In a groundbreaking move, Canadian volunteers in Montreal and Halifax have signed up to intentionally contract the flu virus for a scientific study, marking a significant moment in Canadian research history.
The unique study, initiated in June, deviates from traditional vaccine trials by deliberately exposing carefully selected healthy volunteers to a controlled dose of a well-characterized influenza virus. This Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) research allows scientists to closely monitor how participants get infected, the amount of virus they release, and their immune system responses.
Eight participants have already completed the initial phase in Halifax, with two more beginning the study in Montreal.
Dr. Brian Ward, the study’s co-principal investigator, explains that the typical vaccine development process relies on lengthy trials where researchers must wait for natural virus exposure. This new approach allows researchers to quickly gather insights that are challenging to obtain in field trials.
The study involves exposing participants to varying doses of the flu virus, followed by observation in individual rooms for at least seven days. Antiviral medication is available if needed, and participants must test negative for the virus before leaving.
This initiative aims to establish an influenza infection model and gather data on safety, virology, and immune responses for potential use in future vaccine studies. The ultimate goal is not to test a specific vaccine but to enhance Canada’s capacity for rapid response in developing challenge strains of viruses.
Led by Dr. Scott Halperin, another co-principal investigator, the study is a collaborative effort between the Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV) and the Centre for Innovative Medicine (CIM).
