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CIRN NETWORKS
Clinical Trials Network (CTN)
The Clinical Trials Network (CTN) is a core infrastructure with the ability
to conduct clinical trials in large and specialized groups with a focus on
safety, immunogenicity, and mechanisms of immunity. The Clinical Trials
Network includes sites in Vancouver, Calgary, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa,
Sudbury, Montreal, Quebec City, and Halifax.
This past fall researchers at CIRN conducted a rapid
study of the VSV-EBOV candidate vaccine for Ebola,
developed at the National Microbiology Laboratory. This
phase 1, fi rst-in-humans clinical trial in forty healthy
adults was conducted at the CTN site in Halifax. Public
interest in the study was very high and the study team
was able to enroll and vaccinate all subjects within a
few weeks of ethics approval. Although immunogenicity
results are still being analysed, preliminary safety data
has shown that there are no signifi cant safety concerns
with the vaccine.
With additional funding from the BC Center for Disease
Control, the Vancouver CTN site under Dr. Sheifele
conducted a study titled Sustaining protection against
Hepatitis B from infancy to adulthood: assessing the
need for a booster dose in adolescence. This study
examines whether immunity from infant hepatitis B
vaccine wanes over time, and if an adolescent booster
is needed to sustain protection. Observations from this
study will be used to model program options.
The CTN also plans to initiate two new studies in the
coming year; a clinical trial testing a new schedule for
the 4CMenB vaccine, and a study of vaccine coverage
and satisfaction using pharmacists as immunizers.
2015 ANNUAL REPORT 3
Clinical Trials Network (CTN)
The Clinical Trials Network (CTN) is a core infrastructure with the ability
to conduct clinical trials in large and specialized groups with a focus on
safety, immunogenicity, and mechanisms of immunity. The Clinical Trials
Network includes sites in Vancouver, Calgary, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa,
Sudbury, Montreal, Quebec City, and Halifax.
This past fall researchers at CIRN conducted a rapid
study of the VSV-EBOV candidate vaccine for Ebola,
developed at the National Microbiology Laboratory. This
phase 1, fi rst-in-humans clinical trial in forty healthy
adults was conducted at the CTN site in Halifax. Public
interest in the study was very high and the study team
was able to enroll and vaccinate all subjects within a
few weeks of ethics approval. Although immunogenicity
results are still being analysed, preliminary safety data
has shown that there are no signifi cant safety concerns
with the vaccine.
With additional funding from the BC Center for Disease
Control, the Vancouver CTN site under Dr. Sheifele
conducted a study titled Sustaining protection against
Hepatitis B from infancy to adulthood: assessing the
need for a booster dose in adolescence. This study
examines whether immunity from infant hepatitis B
vaccine wanes over time, and if an adolescent booster
is needed to sustain protection. Observations from this
study will be used to model program options.
The CTN also plans to initiate two new studies in the
coming year; a clinical trial testing a new schedule for
the 4CMenB vaccine, and a study of vaccine coverage
and satisfaction using pharmacists as immunizers.
2015 ANNUAL REPORT 3
