February 21, 2005
For Immediate Release

 

 

$3 Million Gift to Help Establish 
Cutting Edge Facility for Faculty of Pharmacy

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA – Apotex Inc. has pledged $3 million to assist the Faculty of Pharmacy create a new teaching and research facility on the University of Manitoba's Bannatyne campus.

In recognition of this gift, the building will be called the Apotex Centre.

"A new building to house the next generations of pharmacists is key to alleviating the shortage of pharmacists in this country, and we are proud to be a part of it," says Jack Kay, president, Apotex Inc. "Apotex is a great Canadian business success story, but it does not stop there - giving back to our communities is just as important and also, Manitoba is home to a significant portion of Apotex Group companies and employees."

"We are delighted that Mr. Kay and his corporation share in the University's vision of developing an advanced teaching and research facility for the Faculty of Pharmacy which will see increased collaboration between pharmacy students and those in the Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry," says Emoke Szathmáry, president and vice-chancellor. "The generous gift provided by his company will enhance the Faculty's ability to address the current and future demands placed on the growing health care delivery system, which will ultimately result in improved care for Manitobans."

"By creating space that supports the latest equipment and techniques, our students will continue to be competitive and to serve society as vital members of the health care team," says David Collins, dean, Faculty of Pharmacy, adding the facility will allow the faculty to increase the number of graduates.

The new facility will double teaching and research capacity to 70,000 sq. ft. Relocation from the Fort Garry campus will give students and researchers better access to Manitoba's health care delivery system and enhance collaboration for health care practitioners and students. 

Components of the new facility will include advanced lecture theatres, an undergraduate teaching laboratory with bench space for 75 students, a manufacturing lab designed to provide hands-on experience in aseptic formulation and small scale manufacturing techniques, pharmaceutical care lab which will include a simulated dispensary system and patient counselling area, and comprehensive research facilities.

The Prescription for the Future: Supporting Pharmacy Teaching and Research at the University of Manitoba was launched to raise $17 million towards establishing a new facility. The Government of Manitoba has already contributed $7 million to the project through its commitment for infrastructure renewal at the university.

The Apotex Group has 5,300 employees in 21 facilities in Ontario and Manitoba. It exports to 115 countries over 250 medicines that it develops and manufactures in Canada. Apotex Group is the largest research and development spender in Manitoba and first across Canada in the pharmaceutical industry.

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For further information:

David Collins 
Dean, Faculty of Pharmacy
University of Manitoba
204-474-8794

Mr. Elie Betito
Director Public & Government Affairs
Tel: 416-749-9300 Ext. 7366
Cell: 416) 558-5491
ebetito@apotex.com