Philanthropic Engagement in Support of the World's Most Extensive Clinical Study in the World on the Use of Convalescent Plasma to Treat COVID-19

Power Corporation of Canada and Intact Financial Corporation commit to backing the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation as major donors of this large-scale initiative

MONTREAL, June 2, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Launched in April, this pan-Canadian undertaking aims to explore potential therapeutic options using convalescent plasma in the fight against COVID-19. Under the leadership of such renowned experts such as CHU Sainte-Justine clinician-researcher Dr. Philippe Bégin, also Associate Professor at the Université de Montréal Department of Medicine, the Canadian scientific and medical community have rallied together in support of this effort. Joining them are the front-line donors of the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, including Power Corporation of Canada and Intact Financial Corporation, who have agreed to sign on as major donors for this initiative.

The key to the success of this clinical trial lies in the engagement and participation of Quebecers and their willingness to share their antibodies with people battling the virus. But it also depends on donors who are enabling the study to move forward. "Sharing antibodies is an example of people helping people. In the midst of this crisis where it can sometimes be hard to feel close to anyone, it's the best possible way of giving back. I am incredibly grateful to all the individuals and organizations who are making this initiative possible, especially Power Corporation of Canada and Intact Financial Corporation," said Dr. Bégin.

Power Corporation of Canada has stepped up to support an impressive number of innovative projects at Sainte-Justine. Their ongoing faith in the value and potential of the institution has opened the doors to an infinite number of new scientific, technological and treatment options. Their assistance in this study is yet another example of this. "When Sainte-Justine approached us about the project, CONCOR-1, we recognized immediately its tremendous potential as a possible treatment for this difficult disease. We were already familiar with the hospital's outstanding medical research capabilities, but were further impressed by their collaboration with Héma-Québec and 15 other Quebec hospitals on this promising initiative.  We salute and thank Ste-Justine for their leadership role in helping our society face up to this crisis," said Paul C. Genest, Senior Vice-President, Power Corporation of Canada.

Many heartwarming examples of partnership and cooperation have emerged throughout the pandemic. This undertaking epitomizes these values. Bringing together scientific leaders and partners from across the country, including Héma-Québec, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and McMaster University, along with plasma donors themselves, the study is a ray of hope, not to mention a model of collaboration in action.

Motivated by a desire to be part of the solution, Intact Financial Corporation has renewed their commitment to the cause with an exceptional $500,000 donation. This philanthropic investment, the largest earmarked for the project thus far, speaks to the importance attached by Intact to supporting research, which will be crucial in overcoming this crisis. "We are investing in this initiative to help find medium- and long-term solutions to help people and society get back on track," said Charles Brindamour, CEO of Intact Financial Corporation. "With the expertise and leadership of the CHU Sainte-Justine, the potential impact of this research could be a game changer on a global scale putting Canada at the forefront of the fight against this pandemic. We are honoured to be part of this important initiative." 

The first plasma transfusion to a COVID-19 patient took place on May 14 at Sainte-Justine. In the coming months, Dr. Bégin and his colleagues hope to recruit 1,200 patients across Canada and in certain areas of the U.S. to take part in the trial.

Sainte-Justine: An Important Ally for COVID-19 Research
Sainte-Justine continues to be a key player in the current crisis, leveraging world-renowned expertise in genomics and infectious and rare diseases to implement provincial and national strategies to fight the coronavirus and help patients across Quebec. This study, and many others that are now underway at Sainte-Justine, are proof positive of its role in finding a way forward.

As these efforts continue, the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation would like to ask the community for its support in funding the next steps in this leading Quebec- and Canada-wide clinical trial.

About the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation 
The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation's mission is to engage the community and support the CHU Sainte-Justine in its pursuit of excellence and its commitment to providing children and mothers with one of the highest levels of health care in the world, now and in the future. fondationstejustine.org

About Power Corporation of Canada
Power Corporation is an international management and holding company that focuses on financial services in North America, Europe and Asia. Its core holdings are leading insurance, retirement, wealth management and investment businesses, including a portfolio of alternative asset investment platforms. To learn more, visit www.PowerCorporation.com.

About Intact Financial Corporation
Intact Financial Corporation IFC is the largest provider of property and casualty (P&C) insurance in Canada and a leading provider of specialty insurance in North America, with over $11 billion in total annual premiums. The Company has approximately 16,000 employees who serve more than five million personal, business and public sector clients through offices in Canada and the U.S.

In Canada, IFC distributes insurance under the Intact Insurance brand through a wide network of brokers, including its wholly-owned subsidiary BrokerLink, and directly to consumers through belairdirect.  Frank Cowan brings a leading MGA platform to manufacture and distribute public entity insurance products in Canada.

In the U.S., Intact Insurance Group USA (previously known as OneBeacon Insurance Group), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intact, provides specialty insurance products through independent agencies, brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies.

SOURCE CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation