Grants and Contributions

Scientists and public health authorities worldwide are making an unprecedented collaborative effort to understand and develop effective interventions for the control and prevention of SARS-CoV-2. Vaccination remains the most efficient medical intervention to counteract the pandemic. Viral vaccines have been the most effective in protecting against viral infections. Vectored-vaccine candidates are among the most advanced SARS-CoV-2 in the 38 clinical evaluations (WHO, Draft landscape of COVID-19 candidate vaccines, Sept. 24, 2020). One such platform is using the recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (rVSV), which is replication competent and is known to induce both cellular and humoral host immune response against foreign antigens. VSV-based vaccine vectors, which, as enveloped viruses, are designed to incorporate glycoprotein antigens into their viral lipid membrane and thus display the antigen on the virus surface, in addition to expressing it upon entry into the target cell. Another important viral vector platform that has been extensively evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials as an onco-therapeutic agent is the Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an avian virus that has several well-suited properties for development of a safe vector vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Both vectored-vaccine platforms demonstrated good safety profiles and in the case of VSV it has been successfully used for vaccination in emergency situations such as Ebola outbreaks. This Project focus on accelerating vaccine manufacture processes by using a producing cell line compatible with cGMP operations and industrialization to address the challenges posed by large scale manufacturing. The accelerated development the proposed robust technology platform will enable higher and faster accessibility to these class of vectored vaccines in situations of pandemic and contribute to building long lasting capacities in Canada.

The SARs-CoV-2 coronavirus enters cells by binding to its plasma membrane receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is a member of the renin-angiotensin system that degrades the vasoconstrictor and pro-inflammatory peptide angiotensin II (Ang II) to its vasodilator, anti-inflammatory product Ang-(1-7).
This Project involves pre-clinical studies of ACE2-Fc variants with potential therapeutic properties against COVID-19. The compounds will be developed to bind and neutralize the SARs-CoV-2 virus, and to exert intrinsic ACE2 activity, thereby reducing detrimental effects of Ang II.
Comprehensive testing of ACE2 enzymatic activity for the designed ACE2-Fc variants arising from this collaboration will be performed. Enzymatic activity testing will be done at three levels:
1. Cell-free assays to test ACE2 enzymatic activity.
2. Cell-based assays using kidney proximal tubular cells.
3. In vivo studies, to determine the effects of lead compounds on blood pressure, kidney injury, and plasma/tissue ACE2 activity in mice with Ang II-mediated hypertension.

Financial support is being provided to help facilitate two Hacking Health one day computer development blitzes. The theme for these specific events is young women in digital.The speakers will present their profession, their achievements, their companies, their career and the challenges to be met, especially in these times of COVID.

The purpose of this agreement is to increase awareness, availability and use of lower carbon vehicles and fuels in Canada by supporting the installation of 21 electric vehicle chargers in Ontario.

The purpose of this agreement is to increase awareness, availability and use of lower carbon vehicles and fuels in Canada by supporting the installation of 21 electric vehicle chargers in Ontario.

This project is is to keep spruce budworm (SBW) populations in Atlantic Canada below epidemic levels through targeted insecticide treatments.

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage

Not Available

To support business needs while recovering from COVID-19