Funded Projects
For an accelerated response to pandemics
Because antibiotics are overused, some of them no longer kill “superbug” bacteria. This problem, called antimicrobial resistance, means we need to find new antibiotics. In 2019, more people died from superbug bacteria than from COVID-19 in 2020-21. These superbugs kill 5,400 every year in Canada. However, very few antibiotics are being developed because the process is long and expensive for the pharmaceutical industry. This leaves Canadians vulnerable, especially if we are faced with another pandemic.
Based on the problems in the COVID-19 pandemic, our industry partners determined that Canada has the following needs to better fight current and future superbugs, pandemic-style: we need to use Canada’s leadership in artificial intelligence to discover new antibiotics, and we need to develop processes to make chemicals locally so we don’t depend on other countries for supplies.
Using artificial intelligence and other technologies, we will study how bacteria react to chemicals, use that information to find new antibiotics that kill bacteria, and ensure that those antibiotics are not toxic to humans. Then we will determine how to make these antibiotics in Canada. These activities will allow our industry partners to make enough of the new antibiotics for clinical studies to test their safety.
As a result, Canada’s response to ongoing antimicrobial resistance will be faster and stronger and will help solve future global health threats. Using artificial intelligence and focusing on drug discovery will help Canadians find good jobs in these sectors.
Our research aligns with 4 pillars of Canada's Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy: Strong and coordinated governance; Laying a solid foundation by strengthening research systems and the talent pipeline; Growing businesses by doubling down on existing and emerging areas of strength; and Building public capacity.