain.

About Voltaren
Voltaren^®, part of GSK Consumer Health, is an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. Voltaren^® contains medicated topical gels that provide patients with the relief of pain associated with acute, localized minor muscle or joint injury. Voltaren^® is available in more than 130 countries worldwide. Diclofenac, the active ingredient, is one of the world's most widely-used pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medicines. It has been used effectively since the discovery of the agent in Switzerland 40 years ago. To learn more about pain and how to relieve pain effectively, go to www.global-pain-index.com.

About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include Voltaren Emulgel^®, Aquafresh^®, Sensodyne^®, and TUMS^® – which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies. These brands are successful in over 100 countries around the world because they all show our passion for quality, guaranteed by science. They are inspired by the real wants and needs of the millions of people who walk into pharmacies, supermarkets, market stalls and go on-line all over the world every day, and choose us first.

GlaxoSmithKline's goal is to build a global, growing business called Fast Moving Consumer Healthcare (FMCH), dedicated to everyday healthcare with all of the scientific expertise and quality guarantees that demands, working at the speed and with the genuine consumer understanding the modern world expects.

About GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK)
One of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information, please visit www.ca.gsk.com.

About the Global Pain Index
The Global Pain Index research was completed by Edelman Intelligence, a global insights and consultancy firm. Interviews were conducted online between 14 September and 2 November 2016 with controlled samples to ensure a nationally representative sample of the online population in each country surveyed (age, gender and region).

In total, Edelman Intelligence spoke to 19,000+ respondents in 32 markets (Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, UK and USA). A minimum of 500 interviews were completed in all countries except in the US, UK, Germany, Sweden and Australia (1,000 interviews).

SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc.

European doctors learn to access the heart from any approach with Baylis devices and expanded training program

SOURCE Baylis Médical

Crawford Street, Natural Skin Care, Opens NEW lab in Toronto

-- Protect your skin naturally this winter with these four NEW and all-natural products --

Crawford Street Natural Skin Care® reinvents itself, in the new Toronto lab, with a transformed line of skin care offering: plant-based, hi-end products in unique, efficient and environmentally friendly packaging. Crawford Street is well known and appreciated for its all-natural, high quality, and hypo-allergenic skin products. https://www.crawfordskincare.com/

Canadian winters can wreak havoc on the skin: windy, cold, dry outside temperatures combined with hot, dry or damp indoors conditions. Winter naturally invites relaxation, renewal and rejuvenation. Crawford Street welcomes winter with a NEW survival kit containing four new products including mineral baths, deodorant, body oil and cuticle oil - all in environmentally responsible glass packaging.

“I am excited about the new and all-natural formulas. Our customers want quality products, environmentally friendly options, catchy names and unique packaging. Crawford Street products work well and look beautiful on the shelf”, said Gaelyne Leslie, Founder of Crawford Street Skin Care.

Mineral Baths ($25): Soak away your winter blues with a relaxing mineral bath.

Crawford Street introduces three new mineral baths: Detox, Relax and Steam. Each contains high quality Dead Sea salts, and a carefully selected combination of therapeutic essential oils, to cleanse the body, unwind or soothe tired muscles.

Natural Deodorant ($10): A all-natural deodorant that works! Be prepared for everything winter throws: shovelling the drive, hitting the slopes or cozying up by the fire. When the heat is on, be prepared!

Crawford Street’s natural, HARD WORKING, deodorant cream contains a power packed combo of essential oils - all anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and deodorizing. It combines wetness absorbing cornstarch that will keep you smelling fresh all day! There is no aluminum, propylene glycol, phalates, or parabens but instead it contains beneficial botanical plant oils that deodorizes and kills bacteria. New scents include: Herbes de Provence inspired by the fields of Southern France; lavender essential oil, rosemary, marjoram, parsley and thyme creating a delightfully herbaceous scent, Woods, an earthy blend, includes cedarwood, juniper and clove, it’s a bit woodsy and a bit spicy but appeals to women as much as men. Think “Old Spice”!

Body Oil ($45): After a nice soak, indulge in a little self-care. The simple application of oil has an amazing effect on the body and the mind. Body oils offer an intensely hydrating treatment for the skin, as they help lock in moisture and are quickly absorbed into the deepest layers of the skin keeping it moisturized longer than any lotion.

Toning and Smoothing Cypress Body Oil is the perfect way to combat dry skin caused by the harsh winter elements.  Carefully selected essential oils, in a base of grapeseed oil, will gently detoxify congested layers of skin tissue, improving skin tone and texture, while at the same time deeply moisturizing the skin.

Cuticle Serum ($25): Hands and nails take a beating in the winter due to lack of humidity, dry and cold air, along with repeated polish changes during the holiday season.  Serums don’t need to be limited to just the face. This luxurious Cuticle Serum, infused with Rose Otto and Borage Oil, delivers a deeply protein-rich treatment that will keep your cuticles healthy and soft, and it also smells divine!

