Volunteers intentionally exposed to influenza to advance vaccine research
For the first time in Canada, researchers are intentionally exposing healthy volunteers to influenza under carefully controlled conditions to establish a research model that could accelerate the evaluation of future influenza vaccines and strengthen pandemic preparedness.
Researchers in Canada have embarked on a groundbreaking study to intentionally expose healthy volunteers to seasonal H3N2 influenza virus. This Controlled Human Infection Model (CHIM) aims to accelerate influenza vaccine evaluation and strengthen pandemic preparedness. Unlike conventional trials, CHIM allows precise dosing and close monitoring of participants in a controlled setting.
The study, led by co-principal investigators Dr. Brian Ward and Dr. Scott Halperin, will involve 32 participants at two sites in Halifax and Montreal. Participants, healthy adults aged 18-45, will receive either the virus or a saline placebo in a lower dose phase. If successful, the model could provide a faster way to identify promising vaccine candidates and assess their potential to reduce virus transmission.
The project also seeks to establish Canadian infrastructure and expertise for manufacturing GMP-grade challenge viruses, reducing reliance on foreign sources.
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