FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contextual Genomics and the Personalized Medicine Initiative Welcome
Pfizer Canada to Consortium for National Access Project for Cancer
Testing
Vancouver, BC – March 4, 2015 - Contextual Genomics, a molecular diagnostics company
developing genomic based cancer tests, and the Personalized Medicine Initiative (PMI), an
organization bringing molecular-based medicine to Canadians, are pleased to welcome Pfizer
Canada to its National Access Project consortium.
The National Access Project’s aim is to make genomic cancer testing available to any Canadian
diagnosed with cancer and to drive and facilitate a shift toward personalized medicine, in which
patients receive tailored treatment options correlated to their specific tumor profile. Pfizer Canada
has provided a grant and technical support as part of their commitment to the National Access
Project for Cancer Testing.
“We are pleased to receive Pfizer’s support of the National Access Project to improve access to
genomic cancer testing in Canada,” said Contextual Genomics’ President and CEO, Chris
Wagner. “Currently only a small number of cancer patients receive genomic cancer testing which
provides valuable molecular information regarding the genes contributing to the cancer. Access
to genomic cancer testing will help to minimize a trial and error approach, reduce adverse drug
reactions and support better health outcomes,” he added.
“At Pfizer Oncology, we are committed to the discovery, investigation and development of
innovative treatment options to improve the outlook for cancer patients. By working collaboratively
with and supporting partners such as Contextual Genomics and the Personalized Medicine
Initiative, we are getting closer to our goal of delivering the right drug for each patient at the right
time,” said Dr. Craig Eagle, General Manager, Pfizer Oncology Canada.
The National Access Project for Cancer Testing, managed by the Personalized Medicine Initiative
with testing provided by Contextual Genomics, launched in February. The program provides a 90mutation cancer genomics test for 2,000 cancer patients free of charge in ten centres across
Contextual Genomics Inc.
Suite 204 – 2389 Health Sciences Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3
Canada. Each identified mutation is actionable with current medications or Phase 3 investigational
treatments. As part of the program, real-time reports will be made available enabling patients and
oncologists to make informed treatment decisions early.
“We value the ongoing support from Pfizer Canada in the Personalized Medicine Initiative at UBC.
Investments like this one with Contextual Genomics in oncology and the Pharmacogenomics
Implementation project in primary care will contribute to the growing knowledge on how genomics
and personalized medicine can positively impact our healthcare system,” said Rob Fraser, Chief
Operating Officer of the Personalized Medicine Initiative.
About Contextual Genomics: www.contextualgenomics.com
Contextual Genomics is a privately-held company developing a novel suite of genomics-based
cancer tests to identify a patient’s tumour profile. This precision in cancer diagnosis allows
healthcare professionals to more accurately determine the most effective treatment options for
the patient. The company’s first products are actionable molecular tests that guide diagnosis and
treatment of cancer.
Led by global leaders in molecular diagnostics, genomics and bioinformatics who have
unparalleled expertise in genomic assay development, Contextual Genomics aims to bring
patients a gold standard in molecular diagnostics that will lead to advanced services in
personalized cancer care.
About Personalized Medicine Initiative: www.the-pmi.com
The PMI is an inclusive organization representing stakeholders in BC and Canada that has the
objective of bringing personalized, molecularly-based medicine to Canadians with the aim of
improving healthcare outcomes and efficiency as well as enabling more effective preventive
health delivery. The PMI is based at the Life Sciences Institute at UBC; Canada’s leading Life
Sciences Institute.
About Pfizer Canada: www.pfizer.ca
Pfizer Canada Inc. 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. Every day, Pfizer Canada employees
work to bring therapies to patients that significantly improve patients’ lives. Pfizer is a major
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Contextual Genomics Inc.
Suite 204 – 2389 Health Sciences Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3
contributor to health research in Canada. 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 Pfizer does, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships. To
learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on Twitter
(twitter.com/PfizerCA) or Facebook (facebook.com/Pfizer.Canada).
Contacts:
Contextual Genomics
Chris Wagner, President and CEO
cwagner@contextualgenomics.com
Personalized Medicine Initiative
Rob Fraser, PhD
COO, Personalized Medicine Initiative
Associate Director, Life Sciences Institute
604-827-2088
robertfr@mail.ubc.ca
Pfizer Canada
Manon Genin, Manager, Corporate Affairs
manon.genin@pfizer.com
This release contains forward-looking statements that are not based on historical fact. These
forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the
actual results, events or developments to be materially different from those expressed or implied
by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
forward-looking statements.
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Contextual Genomics Inc.
Suite 204 – 2389 Health Sciences Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3