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Cision Canada
15 hours ago
- Health
- Cision Canada
The Novartis Oncology Young Canadian Investigator Awards (NOYCIA) returns for its 22nd year at ASCO 2025 Français
For over two decades, NOYCIA has fueled emerging research in Canada, driving scientific knowledge in cancer MONTREAL, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - Novartis Canada is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Novartis Oncology Young Canadian Investigator Awards (NOYCIA), an annual national competition dedicated to advancing oncology through the promotion of research by supporting Canadian oncology researchers. This year marks the 22nd year of the awards, which took place on Sunday, June 1st at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. NOYCIA celebrates the innovative work by selecting ten oncology researchers from Canada who have had their abstracts accepted at ASCO and demonstrate excellence in their area of study. "At Novartis, we are deeply committed to advancing scientific knowledge through innovation and collaboration," said Sophia Kajla, Chief Scientific Officer and Vice-President, Scientific Affairs, Novartis Canada. "The NOYCIA Awards remain at the forefront of supporting innovative cancer research in Canada, reflecting Novartis Canada's ongoing commitment to advancing science and improving patient outcomes. We are proud to continue celebrating and investing in early-career oncology leaders who are pushing the boundaries of discovery and clinical impact." Following deliberation by NOYCIA's Scientific Panel, this year's award recipients were selected for their pioneering research, spanning a range of disciplines, from immune checkpoint inhibitors and immunotherapy to healthcare systems and health human resource planning: The 2025 NOYCIA recipients are: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Immunotherapy: Luciana Siqueira, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Abstract: The association between emotional distress prior to receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors and overall survival among patients with cancer: A population-based study Supervisors: Dr. Lawson Eng & Dr. Marcus Butler Edmond Rafie, Research Center of the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Abstract: Dietary compounds and patterns associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Supervisor: Dr. Arielle Elkrief Patrick Tuan Hoang, University of Toronto Abstract: Identification of immunotherapy early treatment failure in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using a novel cell-free DNA (cfDNA) tissue-agnostic genome-wide methylome enrichment assay Supervisor: Dr. Adrian Sacher Gregoire Marret, University Health Network Abstract: Spatial transcriptomics analysis to predict response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer (RM-HNSCC) Supervisor: Dr. Lilian Siu Rami Habib, McGill University Abstract: JAK inhibitor for the treatment of steroid refractory and life threatening immune-related adverse events secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitors Supervisor: Dr. Khashayar Esfahani Transcriptomics and Molecular Analysis: Xin Wang, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Abstract: Correlative and spatial transcriptomic analysis of olaparib and durvalumab in patients with recurrent/refractory IDH-mutant gliomas Supervisor: Dr. Eric Chen Ronan McLaughlin, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Abstract: NeoPancONE: GATA6 Expression as a Predictor of benefit to Peri-Operative Modified FOLFIRINOX in Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (r-PDAC): A Multicentre Phase II study Supervisor: Dr. Jennifer Knox Patient Experience and Decision-Making: Rena Seeger, University of Ottawa Abstract: Exploring decisional needs of patients considering first line treatment of Advanced EGFR+ lung cancer: An interpretive descriptive study Supervisor: Dr. Paul Wheatley-Price Novel Therapeutic Approaches: Asli Munzur, University of British Columbia Abstract: Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) in participants with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving 177Lu-PSMA-617 or cabazitaxel: an exploratory post-hoc analysis of a randomized phase II trial (TheraP ANZUP 1603) Supervisor: Dr. Alex Wyatt Healthcare Systems and Workforce Planning: Philip Ding, University of Alberta Abstract: Rethinking future workforce planning by developing novel metrics of complexity in cancer care Supervisor: Dr. Winson Cheung "For over two decades, NOYCIA has been outstanding in encouraging and promoting Canadian-based cancer research, moving scientific knowledge and understanding in oncology forward through the endorsement of research," said Dr. Paul Wheatley-Price, NOYCIA Chair and medical oncologist, The Ottawa Hospital. "The calibre of research occurring in Canada is truly world-class, and the NOYCIA Awards provides the platform to recognize the tremendous contributions of our emerging leaders. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of this initiative and a privilege to continue to serve as the Chair of the Scientific Panel." In addition to recognizing the achievement and potential of scientific investigation, Dr. David Addiss, 2025 NOYCIA guest speaker and Director, Focus Area for Compassion and Ethics (FACE), Task Force for Global Health, encouraged the award recipients and other attendees to cultivate compassion, which is fundamental to the unique relationship between patients and their healthcare providers. "As clinicians and oncology researchers, you are motivated and sustained by compassion—the desire to alleviate and prevent suffering—which arises from a sense of shared humanity," said Dr. Addiss. "And although science shows that compassionate health care provides significant benefits for patients, providers and health systems, we face growing challenges of resource scarcity, time pressures, and other systemic constraints, which may limit our ability to fully realize this ideal in practice. Despite these challenges, connecting with and nurturing our compassionate impulse on a daily basis allows us to accompany and support our patients in a way that enhances both patient