June 18, 2026
We are pleased to announce that CQDM is funding two projects run by Douglas researchers, Drs. Simon Ducharme and Salah El Mestikawy.
Their two projects are among six collaborative R&D projects supported by CQDM and that collectively represent a total investment of $10,173,321. Supported by $3,908,482 from the Government of Québec and granted through CQDM, these initiatives bring together Québec‑based companies and public research centres around a shared objective: to accelerate the technological maturation of high‑potential biopharmaceutical innovations.
“Behind every biopharmaceutical breakthrough lies an idea driven by passionate teams. At CQDM, we step in at these early stages—where the potential is immense, but the risks remain too high to move forward alone. By combining financial support with tailored guidance, we help companies overcome critical milestones and transform promising ideas into innovations ready to attract industrial partners and generate tangible health impact.”
— Véronique Dugas, President and CEO, CQDM. et directrice générale du CQDM.
Title : Towards a first safe and effective pharmacological treatment for anorexia nervosa and other compulsive disorders.
Led by Prof. El Mestikawy of the Douglas Hospital Research Centre, in collaboration with Will Therapeutics, this project aims to develop a novel small‑molecule drug capable of correcting a key neurochemical dysfunction underlying anorexic behaviors. By directly targeting this mechanism in the brain while minimizing side effects, the team seeks to develop the first truly safe and effective pharmacological treatment for anorexia nervosa, while positioning Québec at the forefront of innovation in mental health.
Title : Development of digital eye‑movement‑based biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease.
Led by Dr. Ducharme of McGill University, in collaboration with Innodem Neurosciences and the Jacques Bougie Fund, this project aims to develop digital biomarkers to improve the detection, monitoring, and assessment of Alzheimer’s disease using a technology already approved by Health Canada for another indication. By making diagnosis more objective, faster, and more accessible, particularly for patients in remote regions, these tools could transform clinical practice, reduce healthcare costs, and accelerate the development of new treatments for a disease with significant unmet medical needs.
“In Quebec, we can rely on a vibrant academic and scientific community that is mobilizing to accelerate the development of innovative solutions and therapeutic approaches aimed at improving quality of life. These collaborative research projects reflect the synergy we take great pride in and will undoubtedly drive meaningful advances in Quebec’s biopharmaceutical sector.”
— Daniel Bernard, Minister for the Economy and Small and Medium Enterprises
Congratulations to Drs. El Mestikawy and Ducharme!