Research summary
As we learned during both the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and the more recent COVID-19 pandemic, viral pathogens have the ability to travel around the world far more quickly than we can respond after an outbreak emerges. We urgently need proactive solutions to protect people from potentially dangerous viral pathogens before they spread. Dr. Matthew Miller, Canada Research Chair in Viral Pandemics, is developing vaccines and antiviral treatments to counter influenza viruses and coronaviruses—two viral families that will continue to pose significant pandemic risks.
He and his research team are focusing on vaccines that can be distributed easily to remote and underserved communities. They are also using state-of-the-art genomic and chemogenomic techniques to identify treatments that can provide broad and efficacious protection. They are doing all of this to reduce the likelihood of antiviral resistance. Ultimately, their research will advance the development of preventative measures to protect Canadians and others around the world from future viral pandemics.