satisfaction and professional fulfillment." Mentorship Matters Program NOYCIA 2025 includes the Mentorship Matters Program which offers mentorship opportunities to trainees who attend the NOYCIA awards dinner. The program provides trainees with the opportunity to network with leaders in Canadian cancer centres. Canadian oncologists co-host a table during the NOYCIA awards allowing trainees from across Canada to have the opportunity to hear from mentors about career paths, programs and opportunities that their centres provide and to ask questions. About the Novartis Oncology Young Investigators Award (NOYCIA) With a mission to support Canadian oncology researchers, NOYCIA provides funding, support, and recognition to 10 researchers that demonstrate excellence in their specialist field of study. Eligible applicants include Post-Doctoral Students, Residents, Fellows, Graduate Students, Medical Students, PhD Candidates and Undergraduates who are affiliated with a Canadian institution and are the first author of an abstract accepted for the annual ASCO meeting. For more information about NOYCIA, go to: About Novartis Novartis is a focused innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide. In Canada, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 600 people to serve the evolving needs of patients and the healthcare system and invests over $30 million in R&D yearly in the country. For more information visit
Cision Canada
14-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Novartis Canada extends Health Equity Initiative effort, fueling innovation and impact for second year Français
MONTREAL, May 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis Canada) is pleased to announce the launch of the second edition Health Equity Initiative. Aimed at promoting equitable healthcare for Canadians by addressing health disparities, Novartis Canada will award $500,000 to non-profit projects focused on improving health equity and addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by underserved and marginalized populations. According to the World Health Organization, health equity is achieved when everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being. i However, despite having a universal healthcare system, Canada ranks third to last with respect to equity in healthcare access and experience among nine peer countries, highlighting persistent challenges faced by underserved communities. ii The 2025 Health Equity Initiative aims to address Canada's existing healthcare access inequity by supporting individuals and organizations that are fully immersed in their communities, understand their unique needs, and are dedicated to advancing fair access to healthcare. By empowering these agents of change, Novartis seeks to inspire broader community engagement and action to improve healthcare outcomes. Sustaining the momentum from the inaugural Health Equity Initiative in 2024, Novartis will be awarding additional grants to support Canadian non-profit and/or charitable organizations that are pioneering innovative solutions towards equitable healthcare. "We are incredibly proud to continue our commitment to supporting health equity in Canada by launching the second year of this Initiative," said Mark Vineis, Country President, Novartis Canada. "All Canadians deserve equitable access to healthcare and Novartis believes in the power of supporting sustainable, grassroots projects that help advance health equity for underserved communities." In total, more than 130 applications for funding were received in the Initiative's first year. The 2024 winners were selected through a thorough evaluation process designed in collaboration with Equity Mobilizing Partnerships in Community (EMPaCT), each exemplifying the spirit and impact of the Initiative through their innovative approaches to addressing and improving health equity: Black Physicians of Canada: By creating a national database of Black physicians across Canada, this project is to tackling health disparities and improving access to culturally sensitive care, ensuring that Black patients receive health services that acknowledge and respect their unique needs. The development of a Black health digital hub further enhances connectivity and resource sharing among healthcare providers and patients. Foundations for Social Change: This project addresses the health equity challenges faced by those transitioning out of homelessness and extreme poverty in Vancouver by implementing a comprehensive support system – including mental health services, healthcare navigation support and direct cash transfers – to empower individuals with the tools and resources needed to improve health outcomes. Fort Severn First Nation: The northernmost community in Ontario, this project focuses on bridging the healthcare access gap for First Nations communities. By establishing a team of community health coordinators known as Payukotayno Meno ya win, the initiative ensures timely diagnosis and treatment, as well as access to preventative care. These efforts promote greater engagement between families and the healthcare system, fostering trust and improving overall health outcomes within the community. "The Health Equity Initiative's 2024 winners have set a powerful precedent, showcasing the impact of a community-based focus on innovation and collaboration," says Vineis. "Novartis Canada recognizes the importance of supporting community organizations and is committed to supporting all future winners in their missions to drive meaningful action." How to apply for funding Canadian non-profit and/charitable organizations that are passionate about advancing health equity and committed to creating a more inclusive healthcare system are encouraged to learn more and apply for funding by visiting The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. PT on June 16, 2025 About Novartis Novartis is a focused innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide. In Canada, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 600 people to serve the evolving needs of patients and the healthcare system and invests over $30 million in R&D yearly in the country. For more information visit SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
