Each year, influenza, more commonly known as the seasonal flu, affects many people, particularly seniors. In Quebec, Diex Recherche, a clinical research centre established in 2006, is currently participating in a study aimed at evaluating an innovative plant-based vaccine.
An Innovative Plant-Based Technology
Unlike traditional vaccines, which are often produced using eggs, this vaccine uses plants to produce virus-like particles. These particles resemble the virus but do not cause the disease. They allow the immune system to prepare to fight the real virus if exposure occurs later on.
This approach represents a new way of manufacturing vaccines and could offer promising possibilities for responding to the rapid evolution of the influenza virus. Quebec-based company Aramis is behind the development of this vaccine and has taken over Medicago’s research activities in Quebec, continuing to advance this technology here in the province.
The Vaccine Under Study: Why Is It Important?
The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a plant-based influenza vaccine candidate. The flu virus evolves every year. To provide adequate protection to the population, it is therefore essential that scientific research and vaccines evolve alongside it. In this context, new approaches, such as plant-based vaccines, are currently being studied.
This study is managed by the Diex Recherche team and is being conducted in several regions of Quebec, including Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, and Victoriaville.
Participate in the Clinical Study
Participating in a Clinical Study: What Does It Involve?
The term clinical study is often heard, but not always fully understood. Clinical research involves evaluating new medications or treatments in a highly controlled medical setting to determine whether they are effective and safe. Before a medication can be prescribed by your doctor or made available to your loved ones, it is first studied in specialized centres such as those at Diex Recherche.
A Structured and Safe Process
It is important to note that this is not blind experimentation. Each project is carefully supervised by independent ethics committees and conducted according to strict international standards known as Good Clinical Practices.
As part of this study:
- Each participant receives the vaccine under study (there is no placebo).
- Rigorous medical follow-up is provided by the research team.
- Evaluations are carried out to document the immune response and monitor any adverse effects.
- All visits and examinations related to the study are provided at no cost.
- Compensation may be available to cover participants’ time and travel expenses.
Participation is always voluntary. Interested individuals receive all the necessary information before making a decision and may withdraw at any time without explanation.
Who May Be Eligible?
To ensure participant safety and the validity of the results, certain criteria must be met. An individual may be eligible if they:
- Are in generally good health.
- Have not received a flu vaccine within the past four months.
A no-obligation pre-screening step is available to determine whether participation is possible.
A Contribution to Local Research
Clinical studies play a fundamental role in medical advancement. By participating, volunteers contribute to research conducted in Quebec by local teams, with the goal of improving preventive tools for the entire population.
Even without participating, learning more about how clinical studies work can help you better understand how vaccines are developed and evaluated before becoming available.
To learn more about this study and check your pre-eligibility, click here.
