COVID-19 Clinical Research Coordination Initiative Newsletter – June Update

News and Announcements:

Funding Announced for SARS-COV-2 Rapid Vaccine Research Initiative in BC
The Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR), Genome BC, and the BCCDC Foundation invited researchers to rapidly address COVID-19 vaccine questions in BC. Nine research teams have received funding from this partnership to inform decision making on urgent issues. For more information, please visit msfhr.org.

University of Victoria Research Accelerator Fund Supports COVID-19 Response
The University of Victoria announced the inaugural round of projects funded by the Research Accelerator Fund (RAF). The first RAF campaign provided $165,000 to six projects that will explore the impacts of COVID-19 and support communities recovering from the pandemic. For more information, please visit uvic.ca.

Research Updates:

Patients With COVID-19 Benefit From Innovation in Care Thanks to UBC Researchers
Dr. Anita Palepu discusses how the need to learn from patients and improve care has driven UBC clinician-researchers to develop the Interdisciplinary COVID-19 Care Network and open three clinics in Vancouver and Surrey. For more information, please visit med.ubc.ca.

UBC Researchers Capture First Molecular Images of B.1.1.7 Mutation
University of British Columbia (UBC) researchers publish the first structural images of the N501Y mutation on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The cryo-electron microscope pictures provide critical insight regarding the more infectious B.1.1.7 variant. For more information, please visit med.ubc.ca.

Using Readily Available Medication to Treat Mild COVID-19
UBC researcher Dr. Sara Belga is investigating whether ciclesonide accelerates recovery and reduces hospitalization among patients with mild COVID-19 infections. Ciclesonide is a common anti-inflammatory drug administered through inhalation. The study is currently recruiting participants in Quebec, Ontario and BC. For more information, please visit vchri.ca.

New Anti-Viral Drug Promising Treatment for COVID-19 Variants
A new study led by researchers at UBC and the Université de Sherbrooke reports the anti-viral drug N-0385 is protective against infection and mortality from COVID-19 variants of concern in mice. Developed and tested in Canada, the treatment could improve COVID-19 outcomes and survival rates. For more information, please visit news.ubc.ca.

International Research Team Hopes to Develop Drug to Prevent COVID-19
UBC researcher Dr. Josef Penninger was profiled in the Vancouver Sun for his groundbreaking discovery of the ACE2 receptor, a protein that allows COVID-19 to infect humans. Dr. Penninger and his international collaborators hope their research will lead to the development of therapies to prevent COVID-19. For more information, please visit vancouversun.com.

AbCellera Develops New Antibody Candidate to Treat COVID-19
Vancouver-based company AbCellera was profiled in Forbes for their discovery of a new COVID-19 antibody candidate to treat COVID-19. This antibody may be effective against variants of concern and administered as a shot, rather than an IV infusion, for larger-scale distribution. For more information, please visit forbes.com.

Resources for Investigators:

Researchers Requiring Access to Contact COVID-19 Patients
For the purposes of recruitment, guidance is available for researchers to obtain contact information of patients or members of the public to participate in COVID-19-related research. Please note that procedures may change over time. For more information, please visit crci.med.ubc.ca.

COVID-19 Update: Expert Q&A with Specialists
Participants in this webinar will improve their ability to offer patients practical advice with the use of emerging evidence regarding COVID-19 epidemiology, prevention, and investigation in clinical practice, including the use of vaccines. Highly experienced and knowledgeable public health leaders and medical experts will answer attendees’ questions, share their experiences, and recommended best practices in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Date: June 23, 2021, 6:30 PM PDT
Registration: (link)