Getting the Best Care
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic illnesses, meaning that until the scientific community discovers cures, patients will continue living with these diseases. A key component to ensuring the well-being of patients living with a chronic illness is to continuously evolve and improve patient care.
With the support of grants from Crohn's and Colitis Canada, researchers are diligently working on projects that focus on discovering and implementing new ways to ensure patients have access to the best care possible.
2026 Grant Recipients
Dr. Irah King | McGill University
Research: Investigating the role of PCSK9 and PCSK7 in epithelial regeneration
Date: 2026-2029
Amount: $375,000
People living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can face health challenges beyond the gut, including a higher risk of heart disease. This study looks at two proteins, called PCSK9 and PCSK7, that may be linked to both high cholesterol and gut inflammation. Researchers will study these proteins in people with ulcerative colitis and test whether blocking them can calm inflammation in early lab models. What they learn could help show whether treatments aimed at PCSK9 and PCSK7 may one day support safer, more targeted care for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and heart disease.
Dr. Sun-Ho Lee | University of Toronto
Research: Host-microbe-immune interactions and the risk of postoperative recurrence of Crohn’s disease
Date: 2026-2029
Amount: $375,000
Surgery can bring relief for people with Crohn’s disease, but the disease often comes back afterward, sometimes before symptoms appear. This study looks at how gut bacteria and the immune system may work together to restart inflammation after surgery. Researchers will study blood and tissue samples that have already been collected from people with Crohn’s to look for early warning signs. Their findings could help doctors better predict who is at risk, choose treatments sooner, and reduce the chance of repeat surgery.