The Government of Quebec announced this morning the designation of the University Institute of Hemato-Oncology and Cell Therapy at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, part of the CIUSSS-de-l'Est-de-l'Île-de-Montréal.

This appointment confirms the expertise and experience of the clinicians and researchers at Hôpital-Maisonneuve Rosemont (HMR), and positions this institution as the hub for the development of cell therapy in Quebec, and more broadly in Canada and around the world.

For nearly 40 years, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont has been a leader in cell therapy (carrying out its first stem cell transplant in 1980). It is home to Canada's largest active cell manufacturing centre and international leader in the development of innovative therapies, the Centre of Excellence in Cell Therapy (“Centre d’Excellence en Thérapie Cellulaire”) (CETC) – a Network Affiliate of CellCAN. In addition, the HMR is partnering with several organizations and networks that contribute to the development of cell therapies across the country, including CellCAN and C3i that are hosted within the Hospital.

"This Institute appointment represents a major asset for the development of research, training of the new generation of scientists and physicians, our clinical work and that of our colleagues across the province, not to mention our economy, of course, for the benefit of all of our patients who are our deepest source of motivation."- Dr. Denis Claude Roy, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital

This announcement also follows the confirmed reimbursement by the Government of Quebec of a revolutionary CAR-T therapy for Quebec children and adults suffering from certain types of blood cancers. The Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital is one of the two hospitals authorized to administer this therapy in Quebec and the first one in Canada to treat adult patients with commercial CAR-T cells.

CellCAN is proud to have among its Network Affiliates pioneers in cell therapy that enable the development of the highest standards for treating Canadian patients. Congratulations to the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital for this appointment.

> Full Press Release (MSSS).