The generosity of TB Vets donors like you has helped achieve significant progress in Tuberculosis (TB) Research at Vancouver General Hospital / University of British Columbia (VGH/UBC). Additionally, your support has helped mobilize resources during the COVID-19 crisis and initiate research into SARS CoV-2 drug discovery.
Led by Dr. Yossef Av-Gay, the TB Research Program at VGH/UBC focuses on finding new TB drugs. One of the approaches used in the research is to identify key human genes and processes which enables the immune cells of a person (the human host) to fight Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This is called Host Directed Therapy and is currently on the forefront of infectious diseases research.
The team has screened millions of compounds using systems (see photos) and found multiple drug candidates called lead compounds. These compounds target human proteins and activate them in the infected cells such that they are able to clear the infection.
The team has published their findings in scientific journals and is currently gearing up their drug development program.
The research team of Dr. Yossef Av-Gay at VGH/UBC
TB Research in the time of COVID-19
When COVID-19 struck, Dr. Av-Gay’s team was forced to temporarily halt their research. The highly secure lab was then adapted for work with the high-risk coronavirus.
Moreover, their TB drug discovery technology was adapted for use. A series of compounds have been identified that are able to kill SARS CoV-2 inside human cells with high efficiency. Currently, these compounds are being analyzed for their therapeutic effect in human cells and lung organoids.
In August 2020, the research team resumed work on TB together with the new COVID-19 drug development program.
When COVID-19 struck, the TB Research facility at VGH was adapted for work with the high-risk coronavirus.
Amidst respiratory crises of all kinds, the ongoing support of TB Vets donors like you truly makes a difference. Your loyal support helps BC’s respiratory frontline with important scientific research and resources that can save lives globally.*
