VIDO awarded U.S. contract for its Vaccine Development Centre

The University of Saskatchewan's VIDO Vaccine Development Centre is one of only seven organizations selected as a member in the NIAID service provider pool. It is also the only non-U.S. organization and the only university-based organization selected. VIDO can participate in providing NIAID’s Preclinical Services for Biopharmaceutical Produce Development in two main areas: Process Development and Related Activities and cGMP Manufacture and Related Activities. The seven-year IDIQ contract is valued up to US$30 million.

VIDO’s Vaccine Development Centre will play an important role in providing services that will help a wide variety of researchers obtain the critical data needed to advance products, partnerships, and complete studies needed to enter clinical trials.

The completion of VIDO’s Vaccine Development Centre was the first step in establishing the organization as Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research. Other key aspects of the development include an expanded scientific team, establishing containment Level 4 capacity, and building a new animal facility that can house a variety of species.

Funding for the Vaccine Development Centre was provided by the Government of Canada, Government of Saskatchewan, founding corporate partners, and private donors through the Friends of VIDO campaign.

Quotes:

“This is a vote of confidence in VIDO’s capabilities and international recognition of their status as a world-class hub of research, development, and vaccine manufacturing capacity. This contract marks an important step in Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy – generating economic growth, a strong biomanufacturing ecosystem, and ensuring Canada can lead the response to global infectious disease emergencies.”

• Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan

“Our government is proud to invest in VIDO to better protect the health and safety of Canadians by giving them access to vaccines that protect against future infectious disease outbreaks. VIDO’s crucial work is putting a spotlight on Canadian scientists while contributing to our efforts to rebuild a strong domestic biomanufacturing and life sciences sector.”

• Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

 “VIDO continues to be at the forefront of vaccine research and development in Canada, impacting lives here and abroad. This opportunity will provide critical product advancements and new prospects for economic growth in our province.”

• Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan, Government of Saskatchewan
  

“The opportunity to engage agencies like the NIAID to use our Vaccine Development Centre ties directly into VIDO’s international engagement strategy. Infectious diseases are a global issue and VIDO is making an increasingly broad and global impact on vaccine development.”

• Volker Gerdts, Director and CEO, VIDO

"Our scientists at VIDO are developing vaccines and treatments to help us prepare for the next pandemic. This contract with the NIAID reinforces our commitment to being the university the world needs."

• Peter Stoicheff, President, University of Saskatchewan

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About University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization:

The University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) is internationally recognized for its role in vaccine development and is one of Canada’s national science facilities. VIDO has conducted infectious disease research and vaccine development for almost half a century—eight of its vaccines have been sold commercially, and six have been described as world-firsts. The >175-member organization operates using an ISO9001 certified management system in one of the largest and most advanced containment facilities in the world. To strengthen the preparedness for emerging infectious diseases VIDO is expanding to become Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, which includes GMP CL3 capable vaccine manufacturing and containment Level 4 capacity. VIDO receives operating support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation Major Science Initiatives fund and the Government of Saskatchewan through Innovation Saskatchewan and the Ministry of Agriculture.