Latest news with #UniversityofWaterloo
Malaysian Reserve
7 hours ago
- 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
7 hours ago
- 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.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
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. SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Inc. View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Researchers discover vertical ball drop at University of Waterloo
Surjyasish Mitra, Sushanta Mitra and A-Reum Kim, the team of researchers responsible for vertical ball drop discovery at the University of Waterloo. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News) Balls usually roll horizontally but researchers at the University of Waterloo have done it on a vertical surface without applying any external force. 'Oh my God, this is not supposed to happen,' Surjyasish Mitra, a postdoctoral fellow involved in the research, told CTV News. He said his team was looking into something else and just happened to stumble upon it. Then it was balls to the wall to figure out what they were seeing. 'This marble will actually roll down, instead of just falling,' explained Sushanta Mitra, a UW mechanical and mechatronics engineering professor. 'It almost defies the laws of physics.' ball drop university of waterloo vertical surface The ball rolling under a microscope. (Source: University of Waterloo) The discovery hinged on finding the right balance of elasticity, or softness, between a pea-sized sphere and a vertical slide about the size of a cellphone screen. The ball was in their court to figure out how to bring their theory to life. The sponge-like material has the elasticity of a contact lens and the approximate consistency of a gummy bear. 'It is actually making some cracks. It is opening and closing the cracks almost like zippers. So, they are opening up, closing. By this virtue of opening and closing, it is able to propel this motion,' Sushanta Mitra said. Keeping their eye on the ball is a little tricky for researchers, even though it only rolls about one millimetre every two seconds. 'We repeated it multiple times to get the perfect video because it's under a microscope and the field of view is very limited,' said A-Reum Kim, a postdoctoral fellow. ball drop university of waterloo vertical surface Surjyasish Mitra, Sushanta Mitra and A-Reum Kim, the team of researchers responsible for vertical ball drop discovery at the University of Waterloo. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News) The team is already figuring out how it can be put to good use. 'In some sort of human applications or robotic drug deliveries,' said Sushanta Mitra. 'Even for things like in Mars explorations, where you need these kinds of rolling motions without requiring any external agency.' Whatever it may be used for, they're having a ball thinking up endless possibilities for their discovery.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Researchers urge caution when using ChatGPT to self-diagnose illnesses
Researchers examined the use of ChatGPT-4 to self-diagnose health problems. As Canadians increasingly turn to artificial intelligence for quick answers about health problems, a new study warns relying on tools like ChatGPT for self-diagnosis could be risky. A team, led by researchers at the University of Waterloo, evaluated the performance of ChatGPT-4, a large language model (LLM) released by OpenAI. The chatbot was asked a series of open-ended medical questions based on scenarios modified from a medical licensing exam. The findings were striking. Only 31 per cent of ChatGPT's responses were deemed entirely correct, and just 34 per cent were considered clear. Troy Zada Sirisha Rambhatla PhD student Troy Zada and Dr. Sirisha Rambhatla at the University of Waterloo are part of the research team. 'So, not that high,' said Troy Zada, a PhD student at the University of Waterloo who led the research team. 'If it is telling you that this is the right answer, even though it's wrong, that's a big problem, right?'' The researchers compared ChatGPT-4 with its earlier 3.5 version and found significant improvements, but not enough. In one example, the chatbot confidently diagnosed a patient's rash as a reaction to laundry detergent. In reality, it was caused by latex gloves — a key detail missed by the AI, which had been told the patient studied mortuary science and used gloves. The researchers concluded that LLMs are not yet reliable enough to replace medical professionals and should be used with caution when it comes to health matters. This is despite studies that have found AI chatbots can best human doctors in certain situations and pass medical exams involving multiple choice questions. Zada said he's not suggesting people stop using ChatGPT for medical information, but they must be aware of its limitations and potential for misinformation. 'It could tell you everything is fine when there's actually a serious underlying issue,' said Zada. He says it could also offer up information that would make someone needlessly worry. Millions of Canadians currently do not have a family doctor and there are concerns some may be relying on artificial intelligence to diagnose health problems, even though AI chatbots often advise users to consult an actual doctor. The researchers also noted the chatbots lack accountability, whereas a human doctor can face severe consequences for errors, such as having their licence revoked or being charged with medical malpractice. While the researchers note ChatGPT did not get any of the answers spectacularly wrong, they have some simple advice. 'When you do get a response be sure to validate that response,' said Zada. Dr. Amrit Kirpalani agrees. He's a pediatric nephrologist and assistant professor at Western University who has studied AI in medicine and has noticed more patients and their family members bringing up AI platforms such as ChatGPT. He believes doctors should initiate conversations about its use with patients because some may be hesitant to talk about it. 'Nobody wants to tell their doctor that they went on ChatGPT and it told them something different,' says Kirpalani. He'd prefer patients discuss a chatbot's response with a physician, especially since an AI can sometimes be even more persuasive than a human. 'I'm not sure I could be as convincing as an AI tool. They can explain some things in a much more simple and understandable way,' says Kirpalani. 'But the accuracy isn't always there. So it could be so convincing even when it's wrong.' He likens AI to another familiar online tool. 'I kind of use the Wikipedia analogy of, it can be a great source of information, but it shouldn't be your primary source. It can be a jumping-off point.' The researchers also acknowledge as LLMs continue to improve, they could eventually be reliably used in a medical setting. But for now, Zada has this to say: 'Don't blindly accept the results.'
