What we do

PREVENT has created a pipeline linking the research institutions with the private sector and non-governmental partners for the benefit of all Canadians.

The PREVENT National Centre of Excellence for Commercialization and Research partners have long recognized that the uncertainty and long timelines of vaccine research and development make bringing much-needed vaccines to the people who need them a financially risky business. So how, they asked, could vaccine research secure investment dollars to improve health care and future human wellness?

This question was addressed by Canada's leaders in vaccine R & D, resulting in Canada's new vaccine pipeline – the Pan-Provincial Vaccine Enterprise (PREVENT) – a powerful business model that brings together experts in public health, academic organizations and research institutes, the vaccine industry, and the investment community. They all work together to identify promising vaccine candidates most likely to meet Canada's public health needs, which may also help address global issues.

Opportunities for promising vaccine candidates

A non-profit corporation, PREVENT is funded by the Federal Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research Program ($15 million), along with $10.5 million of in-kind support from its three partners – VIDO/Intervac in Saskatoon, the BC Centre for Disease Control in Vancouver, and the Canadian Center for Vaccinology in Halifax.

This financial support enables PREVENT to conduct time and labour intensive preclinical and clinical trials for promising early-stage vaccine candidates, fast-tracking vaccine development for diseases of major concern to public health, and reducing the risk factor for investors and potential receptor companies. PREVENT then works with industry partners to advance these vaccine candidates to the marketplace.

Canada's new vaccine pipeline

vaccine pipeline diagram

This is an exciting time for researchers, industry and end users alike. PREVENT opens up opportunities for academic and commercial success, and for a more cost-efficient and effective healthcare system that will protect and prevent disease in the most vulnerable among us.

In helping to speed vaccine candidates toward products, this not-for-profit company builds and develops national biotechnology clusters that stimulate new private sector investment in vaccines that lead to the creation of new companies or new product lines in established companies.


Did you know?
image of influenza virus

The three influenza viruses that affect humans are Influenzavirus A (humans, other mammals & birds), Influenzavirus B (humans & seals), and Influenzavirus C (humans & pigs). Influenzavirus A is responsible for most flu pandemics. The virus can be transmitted through airborne particles – coughs or sneezes – contaminated surfaces, or in the case of avian influenza, through infected bird droppings. The influenza virus can survive in sub-zero temperatures, but is easily killed with disinfectants and detergents.

BACKGROUNDER

Immunization:
Inoculation and Vaccination

Inoculation (also known as variolation) was introduced to the west by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762), who witnessed inoculation being
portrait of lady
practiced by physicians in Constantinople,[12] and was greatly impressed:[13] she had lost a brother to smallpox and bore facial scars from the disease herself. In 1718 she had the embassy surgeon inoculate her son, and in 1721, after returning to England, had her daughter inoculated[14]. In 1722 the Prince of Wales' daughters received inoculations[16].

The practice of inoculation slowly spread amongst the royal families of Europe, followed by general adoption amongst the rest of the population. Given the severe consequences of smallpox in Europe in the 18th century, many parents felt that the benefits outweighed the risks and so inoculated their children.[21] [22]

... more