Western University Launches $44M Pathogen Research Centre in Ontario

Western University has initiated construction on a groundbreaking $44 million Pathogen Research Centre in London, Ontario, aiming to enhance Canada’s capabilities in the fight against infectious diseases. This facility, a first of its kind in Canada, will integrate advanced containment and therapeutic manufacturing for clinical trials, positioning London as a national leader in biomedical innovation.

The project is bolstered by significant funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund, which contributed $16 million, and the Ontario Research Fund, adding $3.9 million. The official opening of the centre is planned for 2027, and it will be part of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, situated at the Western Research Parks site.

“The investment in Western’s Pathogen Research Centre strengthens Canada’s position as a global leader in biomedical innovation,” said Mélanie Joly, federal Minister of Industry. She emphasized that the facility would facilitate the transition of research from discovery to impactful solutions, generating jobs and enhancing readiness for future public health challenges.

Facilities Designed for Cutting-Edge Research

The Pathogen Research Centre will feature two state-of-the-art biocontainment level 3 facilities. One is a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility, dedicated to the production of therapeutics for clinical trials under stringent quality controls. This facility is among only a handful across Canada and is expected to significantly bolster the region’s capacity for conducting clinical trials.

“This new facility will greatly enhance Canada’s pharmaceutical capacity,” remarked Eric Arts, a professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry and Canada Research Chair in HIV Pathogenesis and Viral Control. He noted that this capability will decrease reliance on international manufacturing for therapeutics and vaccines, enabling more homegrown innovations.

The GMP facility will allow for the cost-effective production of biotherapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, essential for treating a range of diseases, from cancer to autoimmune disorders. It will also support a predictive vaccine platform developed by a Western-led team, aimed at generating candidates for future viral strains.

The second major facility, a microbial transmission unit, will be the first globally to simulate real-world environments. This facility will enable researchers to study how viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2 spread in settings like airplane cabins and hospital rooms.

Innovative Solutions for Virus Transmission

The microbial transmission facility will mimic environmental factors such as airflow, temperature, and humidity, which are critical in understanding pathogen transmission. “This will fill a significant gap in our knowledge of how viruses spread,” stated Rick Gibson, director of operations for the ImPaKT facility. He highlighted ongoing partnerships with industry innovators focused on creating solutions to prevent virus transmission.

Engineering professor Chris DeGroot is collaborating with a company that manufactures UV lamps intended to eliminate viruses. He expressed enthusiasm about the new facility’s potential to facilitate groundbreaking research and collaborations, stating, “This is a transformative opportunity for our research at Western.”

The Pathogen Research Centre is poised to create jobs and attract investments, according to Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London Centre. He remarked that beyond benefiting London, the centre will enhance Canada’s ability to develop and produce innovative health solutions.

Nolan Quinn, Ontario Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, added, “Our government is proud to support Western University’s Pathogen Research Centre, ensuring Ontario remains a leader in disease understanding and treatment development.”

This new centre promises to be a vital asset in advancing Canada’s public health infrastructure, ensuring the country is better prepared for future health challenges while fostering a robust life sciences sector.