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Did you know that the first stem cell was discovered right here in Toronto in 1961 by Canadian scientists Till and McCulloch at the University of Toronto-affiliated Ontario Cancer Institute labs?

It’s a simple yet significant fact, but so many people have no idea. I know the Canadian way is to be soft-spoken and humble, but give me a break! As this multi-billion-dollar industry begins to take off, it’s time that Canadians take pride in our discovery of the first stem cell.

This was one of many facts I unearthed as I researched MaRS’ first industry report, which takes an in-depth look at the stem cell industry both here at home and globally.

And read on, because there’s more you should know…

Toronto, Ontario and Canada in general are replete with examples of our strength in the regenerative medicine industry.

Professors James Edgar Till and Ernest Armstrong McCulloch were recognized the world over for their stem cell discovery when they were awarded the Lasker award (North America’s version of the Nobel prize in Medicine) in 2005. Many Lasker winners have gone on to win the Nobel prize, so it’s a good bet that they’re in strong contention for the Nobel.

More recently, Dr. John Dick discovered the first cancer stem cell, also right here in Ontario. This remarkable finding explained that even if you destroyed 99.9% of the tumor, if only ONE cancer stem cell still existed, the cancer was not eradicated.

And did you know that, of the five main stem cell types in the world, two were discovered in Toronto?

That Canada became the most cited nation in embryonic stem cell papers? Or that we developed the first national commercial network bringing together 16 institutions working in regenerative medicine?

Didn’t know that, huh?

Well, that’s what the report is meant to remedy. With very little information to begin with, MaRS gathered data from whatever means possible: from a press release to cold calling the Director of the U.S. FDA and Canadian Ministry of Health. After all the dust settled, we had a clear picture of our national strengths as well as our weaknesses and an understanding of where we stand in the global race we’re running.

The news is good.

Be proud, Canada, of our innovation history and pass this information on. We are on the verge of becoming a global powerhouse in this brand new medical industry where previously incurable diseases such as diabetes, blindness, Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease now have potential cures.

Download the MaRS Regenerative Medicine industry report for free and discover Canada’s competitive advantage in this predicted multi-billion-dollar industry.

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