Scientists In Montreal Have Made 'Good Progress' On A COVID-19 Vaccine

Pre-clinical trials start this summer.
A COVID-19 Vaccine Under Development In Montreal Starts Pre-Clinical Trials Soon
Gauthierdan | Dreamstime
Senior Editor

Montreal scientists say they're "making good progress" on a COVID-19 vaccine and expect to start pre-clinical trials on animals as soon as this summer.

Even more impressive is that the team behind the potential vaccine is doing all this work from home, "using state-of-the-art computer simulations and artificial intelligence," according to a statement.

“

We’re able to develop a vaccine that will have a long-lasting immune response independent of one’s age, gender or background.

Concordia Professor Gilles Peslherbe

Two of the researchers involved in the project, Drs. Gurudeeban Selvaraj and Satyavani Kaliamurthi, actually arrived in Montreal for a 24-week internship program but saw their stay extended at the beginning of the crisis, Mitacs, the non-profit that organized the internship, explained.

Concordia professor Gilles Peslherbe said that his team's approach has enabled them to "develop a vaccine that will have a long-lasting immune response independent of one’s age, gender or background."

"We have been able to progress so quickly because the interns and partners bring unique expertise that has enabled our research to propel forward," he said.

MontrealNewsNews
  • Thomas MacDonald
  • Thomas MacDonald

    Senior Editor

    Thomas MacDonald was the Senior Editor of MTL Blog. He received a B.A. with honours from McGill University in 2018 and worked as a Writer and Associate Editor before entering his current role. He is proud to lead the MTL Blog team and to provide its readers with the information they need to make the most of their city.

How much cheaper is it to live in Montreal vs Calgary? We did the math

From rent to grocery bills, here's how the two cities stack up.

Canadians are getting this grocery payment in October instead of the usual GST/HST credit

Luckily, it pays even more.

Winter 2026-2027 in Quebec: Here's when the cold and snow will hit hardest

It's coming... 🥶

Canadians might be able to live and work in Europe without a visa — Here's why

"It's the start of a process."

Diver hospitalized after apparent white shark encounter in Quebec

Diver hospitalized after shark encounter off Percé

A raspberry recall was just issued in Quebec and eating them could make you seriously ill

The products made their way to store shelves across Quebec.

The EU wants Canada to be its first 'associate member' and gave Carney a red carpet welcome

Carney said Canada is not looking to become a full member of the European Union.

Bought plant-based milk in Quebec? You could get thousands of dollars from this class action

You have one month left to make a claim.

Montreal AI research institute denounces violence after office vandalized

Montreal AI research institute denounces vandalism