Grant: Project Grant - PA: Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies Research

In a rapidly changing global landscape characterized by an expanding human population, diminishing habitats, and evolving disease patterns influenced by climate change, the likelihood of zoonotic diseases transitioning to humans has escalated. The recent COVID-19 pandemic underscored our unpreparedness, leading to significant health and economic impacts. While rapid solutions such as first-generation mRNA vaccines were developed, their payload capacity may not suffice to counter novel threats from Orthopoxviruses like monkeypox (Mpox). Concurrently, existing attenuated vaccines for poxviruses can be ineffective and, at times, induce adverse side effects, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Here we propose to use innovative vaccine platforms to develop a safer and more effective Mpox vaccine than what is currently available by creating a subunit vaccine that retains a large number of immunologically important targets while removing the toxic side effects. In collaboration with Eyam Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics Ltd., we aim to create the first Mpox vaccine crafted by Canadian scientists and manufactured and distributed globally. This breakthrough will not only help protect vulnerable populations but also establish a rapid vaccine response system for other emerging pandemics caused by zoonotic diseases. Finally, the past pandemic has provided profound evidence that Canada should be in control of its own vaccine supplies and this proposal will facilitate this goal.