Conference & Meetings World Supplements Canada Supplement

Edmonton SMHeartCard Aspirin and nitroglycerin are standard emergency medications for patients with heart attack symptoms, yet a University of Alberta study shows only 20% of heart disease patients carry nitroglycerin. Part of the problem is that it traditionally comes in a glass bottle. Now doctors John Mackey and Neal Davies, along with retired engineer James Stewart, invented the SMHeartCard, a compact plastic container that protects the pills and fits easily into a wallet, purse or pocket. Above: Edmonton Convention Centre worldwide. The ex-vivo devices have successfully prolonged the life of donated lungs from six hours to 48 hours for a safe transplant. Previously, donated lungs were preserved on ice, and had a short life before they suffer irreversible damage and are rendered useless. Today the devices are trademarked under the name Tevosol Inc. The researchers are now working on other similar devices for other organs. Why Edmonton? The city is shaking up Life Sciences research on a global scale. It has an academic ecosystem ripe for growth and strong partnerships, including access to renowned faculty and institutions. Researchers at the University of Alberta in Edmonton have made a number of medical breakthroughs, including the world’s first oral antiviral treatment for Hepatitis B. The university also houses the Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases, addressing the health of both animals and humans. It’s one area of the life sciences industry that makes Alberta standout. The city believes collaboration is key to the success of Edmonton’s health and Life Sciences sector. The Health City initiative is one example of connecting stakeholders who represent health- related businesses and startups. Approximately 60% of all Alberta Life Sciences businesses are located in Edmonton and key industry players headquartered there including Ceapro, Exciton Technologies, Gilead Alberta and McKesson Canada. Edmonton is a city that knows what it takes to make things happen and claims entrepreneurship is in its DNA. It certainly is a city with an authentic, welcoming spirit. A meeting is an opportunity to embrace challenges and champion change. And in Edmonton you will have more than a meeting space, you’ll have the ally you need to succeed. The Canadian VIGOUR Centre (CVC) Canadian VIGOUR Centre (CVC) is an academic research organisation committed to improving cardiovascular health. It provides leadership in clinical trials of cardiovascular therapies from study design through to manuscript publication, as well as developing selected registries and informing clinical practice through insights gained from population health data. The CVC was established in 1997 and is an academic centre at the University of Alberta. The CVC’s mentorship of medical students and other trainees allows the next generation of medical professionals to gain invaluable experience in the discipline of research. More information on Edmonton’s meetings offer: https://exploreedmonton.com/industry/meetings CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD 7

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