ABOUT THE BRAND & FOUNDER

Crawford Street Skin Care was founded in 2010 after owner Gaelyne Leslie had a severe allergic reaction to a commercial brand of face moisturizer. Her background as an investigative journalist led her to research the long list of ingredients in her moisturizer and the whole experience left her horrified, she having extremely sensitive skin.  As a result, she started to experiment with natural ingredients, eventually coming up with a moisturizer that was not only 100 percent natural, but it really worked! Friends noticed her glowing, smooth skin and soon she was whipping up cream for them too.

As a journalist, Gaelyne was committed to quality, integrity and education. She brings this same commitment to her skin care line. “I believe that what you put on your body is as important as what you put in it. And what is left out, is as important as what is mixed in.”

Every ingredient included in the product is carefully researched and chosen for its unique properties. Gaelyne is always looking for the best plant-based ingredients she can find for her customers. She always chooses fair-trade, sustainable and organic ingredients when available.

Today Crawford Street Skin Care products are produced in small batches in our laboratory on Crawford Street in Toronto. We take special care to ensure that each product arrives to you as fresh as possible.

Crawford Street Skin Care products are 100% natural. They are free of petrochemical derivatives, such as mineral oil and petroleum, PEGs, Parabens, DEA, Sodium Laurel Sulphate, artificial dyes and fragrances, chemical preservatives.

New Guide Shows How Sleep Revitalizes the Soul

Dita Wegman reveals insight on how to interpret dreams

LAC-SIMON, Ottawa. (Oct. 30, 2017) – Humans spend almost one third of their life asleep, and yet, hardly any thought is given to this vital task. Dita Wegman gives testament based on natural law, that the true value and beneficial nature of sleep has been forgotten.

Wegman asserts that sleep provides more than just physical and mental nourishment, but also provides spiritual and soul revitalization. Now, she explores the interplay between sleep, dreams and the soul in “Treasures of Sleep: Connect with the Universe and Nourish Your Soul.” It covers what the soul gathers from the cosmos and why we must sleep.

“Treasures of Sleep” emphasizes the difference between resting and sleeping. Wegman explores why we need sleep and promotes the fact that every human being’s core of is existence is their individual Spirit, which many refer to as their Soul. She states we have to separate the Spirit from the mind and that the Soul and Spirit has to be nourished and recharged while we sleep, since the brain assigned for daytime activity is at rest. Additionally, she showcases sleep as the source of nourishment that is essential for every living form on earth under Creation-law to maintain health, happiness and overall well-being.

The book also enlightens readers about dream interpretations, the work of the great astronomer and physician Nostradamus, and how the stars and planets communicate in a silent language of nature symbols seen during sleep and prophetic messaging.  She uses Nostradamus’ fundamental work of intuitively perceived images, which are referred to as “dreams,” to contrast the mind-produced images that interrupt sleep and disturb a good night’s sleep. The book guides readers on how to achieve the desired REM sleep, which is the state of the “deep sleep,” and states we must enter it every night to be recharged and have the energy for a new day.

“Sleep is not only for when we are tired,” Wegman said. “It is a natural component that keeps every form of life on the planet in balance. Treasures of Sleep shows you the how to get the most out of your time sleeping and rejuvenate your entire being.”

For more information, please visit www.TreasuresofSleep.com, www.ditawegman.com or www.nostradamusdreams.com.

FEED Your Gut with Genuine Health’s fermented organic gut superfoods+

November 15, 2017 (Toronto, ON): The health of our entire body depends on one thing: how happy and healthy our gut microbiome is. Our microbiome is made up of trillions of microorganisms that influence not only our digestion, but also our mood, immunity, and even body composition! As the experts in gut health, Genuine Health understands the importance of a healthy, thriving microbiome and has developed the ULTIMATE nourishment for gut microbes with its NEW fermented organic gut superfoods+.

For the past 25 years, Genuine Health has established itself as a global leader in superfoods, fermentation and the microbiome, and has created its very own PRIME, SEED and FEED approach. With these three easy steps, individuals can keep their gut microbiome on its best behaviour. PRIME the gut with fermented nutrition, SEED the gut with the healthiest live microbes, and FEED the microbes with the ultimate nourishment to keep them happy.

How do you keep your gut microbes happy? PREBIOTICS! We need to eat not only to nourish ourselves but to nourish our microbiome. Prebiotics can also help to produce beneficial short chain fatty acids, improve gut function, help digestion and enhance mineral absorption. But, for many people with digestive issues, most prebiotics can lead to digestive discomfort. The most common type of prebiotic on the market today is made from inulin, which can irritate the gut lining, and may even feed both “good” and “bad” bacteria, and can lead to gas and bloating.

