Latest news with #MichelleHorn
Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) combinations approved in Canada for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Superior efficacy shown in two head-to-head phase III trials, including overall survival in DREAMM-7 Blenrep combinations could redefine treatment as early as first relapse where more effective options are needed1,2,3 First and only approved anti-BCMA-ADC for the treatment of multiple myeloma in Canada MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ – GSK announced today that Health Canada has approved Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin for injection) in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, or in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior line of therapy, including lenalidomide for the latter combination. Superior efficacy results, when compared to standard of care, from the pivotal DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 phase III trials in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma support the approval of the Blenrep combinations. These include statistically significant and clinically meaningful progression-free survival (PFS) results versus standards of care in both trials and overall survival (OS) in DREAMM-7.2,3,4 The safety and tolerability profiles of the Blenrep combinations were broadly consistent with the known profiles of the individual agents.2,3 'The approval of Blenrep in Canada represents an advancement for patients with multiple myeloma, a challenging condition marked by repeated cycles of remission and relapse,' said Michelle Horn, Country Medical Head, GSK Canada. 'As the only BCMA-targeted antibody-drug conjugate, Blenrep has been shown to extend survival and remission, supported by data from the DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 phase III clinical trials. This approval marks a milestone in offering a treatment option that holds the promise to transform the therapeutic approach for patients facing their first or subsequent relapses.' Blenrep is the first and only anti-BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for multiple myeloma, providing patients facing their first and subsequent relapses with a differentiated mechanism of action. Blenrep combinations can be administered to a broad range of patient types without complex pre-administration regimens or hospitalization. 'As patients with multiple myeloma receive combination therapies at diagnosis, the availability of diverse treatment options like Blenrep is vital for prolonging remission and enhancing survival outcomes,' said Martine Elias, Chief Executive Officer of Myeloma Canada. 'This milestone represents a transformative step forward in the treatment landscape, empowering our community and reinforcing our commitment to making myeloma matter while driving progress toward a cure.' In the DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 clinical trials, Blenrep combinations consistently benefited a broad range of patients, including those with poor prognostic features or outcomes, such as high-risk cytogenetics or those refractory to lenalidomide. Both trials also showed clinically meaningful improvements across all secondary efficacy endpoints, including deeper and more durable responses versus the respective comparators.2,3 The most common adverse reactions, occurring in ≥20% of patients, were reduced visual acuity (BCVA), corneal examination findings, blurred vision, dry eye, photophobia, foreign body sensation in eyes, eye irritation, eye pain, cataract, upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, and peripheral sensory neuropathy. Eye-related side effects, a known side effect of treatment with Blenrep, were manageable with extended time between infusions and dose reductions, while maintaining efficacy, and led to low (≤9%) treatment discontinuations in both trials.2,3 About multiple myelomaMultiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer globally and is generally considered treatable but not curable.5,6 There are approximately more than 180,000 new cases of multiple myeloma diagnosed globally each year.7 Multiple myeloma is a significant concern in Canada, where in 2024 alone, 4,000 people were diagnosed with the disease.8 Research into new therapies is needed as multiple myeloma commonly becomes refractory to available treatments.1 About Blenrep Blenrep is an ADC comprising a humanized BCMA monoclonal antibody conjugated to the cytotoxic agent auristatin F via a non-cleavable linker. In Canada, Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin for injection) is indicated for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior line of therapy. Specifically, Blenrep is indicated: in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (BVd), in adult patients who have received at least one prior therapy; and in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (BPd), in adult patients who have received at least one prior line of therapy, including