SPP-ARC
Striving for Pandemic Preparedness — The Alberta Research Consortium
Striving for Pandemic Preparedness
Enabling rapid responses to emerging pathogens
The 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø has made substantial investments in support of research and training in infectious diseases. These resources were instrumental in the development of Alberta’s scientific response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in spite of progress, it is evident that dangerous viruses will not disappear. The Government of Alberta awarded the 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø a $55.1m grant to develop a research and training program that helps to address this problem. With this grant, scientists at the U of A founded SPP-ARC; Striving for Pandemic Preparedness - The Alberta Research Consortium.MISSION
Prepare for Pandemics
Establish capabilities to discover, develop and assess vaccines and antivirals for better protection against emerging pathogens
VISION
Enable Rapid Responses
Support clinical trials and the approval of effective medical countermeasures in the next pandemic
A Pipeline Approach
The time and nature of the next pandemic is unknown due to the unpredictable nature of pandemics. However, this does not mean that we cannot prepare for it. SPP-ARC’s homegrown pipeline for the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs against priority pathogens such as coronaviruses, influenza viruses etc., establishes capabilities that enable rapid responses to emerging threats.Research and Training
Pandemic preparedness demands ongoing, interdisciplinary research efforts and partnerships. SPP-ARC investigators’ work proactively covers a wide range of expertise in the complementary areas of Virology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Medicinal Chemistry and Structural Biology. Furthermore, the comprehensive research program provides an ideal environment for training highly qualified personnel.Enhancing Infrastructure
The establishment of a transformative structural biology core with a state-of-the-art Cryo-Electron Microscopy platform will support the design of vaccines and therapeutics. One of the largest Biosafety Level-3 (BSL-3) facilities in the country supports preclinical studies, and the Alberta Cell Therapy Manufacturing facility (ACTM) will provide fill-finish production capabilities.SPP-ARC Events
Visit our Events page to hear about our upcoming scientific meetings, seminars, and retreats!
SPP-ARC in the News
Researchers devise a quicker, more efficient way to make life-saving molecules
Improved method for creating nucleoside analogues opens the door to discovering countless treatments for everything from cancer to viral diseases.
