LONDON, Ontario – Health research has received a $7 million boost thanks to Danone. The support will establish a new research chair in Human Microbiology and Probiotics at Lawson Health Research Institute (Lawson) in London, Canada. World renowned researcher in probiotics, Dr. Gregor Reid has been appointed to the position as inaugural chair. Bernard Hours, co-chief operating officer of Danone made the announcement formally as part of the St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation’s Signature Speaker Series event, held May 22, 2009. The Signature Series featured special guest Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
As the inaugural chair, Reid will retain his academic independence as a scientist, but will also have the opportunity to lead a team of researchers to develop and test various probiotic and prebiotic-based formulations designed to enhance the health of people around the world. The group will collaborate with Canadian, North American and International researchers including industry personnel, and undertake translational clinical studies.
“This support provides Danone and Lawson with an opportunity to make a substantial impact on the lives of people from all walks of life,” says Reid. “The research contribution provides us with a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the important link between microbes, food and health.”
Dr. Reid and colleagues are realizing the widespread potential applications of probiotics. In addition to Reid’s own work on probiotics to restore and maintain bladder and vaginal health, the group will investigate new ways to prevent and treat intestinal problems in people of all ages, and examine ways to complement pharmaceutical treatments. In a series of studies, Reid has shown that probiotics augment antibiotic and anti-fungal drug therapy. With increasing drug resistance amongst pathogens, the ability of probiotics to improve treatment could be an important development.
The application of Reid’s work is global, with studies in South America, Europe and Africa. As part of Western Heads East, a volunteer organization established at The University of Western Ontario, probiotic yogurt production has been transferred to a community in Mwanza, Tanzania. There, local mamas make the probiotic yogurt for around 350 people each day, including over 125 living with HIV/AIDS. Studies by Reid’s students have shown that the yogurt improves nutrition, improves immune parameters, and reduces fatigue and diarrhea.
“With the creation of this chair, we can access the wonderful global resources of Danone to further expand the impact of probiotics, including distribution to people in developing countries” said Reid. As more data emerges from the Human Microbiome Project, the importance of beneficial bacteria to human health will grow in magnitude. Reid is part of a CIHR funded Vancouver and Saskatchewan group deciphering the microbiome of the vagina.
Long term, the hope is that London will become a hub for education and training programs, clinical and basic research and novel studies that will improve the health of people around the world. “This is a marvelous human and scientific journey that lies at the very heart of Danone’s corporate mission. And we are proud to make a contribution.” says Sven Thormahlen, Executive Vice President, Danone Research.
Dr. Reid is Assistant Director at the Lawson Health Research Institute, Director of the Canadian Research & Development Centre for Probiotcs at Lawson and Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario.
About Lawson Health Research Institute
As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Health Care, London, and working in partnership with The University of Western Ontario, Lawson Health Research Institute is committed to furthering scientific knowledge to advance health care around the world.
For more information, please contact:
Melissa Beilhartz, Communications Consultant
Lawson Health Research Institute
519-646-6100 ext. 65516
Melissa.beilhartz@lawsonresearch.com
www.lawsonresearch.com