lenalidomide. Please consult the Product Monograph at for complete safety information. The Product Monograph is also available by calling 1-800-387-7374. About DREAMM-7DREAMM-7 is a multicentre, open-label, randomized phase III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of belantamab mafodotin combined with bortezomib plus dexamethasone (BVd) compared to daratumumab combined with bortezomib plus dexamethasone (DVd) in adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who previously were treated with at least one prior line of multiple myeloma therapy. The trial enrolled 494 participants who were randomized 1:1 to receive either BVd or DVd for eight cycles, after which patients received belantamab mafodotin or daratumumab as a monotherapy. The primary endpoint was PFS as per an independent review committee, with secondary endpoints including OS, duration of response (DOR), and minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. Other secondary endpoints include overall response rate (ORR), safety, and patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes. The Blenrep combination demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS. The median PFS was 36.6 months (95% CI: 28.4-not reached [NR]) with BVd compared to 13.4 months (11.1-17.5) with DVd (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.53; P<0.001). For Overall Survival (OS), at the first pre-planned interim analysis, the hazard ratio was 0.57; 95% CI, 0.40, 0.80, indicating a 43% reduction in the risk of death in favour of BVd. More recently, the updated OS results were statistically significant and maintained the reduction in the risk of death in favour of BVd. These results were presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in December 2024.2,4 These findings were consistently observed in subgroups and supported by secondary endpoints. About DREAMM-8DREAMM-8 is a multicentre, open-label, randomized phase III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of belantamab mafodotin in combination with pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (BPd) compared to bortezomib and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (PVd) in adult patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma previously treated with at least one prior line of multiple myeloma therapy, including a lenalidomide-containing regimen. The trial included 302 participants who were randomized 1:1 to receive either BPd or PVd. Patients in DREAMM-8 were more heavily pre-treated in that all had prior exposure to lenalidomide, 81% were refractory to lenalidomide, 25% had prior anti-CD38 exposure and of those most were daratumumab refractory. Belantamab mafodotin was administered at a dose of 2.5mg/kg intravenously for the first cycle and then 1.9mg/kg intravenously every four weeks. The primary endpoint was PFS as per an independent review committee, with key secondary endpoints including OS and MRD negativity rate as assessed by next-generation sequencing. Other secondary endpoints include ORR, DOR, safety, and patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes. In DREAMM-8, the Blenrep combination demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS, with a 48% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to PVd (HR: 0.52 [95% CI: 0.37-0.73], p-value<0.001). At the primary analysis, with a median follow-up of 21.8 months, the median PFS was not yet reached (95% CI: 20.6-not yet reached [NR]) with BPd compared to 12.7 months (95% CI: 9.1-18.5) for PVd. Recently, in an updated interim analysis, after a median follow-up of 28.01 months, the mPFS in the BPd arm was 32.6 months compared with 12.5 months in the PVd arm. These results were presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting in June 2025.9 The clinical benefit for BPd was observed across all pre-specified subgroups including those with poor prognostic features, such as patients who were refractory to lenalidomide and patients with high-risk cytogenetics. GSK in OncologyOur ambition in oncology is to help increase overall quality of life, maximise survival, and change the course of disease, expanding from our current focus on blood and women's cancers into lung and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as other solid tumours. This includes accelerating priority programmes such as antibody-drug conjugates targeting B7-H3 and B7-H4, and IDRX-42, a highly selective KIT tyrosine kinase inhibitor. About GSK GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statementsGSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the 'Risk Factors' section in GSK's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2024, and GSK's Q1 Results for 2025. References _______________________ 1 Nooka AK, Kastritis E, Dimopoulos MA. Treatment options for relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Blood. 2015;125(20). doi:10.1182/blood-2014-11-568923. 2 Hungria V, Robak P, Hus M et al. Belantamab Mafodotin, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma. N Engl J Med. 2024 Aug 1;391(5):393-407. