February 23, 2010
Alberta team of experts reaches out to Albertans with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
(Calgary, Alberta) A team of researchers and physicians from across Alberta is launching an ambitious new research program, aimed at improving the lives of people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and reducing the cost of IBD for the health system.
The Alberta IBD Consortium, funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR), is reaching out to Albertans to participate in clinical research to help IBD scientists and doctors better understand the root causes of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Alberta has one of the highest rates of IBD per capita in the world.
"Our goal is to improve the health and quality of life for 15,000 Albertans with IBD," says Alberta IBD team leader Herman Barkema, DVM, PhD, a professor in the faculties of veterinary medicine, and medicine at the University of Calgary. "The team is made up of excellent scientists in medicine and veterinary medicine as well as world-known doctors. IBD is a complex problem – so we are bringing together immunologists and bacteriologists, along with people who suffer the debilitating symptoms of IBD every day."
"Having colitis is so embarrassing and painful, when I was first diagnosed I didn't want to talk about it at all," says Sarah Lang, a Calgary volunteer on the IBD team. Diagnosed in 2006 while competing for the U.S. National Team in short track speed skating, Lang began to get severe intestinal problems that landed her in the intensive care unit in Calgary. "I thought that all of my life's dreams were gone. I didn't ever think I would skate again ... I wasn't sure I would even get out of the hospital," she says.
That's when Lang met Dr. Remo Panaccione, director of the inflammatory bowel disease clinic and associate professor of medicine at the University of Calgary. "Dr. Panaccione sat me down and said, 'Sarah, don't worry, we are going to work together to fix your medication, to make lifestyle changes. You will be able to race at your best again,'" remembers Lang. In fact, Lang went on to skate her personal best on the world cup circuit, winning a bronze medal and having a top five individual finish.
"Think about what it's like to have severe stomach flu – now stretch that out over a long period of time," says Panaccione, clinical researcher, IBD team. "IBD is devastating because it strikes people when they are young. And, although it's not well-known, IBD is as common as Type 1 diabetes, and three times more common than MS and HIV."
IBD team scientists are studying inflammation in the gut not only in people, but also in cattle and dogs. "What we learn about IBD in animals can potentially benefit people with IBD, and vice versa," says Barkema. "We anticipate having experts with such diverse perspectives will allow us to find new treatments more quickly, sparking new human medicines, and veterinary medicines."
"I've decided to come forward and volunteer for the Alberta IBD team because I lived for five years going through the motions of being alive. Now I am on medication that's working for me, and it's time for me to help the doctors who helped me," says Patrick Leroux, a 30-year old Edmontonian who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was 20 years old.
"One of the most powerful aspects of this team is that we are involving our patients in designing the research," says Dr. Leo Dieleman, PhD, co-leader of clinical research, IBD team, and associate professor of medicine at the University of Alberta. "IBD involves a complex interplay of genetics, the environment in which people live, and an imbalance of bacteria in the body. People with IBD can give us invaluable clues to help us shape where the research should go."
Led by Karen Madsen, PhD, co-leader of basic science research, IBD team, and professor of medicine at U of A, IBD team members are also exploring the interactions between gut bacteria, air pollution, and a western diet (high fat, high sugar) as potential triggers of IBD.
Please note that AHFMR is now Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Endowment Fund.
News Media: Raw Footage with B-roll (size: 243 MB)
Media contact:
Karen Thomas, Media Relations Specialist, Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions,
1.877.423.5727 x225, 403.651.1112 (cell),
For people with IBD interested in participating in the research:
- Ida Rabbani, Clinical Research Coordinator, Calgary Area 403.210.9601,
- Wanda MacDonald, Research Coordinator, Edmonton Area 780.248.1037,
For more information email:
Background
the Alberta IBD Consortium includes scientists and clinical specialists from the universities of Calgary, Alberta, Manitoba and Toronto.
the IBD team has $5 million in funding from AHFMR, a five-year award.
the $50 million AHFMR Interdisciplinary Team Grants Program provides opportunities for collaborative teams of scientists and physicians from across Alberta to join forces to tackle research questions and healthcare challenges in areas of priority for Alberta. Alberta Health and Wellness is contributing $17.5 million, a five-year commitment, to the program.
IBD includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, disorders of the intestine characterized by serious chronic inflammation.
a 2008 report commissioned by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada finds that more than 200,000 Canadians have IBD, and that the direct and indirect costs of IBD are estimated to be $1.8 billion per year.
People with IBD who participate in this research will provide tissue and blood samples collected during their ongoing IBD care.
February 16, 2010
Alberta team of experts reaches out to Albertans with Crohn's and ulcerative colitis
(Calgary, Alberta) A team of researchers and physicians from across Alberta is launching an ambitious new research program, aimed at improving the lives of people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and reducing the cost of IBD for the health system.
The Alberta IBD Consortium, funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR), is reaching out to Albertans to participate in clinical research to help IBD scientists and doctors better understand the root causes of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Alberta has one of the highest rates of IBD per capita in the world.
| WHO: | Alberta IBD team leader Herman Barkema, DVM, PhD, a professor in the faculties of veterinary medicine, and medicine at the University of Calgary |
| Sarah Lang, a world cup medalist in speedskating, will share her personal experience with IBD and details of her role as a volunteer on the research team | |
| Dr. Remo Panaccione, Sarah's doctor and a clinical scientist on the IBD team, will also be available for interviews in his clinic | |
| WHAT: | Alberta team of experts reaches out to Albertans with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis |
| WHEN: | Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 11:15 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
| WHERE: | HRIC Lab GA 38B, 3330 Hospital Drive NW. Please park in Lot 6. |
Please note that AHFMR is now Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Endowment Fund.
Media contact:
Karen Thomas, Media Relations Specialist, Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions,
1.877.423.5727 x225, 403.651.1112 (cell),
February 16, 2010
Alberta team of experts reaches out to Albertans with Crohn's and ulcerative colitis
(Calgary, Alberta) A team of researchers and physicians from across Alberta is launching an ambitious new research program, aimed at improving the lives of people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and reducing the cost of IBD for the health system.
The Alberta IBD Consortium, funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR), is reaching out to Albertans to participate in clinical research to help IBD scientists and doctors better understand the root causes of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Alberta has one of the highest rates of IBD per capita in the world.
| WHO: | Dr. Leo Dieleman, PhD, co-leader of clinical research, IBD team, and associate professor of medicine at the University of Alberta |
| Edmontonian Patrick Leroux will share his personal experience with Crohn's disease and details of his role as a volunteer on the team | |
| Karen Madsen, PhD, co-leader of basic science research, IBD team, and professor of medicine at U of A | |
| WHAT: | Alberta team of experts reaches out to Albertans with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis |
| WHEN: | Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 10:30 a.m. – noon. |
| WHERE: | 7 – 142 Katz Group - Rexall Centre, 87 Ave and 114 Street | University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry | Park in the Education car park at 87 Ave and 114 St |
Please note that AHFMR is now Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, funded by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Endowment Fund.
Media contact:
Karen Thomas, Media Relations Specialist, Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions,
1.877.423.5727 x225, 403.651.1112 (cell),