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CQDM partners with D2R to enhance collaborations among researchers and industry in RNA research

Published: 28 November 2024

Montréal, November 28th – CQDM is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the D2R (DNA to RNA) Initiative at 91, aimed at funding translational research projects carried out through collaborations between researchers and industry. This alliance seeks to support and accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative RNA-based therapies. It aims to provide patients with safer and more effective therapeutic options, particularly for treating cancer, rare diseases, and preventing various infectious diseases.

The RNA sector in Quebec is experiencing rapid growth, driven by Moderna's establishment in the province, the federal government's $165M investment in the D2R Initiative, and the creation of , Quebec’s RNA hub. This expansion is further supported by the cutting-edge scientific expertise of Quebec researchers and the emergence of new startups dedicated to developing RNA-based modalities. In this thriving environment, CQDM and D2R are joining forces to stimulate the creation of public-private partnerships, paving the way for groundbreaking therapeutic solutions to address critical unmet medical needs.

This new collaboration leverages D2R’s Major Partnerships funding program alongside . This joint initiative offers a unique opportunity to provide grants of up to $2 million per selected project. For any questions regarding the funding programs details, please contact Mathieu Paquette, Director of Business Development at CQDM, at mpaquette [at] cqdm.org or Janet Prince, Senior Industry Liaison Officer at D2R, at janet.prince [at] mcgill.ca.

We are proud of this partnership with D2R, which reflects CQDM’s commitment to funding ambitious translational research projects. This collaboration will strengthen ties between researchers and industry in the RNA field, accelerating the development of new therapeutic modalities with the potential to target areas previously considered inaccessible,” said Diane Gosselin, President and CEO of CQDM.

“CQDM’s investment underscores the critical role of partnerships in advancing RNA therapeutic development,” said Philippe Gros, Chief Scientific Officer, D2R. “This partnership will enable researchers to create meaningful connections with industry, enhancing the path from laboratory discoveries to real-world applications.”

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About CQDM:

Biopharma innovation facilitator
CQDM is a not-for-profit biopharmaceutical research consortium whose mission is to support and facilitate multi-stakeholder collaborative research and development aimed at accelerating the translation or transformation of innovative technologies into solutions for unmet medical needs, while generating significant spin-offs for the Quebec and Canadian economies.
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About D2R | DNA to RNA, An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-Based RNA Therapeutics

91's groundbreaking research initiative, D2R | DNA to RNA, is committed to advancing genomic-based RNA therapies for those affected by infectious diseases, rare diseases or cancer. With a transformative $165 million investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund, alongside support from the Quebec Government, philanthropic donors, and industry partners, D2R will develop revolutionary RNA therapeutics. For more details, visit

Media contacts

Julia Serafino

Marketing Communications Manager
CQDM
438-543-9498
jserafino [at] cqdm.org

Emily Cholette
Senior Communications Officer,
D2R | DNA to RNA
D2R.comms [at] mcgill.ca

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