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2405090. Epub 2024 Jun 1. PMID: 38828933. 3 Dimopoulos MA, Beksac M, Pour L, Delimpasi S et al. Belantamab Mafodotin, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone in Multiple Myeloma. N Engl J Med. 2024 Aug 1;391(5):408-421. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2403407. Epub 2024 Jun 2. PMID: 38828951. 4 Hungria V, Robak P, H Marek et al. Belantamab Mafodotin, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone Vs Daratumumab, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Overall Survival Analysis and Updated Efficacy Outcomes of the Phase 3 Dreamm-7 Trial. Presented at the 66th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition. December 2024 5 Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel R, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021;71(3):209-249. doi:10.3322/caac.21660. 6 Kazandjian D. Multiple myeloma epidemiology and survival: A unique malignancy. Semin Oncol. 2016;43(6):676– 10.1053/ 7 Global Cancer Observatory. International Agency for Research on Cancer. World Health Organization. Multiple Myeloma fact sheet. Available at: Accessed 5 March 2025. 8 Multiple myeloma statistics. Canadian Cancer Society. Available at: Accessed 11 July 2025. 9 UPDATED RESULTS FROM PHASE 3 DREAMM-8 STUDY OF BELANTAMAB MAFODOTIN… – Dimopoulos M – EHA-3268 – Jun 13 2025, Available at:
Cision Canada
23-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin) combinations approved in Canada for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma Français
Superior efficacy shown in two head-to-head phase III trials, including overall survival in DREAMM-7 Blenrep combinations could redefine treatment as early as first relapse where more effective options are needed 1,2,3 First and only approved anti-BCMA-ADC for the treatment of multiple myeloma in Canada MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 23, 2025 /CNW/ - GSK announced today that Health Canada has approved Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin for injection) in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone, or in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior line of therapy, including lenalidomide for the latter combination. Superior efficacy results, when compared to standard of care, from the pivotal DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 phase III trials in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma support the approval of the Blenrep combinations. These include statistically significant and clinically meaningful progression-free survival (PFS) results versus standards of care in both trials and overall survival (OS) in DREAMM-7. 2, 3,4 The safety and tolerability profiles of the Blenrep combinations were broadly consistent with the known profiles of the individual agents. 2, 3 "The approval of Blenrep in Canada represents an advancement for patients with multiple myeloma, a challenging condition marked by repeated cycles of remission and relapse," said Michelle Horn, Country Medical Head, GSK Canada. "As the only BCMA-targeted antibody-drug conjugate, Blenrep has been shown to extend survival and remission, supported by data from the DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 phase III clinical trials. This approval marks a milestone in offering a treatment option that holds the promise to transform the therapeutic approach for patients facing their first or subsequent relapses." Blenrep is the first and only anti-BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for multiple myeloma, providing patients facing their first and subsequent relapses with a differentiated mechanism of action. Blenrep combinations can be administered to a broad range of patient types without complex pre-administration regimens or hospitalization. "As patients with multiple myeloma receive combination therapies at diagnosis, the availability of diverse treatment options like Blenrep is vital for prolonging remission and enhancing survival outcomes," said Martine Elias, Chief Executive Officer of Myeloma Canada. "This milestone represents a transformative step forward in the treatment landscape, empowering our community and reinforcing our commitment to making myeloma matter while driving progress toward a cure." In the DREAMM-7 and DREAMM-8 clinical trials, Blenrep combinations consistently benefited a broad range of patients, including those with poor prognostic features or outcomes, such as high-risk cytogenetics or those refractory to lenalidomide. Both trials also showed clinically meaningful improvements across all secondary efficacy endpoints, including deeper and more durable responses versus the respective comparators. 