Monday, January 20 – The Huntington Society of Canada (HSC), Brain Canada, and the River Philip Foundation are pleased to announce a new investment of $1.2 million in Huntington disease research.
Huntington disease, or HD, is a genetic brain disorder with physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. HD is often described as having elements of Parkinson disease, ALS, Alzheimer disease, and schizophrenia, all at the same time. One in every 7,000 Canadians has Huntington disease and approximately one in every 5,500 is at risk for developing the disease.
“This funding will allow us to greenlight the most promising Huntington disease research projects in the country, supporting up to eight Navigator awards over the next three years,” says Shelly Redman, CEO of HSC. “We are so grateful to Brain Canada and the River Philip Foundation for their generous support. We are working together to achieve a world free from Huntington disease.”
The River Philip Foundation has committed $600,000, which has been matched by Brain Canada, through the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF). This totals $1.2 million, translating into four two-year Navigator projects per year in 2025 and 2026.
HSC’s Navigator Research Program is designed to provide funding for Canadian scientific research of direct and immediate relevance to Huntington disease.
“We are committed to working toward a better future for those impacted by Huntington disease. The aim of this research program is to develop treatments that can prevent, or slow, and one day perhaps even reverse the progression of this disease. By partnering with the Huntington Society of Canada and the River Philip Foundation, we are proud to contribute to these vital solutions.”
– Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada
This program has been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada), Brain Canada, and HSC. To date, Health Canada has invested more than $200 million through the CBRF, which has been matched by Brain Canada and its donors and partners.
About The River Philip Foundation
The River Philip Foundation invests in projects where the outcomes result in new or improved initiatives that help resolve challenges and make a tangible difference. This includes making a significant investment in transformative medical research. Visit riverphilipfoundation.ca
About Brain Canada
Brain Canada plays a unique and invaluable role as a national convenor of those who support and advance brain research. A greater understanding of how the brain works contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disorders of the brain, ultimately improving the health outcomes of people in Canada and around the world.
Visit Braincanada.ca and @BrainCanada
About the Huntington Society of Canada
The Huntington Society of Canada (HSC) is part of a wonderful Huntington disease community made up of fundraisers, volunteers, researchers, advocates, donors, clinicians, and individuals and families affected by the disease. HSC’s mission is to improve the quality of life for those affected by Huntington disease via support, education, and research.
Visit huntingtonsociety.ca