The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is proud to celebrate four research teams who have been awarded funding through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Fall 2025 Project Grant Competition. These grants recognize innovative research that will advance pharmaceutical care delivery, improve medication adherence, and develop novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
The CIHR competition approved 421 research grants nationally, totaling approximately $413 million. UBC researchers led 47 successful projects, securing $35.1 million in combined funding.
Dr. Peter Loewen
Advancing precision stroke prevention through real-world adherence science
Dr. Loewen's project addresses a critical challenge in stroke prevention: medication adherence. Despite effective anticoagulant therapies being available, many patients struggle to take their medications consistently, leaving them vulnerable to preventable strokes. This research will employ real-world adherence science to develop precision approaches that help patients maintain their medication regimens, potentially preventing thousands of strokes and improving quality of life for people at risk.
Dr. Brent Page
Novel therapeutics for neurodegeneration – targeting NUDT5 in Alzheimer's disease
Dr. Page's research takes aim at Alzheimer's disease through an innovative therapeutic approach. By targeting NUDT5, a protein involved in cellular processes, this work seeks to develop new treatments that could slow or prevent neurodegeneration. With Alzheimer's affecting millions worldwide, this research represents hope for future therapeutic interventions that go beyond symptom management to address underlying disease mechanisms.
Dr. Robert Pammett, Dr. Femke Hoekstra, and Faculty Collaborators
Transforming access to medications in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities
This collaborative project tackles a fundamental equity issue in healthcare: medication access for people living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. By implementing and evaluating virtual pharmacist care combined with drone delivery services, the research team will explore innovative solutions to overcome geographic barriers that prevent many Canadians from accessing essential medications. This work represents a true partnership between academic researchers and community leaders, ensuring that solutions are culturally appropriate and community-driven.
Dr. Wei Zhang and Dr. Nicholas Bansback
Multiple funded projects addressing critical health system challenges
Project 1: The Feasibility and Costs of Pharmacy Models Supporting Rural and Remote Communities
Through simulation modeling, this research will evaluate different pharmacy service delivery models for rural and remote areas. By analyzing feasibility and costs, the team will provide evidence to inform policy decisions about how best to ensure sustainable pharmaceutical care in underserved communities across British Columbia and beyond.
Priority announcement: Home care services and healthcare system costs
This cross-provincial study will examine how home care services impact downstream healthcare utilization and costs for Canada's aging population. As demographic shifts place increasing pressure on health systems, understanding the role of home care in preventing hospital admissions and emergency visits is crucial for sustainable healthcare planning.
Congratulations to all the recipients on these outstanding achievements. We look forward to the impact this research will have on patients, communities, and the healthcare system.