2, 3 The most common adverse reactions, occurring in ≥20% of patients, were reduced visual acuity (BCVA), corneal examination findings, blurred vision, dry eye, photophobia, foreign body sensation in eyes, eye irritation, eye pain, cataract, upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, and peripheral sensory neuropathy. Eye-related side effects, a known side effect of treatment with Blenrep, were manageable with extended time between infusions and dose reductions, while maintaining efficacy, and led to low (≤9%) treatment discontinuations in both trials. 2,3 About multiple myeloma Multiple myeloma is the third most common blood cancer globally and is generally considered treatable but not curable. 5,6 There are approximately more than 180,000 new cases of multiple myeloma diagnosed globally each year. 7 Multiple myeloma is a significant concern in Canada, where in 2024 alone, 4,000 people were diagnosed with the disease. 8 Research into new therapies is needed as multiple myeloma commonly becomes refractory to available treatments. 1 About Blenrep Blenrep is an ADC comprising a humanized BCMA monoclonal antibody conjugated to the cytotoxic agent auristatin F via a non-cleavable linker. In Canada, Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin for injection) is indicated for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least one prior line of therapy. Specifically, Blenrep is indicated: in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone (BVd), in adult patients who have received at least one prior therapy; and in combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (BPd), in adult patients who have received at least one prior line of therapy, including lenalidomide. Please consult the Product Monograph at for complete safety information. The Product Monograph is also available by calling 1-800-387-7374. About DREAMM-7 DREAMM-7 is a multicentre, open-label, randomized phase III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of belantamab mafodotin combined with bortezomib plus dexamethasone (BVd) compared to daratumumab combined with bortezomib plus dexamethasone (DVd) in adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who previously were treated with at least one prior line of multiple myeloma therapy. The trial enrolled 494 participants who were randomized 1:1 to receive either BVd or DVd for eight cycles, after which patients received belantamab mafodotin or daratumumab as a monotherapy. The primary endpoint was PFS as per an independent review committee, with secondary endpoints including OS, duration of response (DOR), and minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. Other secondary endpoints include overall response rate (ORR), safety, and patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes. The Blenrep combination demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS. The median PFS was 36.6 months (95% CI: 28.4-not reached [NR]) with BVd compared to 13.4 months (11.1-17.5) with DVd (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.53; P<0.001). For Overall Survival (OS), at the first pre-planned interim analysis, the hazard ratio was 0.57; 95% CI, 0.40, 0.80, indicating a 43% reduction in the risk of death in favour of BVd. More recently, the updated OS results were statistically significant and maintained the reduction in the risk of death in favour of BVd. These results were presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in December 2024. 2,4 These findings were consistently observed in subgroups and supported by secondary endpoints. About DREAMM-8 DREAMM-8 is a multicentre, open-label, randomized phase III clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of belantamab mafodotin in combination with pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (BPd) compared to bortezomib and pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (PVd) in adult patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma previously treated with at least one prior line of multiple myeloma therapy, including a lenalidomide-containing regimen. The trial included 302 participants who were randomized 1:1 to receive either BPd or PVd. Patients in DREAMM-8 were more heavily pre-treated in that all had prior exposure to lenalidomide, 81% were refractory to lenalidomide, 25% had prior anti-CD38 exposure and of those most were daratumumab refractory. Belantamab mafodotin was administered at a dose of 2.5mg/kg intravenously for the first cycle and then 1.9mg/kg intravenously every four weeks. The primary endpoint was PFS as per an independent review committee, with key secondary endpoints including OS and MRD negativity rate as assessed by next-generation sequencing. Other secondary endpoints include ORR, DOR, safety, and patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes. In DREAMM-8, the Blenrep combination demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in PFS, with a 48% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death compared to PVd (HR: 0.52 [95% CI: 0.37-0.73], p-value<0.001). At the primary analysis, with a median follow-up of 21.8 months, the median PFS was not yet reached (95% CI: 20.6-not yet reached [NR]) with BPd compared to 12.7 months (95% CI: 9.1-18.5) for PVd. Recently, in an updated interim analysis, after a median follow-up of 28.01 months, the mPFS in the BPd arm was 32.6 months compared with 12.5 months in the PVd arm. These results were presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Meeting in June 2025. 