COVID-19 vaccine will be tested in Hamilton
- Michael Kras
- 28 Aug 2020
With well over 100 potential COVID-19 vaccines going through clinical trials all over the world, one particular vaccine is set to be tested right here in Hamilton by McMaster University as well as the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
This Canadian-developed vaccine – one of few being tested in this country – was created via artificial intelligence and computer modelling by Jonathan Heedy, a Canadian-born professor who trained at the University of Guelph and now heads the Laboratory of Viral Zoonotics at the University of Cambridge.
Heading the vaccine trials in Canada will be Dr. Mark Loeb, an infectious disease physician and professor at McMaster University.
This is amazing news. A new made-in-Canada vaccine is being trialled by @McMasterU and @Cambridge_Uni. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated researchers committed to combating #COVID19 – right here in #HamOnt! https://t.co/Tr3kKlPPN5
— Filomena Tassi (@FilomenaTassi) August 28, 2020
The development of the vaccine has used existing information on the COVID-19 virus, as well as information on related viruses such as SARS, MERS, and other coronaviruses that are carried by animals and have the potential to be transferred to the human population in the future.
The aim of this vaccine, according to Heedy, is not just to protect against COVID-19, but to protect against other potential coronavirus infections going forward.
A Phase One trial of the vaccine, which will test a small group of participants to gauge safety, was awarded nearly $3.3 million by the UK government and is expected to take place at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust this Fall.
From there, a Phase Two trial is planned for Canada, testing the vaccine on 500 Canadian volunteers as soon as early 2021.
Finally, a Phase Three trial would see 10,000 worldwide volunteers vaccinated in spots where COVID-19 is known to be actively circulating.
This particular vaccine would work by blocking the coronavirus’ spike proteins from attaching to cells in the human body, stopping the virus from a widespread infection in individuals.
Dr. Loeb is also hopeful that the Canadian government opts to fund the trials of this vaccine, giving Canadians priority access if the vaccine is ultimately successful and approved.
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