Enter fermented organic gut superfoods+, the ultimate prebiotic gut superfood with a 1-2-3 punch. It includes 21 phytonutrient-rich superfoods, easy-to-tolerate prebiotic fibre, and is fully fermented, all which intensifies the strength of the nutrients, and helps to encourage the growth of “good” bacteria. 1. Phytonutrients are plant nutrients and polyphenols are the best-known class of phytonutrients that provide benefits throughout the body. Each of the ingredients in fermented organic gut superfoods+ were carefully chosen for its high polyphenol content. 2. The rich source of prebiotic fibre is VitaFiber, which is easy-to-tolerate and helps to encourage the growth of good bacteria. 3. fermented organic gut superfoods+ is fully-fermented improving gut microbial profile and increasing the anti-inflammatory properties of phytonutrients by 20%!

“The new fermented organic gut superfoods+ is extremely rich in polyphenols - twice that of even the healthiest mix of a 2-dozen-ingredient salad, and it has the advantage of having the polyphenols microbially transformed pre-consumption through traditional fermentation.” – Dr. Alan Logan, ND, FRSH

fermented organic gut superfoods+ is available in unflavoured and unsweetened (stevia-free), Summer Berry & Pomegranate, and Orange Ginger. 21-day - $59.99, and 7-day servings – $24.99. fermented organic gut superfoods+ can be found at your local health food, grocery and drug retailers. Visit www.genuinehealth.com to find a store near you.

About Genuine Heath

For 25 years, Genuine Health has been making natural supplements that people are passionate about because they work. Founder and CEO Stewart Brown’s love for natural health started early in life when he suffered with health issues and found solutions through holistic modalities and supplements. Upon opening his own chain of natural supplement stores, he witnessed first-hand how some products worked and some didn’t for his customers. He then collaborated with Sam Graci, the formulator of greens+, and experienced the amazing effects of taking a product that makes a real difference to your health. Today, Genuine Health has over 170 products sold in both Canada and the US, and is focused on empowering people to live life with passion by embracing natural health products that improve their lives – every day!

Deep dive into lung cancer genomics offers new lens and lease on life

VANCOUVER, Nov. 20, 2017 /CNW/ - When Joe Biegel was told he had advanced cancer, he was shocked. At 57, the Vancouver father of two was active and a non-smoker. After returning to his doctor when a persistent chest cold got worse, Joe had an X-ray that confirmed the diagnosis. "My world changed," he says.

Surgery wasn't an option. But tissue biopsies revealed cell mutations susceptible to specific drugs and that set him on a more personalized chemotherapy treatment path. His BC Cancer oncologist, Dr. Janessa Laskin, also enrolled him in the Personalized Onco-Genomics (POG) program. It identified an RNA defect, which may have played a role in how he developed lung cancer, and showed a high probability that his cancer would respond very well to a specific late-stage chemotherapy drug.

"Joe's situation is a perfect example of why we need projects like POG to take us to the next level of innovation and discovery in cancer care, to uncover new treatment options with the best technology in the world," says Dr. Laskin, Senior Scientist and Medical Oncologist, BC Cancer. "The POG program is doing that right here in BC."

Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) has committed $2 million to the BC Cancer Foundation for the POG program. This translational research initiative will generate genomic information in conjunction with real-time treatment planning for patients with metastatic cancers. Including whole genome analysis in clinical decision-making allows for the rational, data driven development of strategies to treat severe and metastatic cancers, and identify clinical trials that patients may benefit from. This will potentially lead to more effective and personalize therapeutic options that are rooted in the latest knowledge and technology.

Joe says POG results offered options and optimism for the future. For now, he continues to focus on the present. Today, almost two years after his diagnosis, having also done some standard treatment, Joe takes one pill a day that is so far managing the cancer well.

The investment made by Genome BC towards POG will help sustain the program and focus on addressing issues that have emerged as the program has matured. These include incorporation of proteomic data and related bioinformatics into POG to enhance results from the whole genome analysis. Health economics research and assessments will also be conducted, enabling more successful implementation of POG research outcomes into clinical care.

"POG is a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment and it should become the standard of care in our province," says Dr. Catalina Lopez-Correa, Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President, Sectors, at Genome BC. "Genomic technology is evolving rapidly, and POG is optimizing cutting-edge science to move it into clinical care quickly and effectively."

"BC Cancer Foundation's partnership with Genome BC is an important investment in one of the world's leading cancer trials," says Sarah Roth, BC Cancer Foundation President and CEO. "Together our two organizations propel cutting-edge cancer research programs to the next stage."

This investment is valued at $2 million and was funded through Genome BC's Strategic Initiatives program. For more information on Genome BC's funding programs, visit genomebc.ca.

About Genome British Columbia:
Genome British Columbia leads genomics innovation on Canada's West Coast and facilitates the integration of genomics into society. A recognized catalyst for government and industry, Genome BC invests in research, entrepreneurship and commercialization in life sciences to address challenges in key sectors such as health, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, agri-food, energy, mining and environment. Genome BC partners with many national and international public and private funding organizations to drive BC's bioeconomy. In addition to research, entrepreneurship and commercialization programs, Genome BC is committed to fostering an understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among teachers, students and the general public. www.genomebc.ca

SOURCE Genome British Columbia