Ontario leading Canadian clinical trials investigating coronavirus vaccines, treatments

Ontario is currently leading the country with 22 clinical trials investigating COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

According to the Province, it is moving forward with innovative research to prevent, detect and treat COVID-19 as part of the government’s $20 million Ontario COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund.

“Ontario is leading the nation in the battle to defeat this deadly virus. We have some of the most incredible researchers and innovators anywhere in the world right here in our province,” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement.

“There’s no reason why a new rapid testing method, vaccine or treatment can’t be found right here in Ontario. Our government is investing in some very promising research proposals, which have the potential to save lives and help us get back to a way of life that is as close to normal as possible.”

Ford, and Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities, made the announcement on Thursday, saying the province is funding 15 high-quality and promising proposals that were submitted in response to a recent call for proposals for the Ontario COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund.

“Researchers in Ontario represent some of the best and brightest in the country and we are tapping into their expertise to find Ontario-based solutions to treat the infection and stop the spread of the virus,” said Romano.

“Our government is encouraged by the ideas and solutions researchers have put forward to-date. These projects will support Ontario’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak and help us make smart and effective decisions as we look ahead to the future.”

The province says 11 of the 22 clinical trials that are being led by Ontario’s research hospitals, universities, colleges, and research institutes, and have already secured the necessary approvals by Health Canada to advance potential vaccines and therapeutics.

According to the Ford government, its research will expand the global understanding of coronavirus, and “further the capacity in the health care, artificial intelligence, and supply chain sectors to assist frontline workers today and in the future.”

The Province of Ontario confirms there are 31 more coronavirus related deaths and 413 new cases, as of Thursday morning.

This marks a slight increase in new cases compared to Wednesday’s 390, but is lower than the spike seen with Tuesday’s 427.

The increase in cases comes after the province entered Stage 1 of its framework to reopen the economy on Tuesday, allowing certain businesses and recreational activities to reopen.