Clinical Trials Fund | Clinical Trials Projects

Background

The 2021 Federal Budget announced funding for CIHR's Clinical Trials Fund (CTF), an integral component of Canada's Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy (BLSS). In support of this, the CTF will provide funding through three 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.

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.

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.et.ca/rnr16/vwOpprtntyDtls.do?prog=3698&language=E

Clinical Trials Projects

CIHR is committed to fully supporting the clinical trials pipeline from discovery to implementation.

In the first allocation of CTF Project funds, 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 BLSS. In subsequent years, funding allocations will include considerations of preclinical research. 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. CIHR encourages, where appropriate, international collaboration and the inclusion of multiple sites.

Research Areas

• Clinical trials for new drugs, vaccines, devices (such as diagnostic tests) and public health and health system interventions to manage health emergencies (including pandemics and antimicrobial resistance)
• Clinical trials in emerging technology areas (e.g., novel vaccine platforms, cell and gene therapies) with high potential to solve current and future health challenges
• Clinical trials designed to inform clinical practice or evidence-based policy decisions where there are well-defined knowledge gaps (e.g., repurposing existing drugs, comparative effectiveness trials)

Key Design Elements

Applications must incorporate all the following key design elements:

• Scope: Demonstrate how the funds will advance the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy priority areas, as outlined in the Research Areas outlined above.
• Priority: Demonstrate a need for the proposed research by systematically reviewing the currently available evidence and determining gaps in knowledge to enhance collaboration and reduce duplication.
• Engagement in Pan-Canadian Clinical Trials Consortium: Active collaboration and engagement with the Consortium, once established, and where applicable.
• Data Governance: Strategy for how data will be stored, linked and shared, as appropriate. Research data managed by the clinical trial team must be as FAIR as possible – Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable – and the data governance plan must outline how the FAIR principles will be applied.
• Knowledge Mobilization: Incorporate a knowledge mobilization plan that accelerates the availability of high quality, real-time evidence and research data for translation into policy, practice, and/or clinical guidelines.
• Health Disparities, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Indigenous Rights: Through research design and practices, ensure the appropriate representation of groups that are underrepresented in science, and those with a diversity of experiences, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
• Role and Contributions of Applicant Partners: CIHR recognizes that a broad range of partners may be relevant to this funding opportunity. It is expected that applicant(s) describe the role of all applicant partners and how they will contribute to Project activities. Any consideration of risk and/or conflict of interest must be explained, as appropriate.
• Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis + (SGBA+): Sex and gender differences, as well as differences due to other intersecting identity factors (e.g., race; Indigeneity) and social processes (e.g., racism, ableism), are important factors affecting clinical trial results. CIHR requires that applicants outline how sex, gender and other diverse and intersecting identity factors are considered within their research design, including plans for recruitment of diverse participant populations.

Funds Available

CIHR financial contributions for this initiative are subject to availability of funds. Should CIHR funding levels not be available or are decreased due to unforeseen circumstances, CIHR reserves, the right to reduce, defer or suspend financial contributions to this funding opportunity.

• The total amount available for this funding opportunity is up to $90,000,000 over 3 years. This amount may increase if additional funding partners participate. The number of clinical trials funded will depend on the requested budgets and peer review recommendations.
  • Of this $90,000,000, up to $30,000,000 is available to support Canadian sites of international trials, i.e., trials led by international research teams which will be expanded to Canada through the use of these funds.(Updated: 2022-05-30)

Log in with Google

OR

Get Started to Apply