Pre-announcement of the Clinical Trials Fund (CTF)

Well-being, Health and Biomedical Discovery

Deadlines

Academic Unit: inquire with unit

Memorial Deadline: TBD - Summer 2022

External Deadline: TBD - Summer 2022

Description

CIHR is pleased to provide this pre-announcement of the Clinical Trials Fund (CTF) in order to allow the research community time to prepare and respond to what will be an expedited process. This $250 million funding opportunity over 3 years stems from 2021 Federal Budget announcements and in the first phase, is an integral component of Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. In support of this, the CTF will provide funding through 3 specific vehicles: platforms with the development of a pan-Canadian Clinical Trials Consortium; people with the funding of training platforms; and, projects through the funding of a broad spectrum of clinical trial initiatives.

While these funding opportunities are yet to be finalized, CIHR is providing preliminary information at this time to allow the community to prepare. To ensure that you are receiving timely updates regarding CIHR funding opportunities and other CIHR news, you are encouraged to visit the CIHR website and subscribe to receive the CIHR Access Newsletter.

Overview

As a signatory to the G7 Therapeutics and Vaccines Clinical Trials Charter, the Government of Canada has committed to supporting international efforts for improved clinical trial collaboration and cooperation to respond to future health emergencies. As a result of Canada’s scientific expertise, high quality healthcare system, and research funding and infrastructure, Canada is a global destination for important clinical trials. However, planned investments in the biomanufacturing ecosystem, including for clinical trial projects, networks, and capacity, will help to reinforce the existing scientific excellence and ensure that Canada is well-prepared for future health challenges.

As an integral component of the Government of Canada’s response to this, the CTF will support research and researchers across the country to conduct the full spectrum of clinical trials including the development and testing of new drugs, treatments, and public health and health system interventions to prevent, detect, treat, or manage various diseases or medical conditions. In the first instance, research funded through the CTF will be an integral component of the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy of the Federal Government.

1. Platform: Pan-Canadian Clinical Trials ConsortiumCanada has an array of clinical trial networks which provide access to specialized research expertise and ensures that research activities are not duplicative. However, there remains a need for stability with improved coordination and collaboration infrastructure as well as support for additional research networks in clinical areas where these structures do not currently exist. Given this, CIHR will fund a pan-Canadian Clinical Trials Consortium that will strengthen coordination of clinical trials conducted in Canada, as well as Canadian participation in international clinical trials.
2. People: Clinical Trials Fund Training PlatformsThrough this funding opportunity, which will be modelled on CIHR’s recently piloted Health Research Training Platform, support will be provided to develop the highly qualified personnel needed in each step of the clinical trials pipeline.CTF training platforms will be required to implement recruitment, training, and mentoring strategies to attract high-caliber trainees, researchers, healthcare professionals and clinical research professionals, while applying best practices for equity, diversity, and inclusion. In addition to supporting the development of technical skills to support excellence in clinical trials, these training platforms will integrate additional training to advance rigorous and responsible research.
3. Projects: Clinical TrialsCIHR is committed to fully supporting the clinical trials pipeline from discovery to implementation. Ultimately, this will be reflected in a robust, pan-Canadian clinical trials strategy that will be developed through a deep national dialogue as an early priority of the CTF. In the first allocation of CTF project funds, and while this strategy is being developed, CIHR will provide grants to support an array of clinical trial phases, designs, and objectives across a broad range of health research areas, aligning with the priorities of the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy.Clinical trials teams who receive funding will be required to participate in the Pan-Canadian Clinical Trials Consortium once it is established and projects must include trainees with a dedicated objective of capacity development. Where appropriate, CIHR will also encourage international collaboration.

Funds Available

As announced in Budget 2021, $250 million over three (3) years will be available. CIHR will launch the opportunities as soon as possible. While the majority of this funding will be available through these three funding opportunities, additional funding opportunities may follow.

Anticipated timelines

• Application Deadlines: Summer 2022
• Notice of Decision: Fall 2022

Funding Sources

Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)