USask’s VIDO awarded NIH contract to develop critical models for global research

VIDO has received an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract under the pre-clinical models of infectious disease program by the United States’ National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

VIDO was one of four international awardees and the only Canadian organization selected as part of the program which further demonstrates VIDO’s scientific excellence, robust quality systems, and strong ethical research practices. The seven-year IDIQ contract’s ceiling is $146.3M USD.

The NIH is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. NIAID supports and facilitates research that focuses on understanding, treating, and preventing infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases.

Under the program, VIDO can help organizations bring new therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics to market by testing them for their effectiveness against infectious diseases of high concern.

“For almost half a century, VIDO has supported the development of new vaccines and therapeutics for infectious diseases. This award further demonstrates the impact VIDO has on the world and helps to ensure we are prepared for the next pandemic,” said Dr. Volker Gerdts, director and CEO of VIDO.

This announcement aligns with VIDO’s strategic efforts to increase its global presence as part of its mission to protect the world from infectious diseases.

“VIDO continues to be a world leader in scientific innovation. This incredible success is another example of the tremendous contributions USask makes to advancing health globally and being the university the world needs,” said USask President Peter Stoicheff.