canada leading in healthcare research but challenges remain for bringing treatments to patients: dr. tom hudson

that is hopeful. in canada, the number of people aged 85 and older has doubled since 2001, reaching 861,000 in 2021. according to population projections , this number could triple by 2046. although younger-onset neurodegenerative disease is rising, aging is a risk factor. one in four seniors age 85-plus have been diagnosed with dementia, for example, and the prevalence more than doubles every five years for people 65 and older, notes the canadian institute for health information . the added pressures on healthcare services and caregivers to help aging canadians is one growing concern that comes with changing demographics.

canada as a leader in innovative research

hudson wants to have a hand in helping canada continue to make its mark in the life sciences, like biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. he’s played a significant role in this effort already in his career at mcgill university where he established what’s now the mcgill university and genome quebec innovation centre to identify genes involved in asthma, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. he was also president and scientific director of the ontario institute for cancer research in toronto heading up studies in prevention, detection and treatment.

now hudson is chief scientific officer for the american pharmaceutical company abbvie in chicago where he leads global research and development partnerships. part of his job is scouting new drug therapies that he can help take to market – and ultimately benefit patients who need them. he spoke to representatives of the public and private health sectors at a public policy forum in ottawa about where canada shines and what we need to improve on, and shared his insights with healthing.ca in an interview after the event.

the centre at mcgill university is recognized for genome studies for common diseases where it partners with labs around the world. collaboration is a key driver for innovation, he explains, noting his work at mcgill to form the canadian genetic disease network with geneticists across the country.

science on rare diseases is also a leadership area for canada, where researchers have pushed to make sure that children with rare hereditary diseases still have access to innovation. the canadian institutes of health research is working to establish a national pediatric rare disease clinical trials and treatment network to streamline clinical research and connect patient families, healthcare providers and policy and regulatory bodies.

the challenges of bringing research to clinical practice

a 2022 review of the literature on barriers and facilitators of translating research evidence into clinical practice notes that finding solutions is a global priority because of the potential impact on health services delivery and outcomes. so, it’s not a rally cry for canada’s life sciences sector alone. the authors noted the knowledge disconnect happening between healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers, and identified the need for building technology like web-based conferencing for “robust collaboration and connections” to help all stakeholders participate in the process.

adopting best practices from other world leaders

like businesses across all sectors, there’s success to be found in adopting best practices from other places. hudson applauds japan for looking at new drugs that show something that could be transformative and allowing for special approvals and fast-tracking. if superior data is maintained, health authorities have input in the project and promote getting medications into practice. the u.s. has a similar incentive with its breakthrough therapy designation to expedite the review of drugs for serious conditions that demonstrate substantial improvement over available therapies.

the business of health in canada: supporting patients and researchers