The Ottawa Hospital to become a hub for biotherapeutics research and manufacturing
A world-class biomanufacturing facility will be built at the new Ottawa Hospital, as Ottawa's largest hospital is set to become a hub for the research and manufacturing of vaccines, gene therapies and cell therapies in Canada.
The federal government announced $59 million in funding for the Ottawa Hospital to develop and manufacture lifesaving biotherapeutics on Monday, with the majority of the funding supporting the construction and operation of a facility at the new Ottawa Hospital campus on Carling Avenue.
"This funding will ensure that The Ottawa Hospital continues to be a leader in developing and manufacturing life-saving biotherapeutics," Dr. Duncan Stewart, executive vice-president of research at the Ottawa Hospital, said in a statement. "Biotherapeutics represent the future of medicine, and will be critical in responding to future pandemics and other health threats."
- Sign up now for our daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Researchers at the Ottawa Hospital have led more than 20 world-first clinical trials over the last 15 years, using a variety of biotherapeutics such as stem sells and cancer-fighting viruses. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute says the trials are possible because of its Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre, a specialized "clean-room facility that can develop and manufacture novel therapeutic products incorporating cells, genes, viruses and other biological materials."
The Ottawa Hospital says $47 million of the $59 million in funding will support the new biomanufacturing facility at the Ottawa Hospital, with the remainder enabling the "harmonization and cooperation across six Canadian biomanufacturing facilities."
The expanded Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre will be part of the larger ambulatory care and research building at the new Ottawa Hospital campus, scheduled to open in 2028.
"This investment will enable a much-needed expansion of our Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre, as well as the creation of a biomanufacturing collective with partners across the country," Dr. John Bell, senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital, said in a statement.
More than 40 full-time staff are based at the Ottawa Hospital's Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre, which is currently located at the General Campus.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company. The offer of $2.50 per share comes from Trilogy Retail Holdings Inc. and Trilogy Investments L.P., which have a 56 per cent stake in Indigo and are owned by Gerald Schwartz, the spouse of Indigo chief executive Heather Reisman.
Latest deadly weather in U.S. kills at least 20 as storms carve path of ruin across multiple states
Powerful storms killed at least 20 people, injured hundreds and left a wide trail of destruction across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where dozens sought shelter during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
What Canadian grocery shoppers need to know about anticompetitive allegations
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
North Korea launched a rocket likely carrying a second spy satellite. It's unclear if successful
North Korea launched a rocket likely carrying its second military spy satellite on Monday night, hours after its announcement of a plan to put a satellite into orbit drew strong rebukes from its neighbours.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts global outcry
An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.