This research project's chief objective is to use genetic findings to improve the diagnosis and treatment of common diseases. To achieve this, the project will focus on the biological pathway of the IL23R gene (which has been closely linked to inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and psoriasis) with the objective of also using this as a model for translating other genetic discoveries into clinical discoveries. "Our genetics studies have shown that multiple genes in the IL23R pathway influence an individual's risk to developing chronic inflammatory diseases. Knowing more about how these genetic variations influence the development of these diseases should make it possible to develop powerful biomarkers and better therapeutic alternatives" says Dr. John D. Rioux.

For patients with inflammatory diseases, this important study, in concrete terms, represents a new source of hope. "Dr. Rioux is a leading international expert in this field, and supporting his research could lead to significant improvements in the treatment of chronic diseases, which affect three to five percent of the population worldwide. This is great news that's sure to contribute to the advancement of personalized medicine," says Nathalie Fradet, a volunteer for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada. Fradet has lived with Crohn's disease for almost 25 years.