9 The clinical benefit for BPd was observed across all pre-specified subgroups including those with poor prognostic features, such as patients who were refractory to lenalidomide and patients with high-risk cytogenetics. GSK in Oncology Our ambition in oncology is to help increase overall quality of life, maximise survival, and change the course of disease, expanding from our current focus on blood and women's cancers into lung and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as other solid tumours. This includes accelerating priority programmes such as antibody-drug conjugates targeting B7-H3 and B7-H4, and IDRX-42, a highly selective KIT tyrosine kinase inhibitor. About GSK GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the "Risk Factors" section in GSK's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2024, and GSK's Q1 Results for 2025. SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
CTV News
07-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Vaccine research, innovation group launches at UW School of Pharmacy
Researchers at the University of Waterloo are looking for ways to get vaccines to underserved areas. CTV's Spencer Turcotte has more on that initiative. Improving access to vaccines across Canada is the goal of a new research effort based out of the University of Waterloo. The School of Pharmacy launched a new research collaborative on Friday, thanks to a $300,000 investment from the biopharma company GSK Canada. 'There are many groups that are underserved in terms of vaccines,' professor Nancy Waite explained. The funding will help address that very problem. 'We know there is a huge barrier to immunization, often with individuals in underserved communities or individuals who are older,' said Michelle Horn, the country medical director at GSK. The Pharmacy Innovation and Immunization Research Collaborative (PIIRC) will not only focus on vaccine access, but delivery and education too. It is something pharmacy students say comes at a vital time. 'It's important now, with certain outbreaks of infectious disease, to support these programs,' said student Aaron Lau. 'The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The best time for a vaccine is now.' 'In recent years, the scope of practice for pharmacists has expanded to allow us to administer more vaccines,' said Jonathan Fang, another UW pharmacy student. The new collaborative wants to leverage that. 'We know there are pharmacies in the majority of communities, 90 to 95 per cent of individuals in Canada live within five kilometres of a pharmacy,' said Waite. Delivery, however, is only half the battle. The researchers will tackle vaccine misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, while also looking for easier ways people can track what shots they already received. While infectious diseases continue to pose a threat, the hope is their work will help the entire country be better prepared for future outbreaks.
Malaysian Reserve
06-06-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
GSK invests $300,000 to help launch the Pharmacy Innovation in Immunization Research Collaborative (PIIRC) at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy
PIIRC serves as a catalyst for innovation by supporting interdisciplinary research and real-world evidence generation focused on improving vaccine access, delivery and education. MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ – GSK is proud to announce a $300,000 investment in the Pharmacy Innovation in Immunization Research Collaborative (PIIRC), a new national initiative led by the School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo. This groundbreaking initiative reflects a shared commitment to expanding the role of pharmacy in Canada's immunization landscape and improving equitable access to vaccines across the country. Immunization has never been more critical. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the life-saving power of vaccines and demonstrated the essential role that pharmacists and pharmacies play in public health. Pharmacy teams have administered more than 20 million COVID-19 vaccines in Canada alone. Yet, there remains untapped potential to leverage the country's 11,000+ pharmacies as accessible, community-based hubs for broader immunization services. PIIRC aims to close that gap. Launched by the largest clinical pharmacy practice research group in Canada, PIIRC serves as a catalyst for innovation by supporting interdisciplinary research and real-world evidence generation focused on improving vaccine access, delivery and education. The initiative brings together researchers from the University of Waterloo, national and international collaborators, policymakers and stakeholders across healthcare and industry to advance pharmacy-based immunization strategies. 