Research team at the University of Saskatchewan's VIDO-InterVac. Photo Courtesy: University of Saskatchewan

By Lara Fominoff/CKOM News

VIDO vaccine hopefuls hold out for hometown COVID-19 study

Jul 27, 2021 | 4:18 PM

It’s been just over a month since Saskatoon’s VIDO-InterVac issued a call out for volunteers to participate in its local COVAC-2 COVID-19 clinical trials.

On June 23, the organization announced positive results from their Phase 1 clinical trial.

Since then, Associate Director of Vaccine Development, Dr. Trina Racine, says they’ve had more than 200 people from across the province contact them, interested in taking part.

“I think it’s a combination of people who have chosen to potentially not get one of the authorized vaccines for their own reasons and also just the strong support for VIDO itself. A lot of people have indicated that, you know, they would like to help further development of a vaccine made right here in Saskatchewan.”

The logistics for a clinical trial site in Saskatoon are currently being worked out. Racine says they’re still accepting names and contact information from interested people. A team from VIDO will begin contacting them in mid-August and screening them in late August for potential inclusion in the study.

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The first study will require 30 volunteers and should begin in early September. A second study requiring another 48 volunteers is expected to begin in mid-September.

“Both studies include a placebo-control… so we’d be recruiting or enrolling people in a two to one ratio. So, two people would get the vaccine, one person would get the placebo,” she explained.

A first dose would be given on the first day, and another dose again 28 days later. Participants will have to also show up for 11 appointments altogether. A $50 stipend will be given per visit to cover gas, parking fees and other incidental costs.

Anyone who is still interested in the studies must be over the age of 18, they must not have been infected with COVID-19 to their knowledge, and they must not have been vaccinated with any of the current authorized vaccines. They can contact Clinical Trial Support Unit at ctsu@usask.ca or 306-978-8300 for more information.