Saskatchewan’s VIDO inks European agreement to strengthen pandemic preparedness

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan has agreed to a new agreement with the European Research Infrastructure on Highly Pathogenic Agents (ERINHA.)

The partnership will make VIDO the network’s North American hub.

“This agreement reflects VIDO’s commitment to working with leading international partners to protect human and animal health,” explained Dr. Volker Gerdts, the director and CEO of VIDO in a news release Monday.

“By joining the ERINHA network, VIDO will help strengthen global pandemic preparedness, food security, and biodefence while advancing Canada’s role in developing vaccines, diagnostics, and other solutions for high-consequence infectious diseases. We are proud to bring Saskatchewan science to this important international partnership.”

In a news release from the University of Saskatchewan, ERINHA is described as ‘a unique federation of maximum and high-containment laboratories and research institutes across Europe that accelerates collaborative research on high-risk pathogens.’

The organization supports work in advancing vaccines, diagnostics and treatments for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as Ebola.

“Global preparedness depends on trusted international partnerships and access to world-class scientific expertise,” says Dr. Jonathan Ewbank, Director General of ERINHA.

“ERINHA is pleased to welcome VIDO as our first North American hub, strengthening our network with exceptional high-containment research, animal health expertise, and integrated vaccine manufacturing capacity.”

The agreement between VIDO and ERINHA was signed in Paris and witnessed by Premier Scott Moe.

“Saskatchewan continues to build strong international partnerships that showcase our province’s world-class research, innovation and expertise,” Moe explained.

The premier went on to say the agreement highlights the global impact being made in Saskatchewan, reinforcing the province’s role in “advancing solutions that protect people, animals, and food systems around the world.”

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As part of the agreement, VIDO will contribute integrated vaccine manufacturing capacity, high-containment research and large-animal model expertise to ERINHA.

“The University of Saskatchewan is proud to support research that addresses urgent global challenges while creating impact for Saskatchewan and Canada,” said Dr. Baljit Singh, vice-president of research with the University of Saskatchewan.

“Through VIDO, USask is home to world-class expertise and infrastructure that strengthen pandemic preparedness, food security, and innovation. This agreement with ERINHA demonstrates the power of international collaboration and the important role universities play in building a safer and healthier future.”

Dr. Ewbank added ERINHA is excited to work with the University of Saskatchewan.

“This agreement will help advance the collaborative science needed to better understand and respond to emerging infectious disease threats,” he said.

“We know that we can count on Canadian partners.”