'As a global leader in vaccines, we believe in harnessing science and partnerships to tackle the world's most pressing health challenges,' said Michelle Horn, Country Medical Director, GSK Canada. 'Through our founding partnership with PIIRC, we are investing not only in research, but in the future of vaccine delivery in Canada—one that is more accessible, equitable, and community-centred.' Transforming Immunization Through Pharmacy Innovation The objective of PIIRC is to re-imagine the role of pharmacy in immunization—from vaccine administration to health education, monitoring, and system design. Areas of research will include: Expanding the role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as vaccine educators, facilitators, and immunizers Overcoming barriers to access, especially among rural residents, older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and other underserved populations Leveraging digital health tools and technology to support clinical decision-making and personalized outreach Countering vaccine misinformation through evidence-based communication strategies and resources for healthcare providers Conducting economic analyses to examine the cost-effectiveness and public health value of pharmacy-based vaccine services Implementing science methodologies to ensure successful and scalable solutions across regions and populations This work will be supported by the School's extensive expertise in pharmacy practice research, health systems design, health economics, public policy, behavioural science, and communication strategies. 'As a leader in clinical pharmacy practice research and community pharmacy innovation, the University of Waterloo's School of Pharmacy continues to push boundaries,' said Andrea Edginton, Hallman Director, School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo. 'PIIRC is a natural evolution of our work in immunization, and GSK's partnership will accelerate breakthroughs that improve public health both in Canada and globally.' Impact Beyond the Lab In addition to funding innovative research, GSK's investment will also: Provide funding to support new interdisciplinary projects with direct policy and practice implications Train the next generation of immunization researchers, including PharmD students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows Facilitate enhanced access to real-world pharmacy data to monitor vaccine uptake and identify areas for intervention Establish a network of community pharmacies engaged in research, data collection and pilot projects Enable regular knowledge translation activities to ensure research is informed by and disseminated to industry, government and community stakeholders Support the creation of an Advisory Board that includes voices from pharmaceutical and insurance companies, regulators, pharmacy associations and the public Strategic Alignment with Public Health and Policy This investment directly supports the Ontario Life Sciences Strategy by demonstrating private sector leadership in supporting community-based immunization services. By investing in evidence that shows how pharmacy can help achieve broader public health goals—including for future vaccine program rollouts such as RSV—GSK is playing a critical role in advancing both healthcare outcomes and policy development. 'Our support for PIIRC is not just about generating data; it's about making a meaningful contribution to the future of healthcare,' added Michelle Horn, Country Medical Director, GSK Canada. 'We're proud to stand alongside the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy in driving innovative, patient-centred immunization strategies that reflect our mission to get ahead of disease together and our commitment to doing what's right for communities and for public health.' Why Waterloo and Why Now? The University of Waterloo's collaborative ethos, track record of external partnerships and commitment to impact make it an ideal home for PIIRC. The University creates substantial opportunities for high-impact partnerships that bridge the gap between research and application. PIIRC helps shape policy and guides decision-making with timely, actionable evidence that reflects the realities of patients, pharmacists and public health professionals. GSK's early and decisive investment solidifies its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the pharmacy space and a partner of choice in advancing vaccine innovation. About the University of Waterloo School of PharmacyThe School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo is home to Canada's largest clinical pharmacy practice research group and is at the forefront of pharmacy innovation. Through interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration, the School is advancing pharmacy's role in improving health systems and patient outcomes. About GSK GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the 'Risk Factors' section in GSK's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2024, and GSK's Q1 Results for 2025.
