Kirkland, Qc, June 6, 2023 – Today, Pfizer Canada and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) are excited to announce the 2021 and 2022 Research Fellowship Awards, granted to early career Canadian researchers familiar with diagnosing and treating patients with Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), with projects aimed at implementing innovative strategies to improve the quality of care for those affected by this underdiagnosed and potentially fatal disease.[i] As part of an ongoing collaboration, Pfizer Canada and the CCS have collaborated for the past two years on a joint effort to support young physicians that are still completing their training, in bringing real-world solutions forward in the treatment and management of ATTR-CM.
Clearly demonstrating the potential contribution that recipient research programs may offer the field, Pfizer Canada and CCS have awarded $60,000 to each of the winners for the important work they are doing to better the lives of people affected by ATTR-CM.
“As a patient-centric organization, we are proud to offer these awards in support of the next generation of physicians in the field of cardiac amyloidosis to help advance the standard of care for impacted Canadians,” said Janie Trepanier, Rare Diseases Medical Lead, Pfizer Canada. “Cross-sector collaboration, such as this program with the CCS, are a key part of our role in finding solutions for patients, better understanding this disease and driving key innovations forward within Canada.”
2022 Research Fellowship Award Recipient
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute / Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, UHN, led by Dr. Fernando Rivera-Theurel, MD Project: An Exercise Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic for Patients with Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy.
Summary: ATTR-CM is an under-recognized cause of heart failure (HF) related to the deposition of fibrillar amyloid in the cardiac tissue, eventually producing cardiac restriction and dysfunction. Patients living with ATTR-CM often demonstrate symptoms of biventricular heart failure (HF) including preserved systolic function, conduction and rhythm abnormalities and autonomic dysfunction. These symptoms often cause a decline in exercise and functional capacity which leads to a poorer quality of life, a higher mortality and morbidity rate. Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) which includes supervised physical activity, cardiovascular risk management, mental health and nutrition support, is seen as cost-efficient and safe program positively impacting the HF community. This study offers the chance for patients living with this disease to improve their quality of life, with the possibility of reducing comorbidity and mortality.
2021 Research Fellowship Award Recipient
Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, led by Dr. Bradley Sarak, MD
Project: Identifying and Predicting Response to Tafamidis Therapy in Transthyretin Cardiac
Amyloidosis Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
For patients with ATTR-CM, response definitions and predictors of response remain poorly defined. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) delivers quality markers of tissue health that are well suited for these roles. This study examines the capacity of CMR to define objective response criteria while validating predictive markers of response to tafamidis following 1-year of treatment. This study has the potential to significantly enhance patient selection criteria while introducing response prediction tools for treatment and management of ATTR-CM.
Grant recipients were determined by a review panel comprised of CCS representatives and ATTR-CM experts (patients and medical experts). Eligible areas of research identified within the submission guidelines included research activities involving clinical outcomes research or clinical research in an area related to ATTR-CM, including the study of early intervention, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis and management, use of screening tools and their impact on improvement of patient health.
For more information on ATTR-CM and other heart conditions, visit https://www.heartandstroke.ca/articles/hope-for-a-rare-heart-condition
About the CCS/Pfizer ATTR-SM Research Fellowship Award
The CCS Research Fellowships and Awards program was established to foster growth of peer-reviewed Canadian cardiovascular research and researchers. With support from like-minded organizations committed to empowering clinician scientists nationally, the CCS Research Fellowships and Awards program supports topics of research that span the various areas of cardiovascular medicine. The CCS, and all program partners, encourage all eligible CCS members to apply, including women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.
The CCS and Pfizer have collaboratively created a research fellowship award as part of the CCS Research Award Program entitled “CCS-Pfizer ATTR-CM Research Fellowship Award.” This is a salary award where the purpose is to foster the growth of peer-reviewed Canadian research in the area of ATTR-CM, with a focus on excellence and support for early career Canadian researchers familiar with diagnosing and treating patients with ATTR-CM who are looking to establish an independent research career.
About Pfizer Canada
Pfizer Canada ULC is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Our diversified health care portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most prescribed medicines and vaccines. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
About the Canadian Cardiovascular Society
About the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) – the national voice for cardiovascular clinicians & scientists, representing more than 2,300 cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and other heart health specialists. We set standards for excellence in heart health and care, build the knowledge and expertise of the heart team, and influence policy and advocate for the heart health of all Canadians. We offer in-person and online learning activities to cardiovascular professionals at all stages of their career. We are also recognized by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as a fully accredited provider of CPD credits within the College’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program.
The CCS Research Fellowships and Awards program was established to foster growth of peer-reviewed Canadian cardiovascular research and researchers. With support from like-minded organizations committed to empowering clinician scientists nationally, the CCS Research Fellowships and Awards program supports topics of research that span the various areas of cardiovascular medicine. The CCS, and all program partners, encourage all eligible CCS members to apply, including women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.
For Further Information
Corporate Affairs Canada
Pfizer Canada Media Line: 1-866-9Pfizer (1 866 973-4937)
[email protected]
[i] American Heart Association, 2019. What is Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomopathy (ATTR-CM)? Accessed on August 10, 2022. Available at: https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/health-topics/answers-by-heart/what-is-attrcm.pdf