Cision Canada
06-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
GSK invests $300,000 to help launch the Pharmacy Innovation in Immunization Research Collaborative (PIIRC) at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy Français
PIIRC serves as a catalyst for innovation by supporting interdisciplinary research and real-world evidence generation focused on improving vaccine access, delivery and education. MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ - GSK is proud to announce a $300,000 investment in the Pharmacy Innovation in Immunization Research Collaborative (PIIRC), a new national initiative led by the School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo. This groundbreaking initiative reflects a shared commitment to expanding the role of pharmacy in Canada's immunization landscape and improving equitable access to vaccines across the country. Immunization has never been more critical. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the life-saving power of vaccines and demonstrated the essential role that pharmacists and pharmacies play in public health. Pharmacy teams have administered more than 20 million COVID-19 vaccines in Canada alone. Yet, there remains untapped potential to leverage the country's 11,000+ pharmacies as accessible, community-based hubs for broader immunization services. PIIRC aims to close that gap. Launched by the largest clinical pharmacy practice research group in Canada, PIIRC serves as a catalyst for innovation by supporting interdisciplinary research and real-world evidence generation focused on improving vaccine access, delivery and education. The initiative brings together researchers from the University of Waterloo, national and international collaborators, policymakers and stakeholders across healthcare and industry to advance pharmacy-based immunization strategies. "As a global leader in vaccines, we believe in harnessing science and partnerships to tackle the world's most pressing health challenges," said Michelle Horn, Country Medical Director, GSK Canada. "Through our founding partnership with PIIRC, we are investing not only in research, but in the future of vaccine delivery in Canada—one that is more accessible, equitable, and community-centred." Transforming Immunization Through Pharmacy Innovation The objective of PIIRC is to re-imagine the role of pharmacy in immunization—from vaccine administration to health education, monitoring, and system design. Areas of research will include: Expanding the role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as vaccine educators, facilitators, and immunizers Overcoming barriers to access, especially among rural residents, older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and other underserved populations Leveraging digital health tools and technology to support clinical decision-making and personalized outreach Countering vaccine misinformation through evidence-based communication strategies and resources for healthcare providers Conducting economic analyses to examine the cost-effectiveness and public health value of pharmacy-based vaccine services Implementing science methodologies to ensure successful and scalable solutions across regions and populations This work will be supported by the School's extensive expertise in pharmacy practice research, health systems design, health economics, public policy, behavioural science, and communication strategies. "As a leader in clinical pharmacy practice research and community pharmacy innovation, the University of Waterloo's School of Pharmacy continues to push boundaries," said Andrea Edginton, Hallman Director, School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo. "PIIRC is a natural evolution of our work in immunization, and GSK's partnership will accelerate breakthroughs that improve public health both in Canada and globally." Impact Beyond the Lab In addition to funding innovative research, GSK's investment will also: Provide funding to support new interdisciplinary projects with direct policy and practice implications Train the next generation of immunization researchers, including PharmD students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows Facilitate enhanced access to real-world pharmacy data to monitor vaccine uptake and identify areas for intervention Establish a network of community pharmacies engaged in research, data collection and pilot projects Enable regular knowledge translation activities to ensure research is informed by and disseminated to industry, government and community stakeholders Support the creation of an Advisory Board that includes voices from pharmaceutical and insurance companies, regulators, pharmacy associations and the public Strategic Alignment with Public Health and Policy This investment directly supports the Ontario Life Sciences Strategy by demonstrating private sector leadership in supporting community-based immunization services. By investing in evidence that shows how pharmacy can help achieve broader public health goals—including for future vaccine program rollouts such as RSV—GSK is playing a critical role in advancing both healthcare outcomes and policy development. "Our support for PIIRC is not just about generating data; it's about making a meaningful contribution to the future of healthcare," added Michelle Horn, Country Medical Director, GSK Canada. "We're proud to stand alongside the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy in driving innovative, patient-centred immunization strategies that reflect our mission to get ahead of disease together and our commitment to doing what's right for communities and for public health." Why Waterloo and Why Now? The University of Waterloo's collaborative ethos, track record of external partnerships and commitment to impact make it an ideal home for PIIRC. The University creates substantial opportunities for high-impact partnerships that bridge the gap between research and application. PIIRC helps shape policy and guides decision-making with timely, actionable evidence that reflects the realities of patients, pharmacists and public health professionals. GSK's early and decisive investment solidifies its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the pharmacy space and a partner of choice in advancing vaccine innovation. About the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy The School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo is home to Canada's largest clinical pharmacy practice research group and is at the forefront of pharmacy innovation. Through interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration, the School is advancing pharmacy's role in improving health systems and patient outcomes. About GSK GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the "Risk Factors" section in GSK's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2024, and GSK's Q1 Results for 2025. SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
