CTN+ to lead Canada’s HIV and STBBI clinical trial infrastructure with $25 million investment from CIHR
July 17, 2024
By: CTN Communications
On July 12th, 2024, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) announced a $25 million investment in the CIHR Pan-Canadian Network for HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBIs) Clinical Trials Research (CTN+), a re-imagined clinical trials network built on legacy and impact. CTN+ will facilitate the design, conduct, and dissemination of equitable, community-informed, scientifically rigorous, and timely research across disciplines, infections, and key populations across all regions of Canada. This modernized network will provide the evidence and tools needed to eliminate HIV and STBBIs as public health threats nationally and beyond.
CTN+ National Director Dr. Marina Klein
CTN+ builds upon the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN) originally established in 1990 as a cornerstone of the federal AIDS strategy. Under the leadership of National Director Dr. Marina Klein at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) in Montreal, CTN+ will expand to encompass all STBBIs, bringing great potential to share learnings from HIV across infections, tackle common challenges, and advance research more effectively.
“From my early days as a postdoc with the CTN to now leading the CTN+, I’ve had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative power of the Canadian research community,” said Dr. Klein. “I am excited to steer the vision and growth of the network that shaped my passion for studying these important infections that affect the lives of so many Canadians. It will be an honour to guide the next generation of innovators and researchers in working to address remaining challenges for preventing, treating, and ultimately curing HIV and STBBIs.”
Continuing the legacy of community engagement
Recognizing the importance of engaging community throughout the research process, CTN+ will build on a track record of meaningful community involvement over the past three decades, by incorporating community perspectives throughout the leadership of the Network and in the design and conduct of clinical trials.
“I am very excited for CTN+’s renewed vision of involving the HIV and STBBI community in clinical trial research,” said Enrico Mandarino, Co-Lead of the new Community Leadership Team and Co-Principal Knowledge User on the funding application. “I look forward to bringing my experience as a member of CTN’s Community Advisory Committee to provide stronger emphasis on leadership, oversight, and guidance from the community on setting the research priorities and mentoring for CTN+.”
“Community involvement has always been a priority at the CTN, with CTN+ we are increasing community involvement in all aspects from clinical trial research, from trial representation and trial design to knowledge sharing” added Muluba Habanyama, also a Community Co-Lead and Co-Principal Knowledge User. “Community leadership is paramount in shaping the future of research conducted by the CTN+ to ensure ‘nothing about us, without us.’”
The network will also feature a community-centered Knowledge Mobilization Hub (KM Hub), which aims maximize the impact of research for the benefit of policy change and improved services, support collaborations between academic and community partners, and help make research actionable and accessible. The KM Hub will be housed within the Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, located at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC.
Indigenous voices a key component
A key feature of the CTN+ is the prioritization of regional research capacity by fostering, developing, and supporting research teams in regions across Canada. These regional teams, which will include researchers, community members, and Indigenous representation, will champion the knowledge needs of those in their local communities. The focus on regional capacity and engagement is informed by the Network’s objective to uphold Indigenous rights and move towards truth and reconciliation, recognizing the power of research and knowledge mobilization to improve health equity across the country.
“As someone who has spent the past 24 years working in the field of Indigenous women’s health with a focus on HIV, I see the critical need to further build capacity within Indigenous communities for research conducted by communities, rather than the historical relationship of outside researchers conducting work on communities,” said Carrie Martin, the Network’s Indigenous Principal Knowledge User. “Health inequities experienced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada include the disproportionate impact of HIV and other STBBIs. These inequities are directly linked to systemic racism and colonial policies.”
By embedding Indigenous knowledge users into the leadership positions in the KM Hub and CTN+ executive committee, the Network aims to integrate Indigenous perspectives into its core operations and processes.
“With Indigenous leadership at every level of the CTN+ and a Network dedicated to Indigenous methodologies and ways of knowing, the hope is for research to help guide towards healing,” added Martin.
Developing the next generation of experts
The CTN+ is also focused on investing in developing the next generation of Canadian researchers. The Network will provide infrastructure and support to develop the skills and capacity to conduct clinical trials for postdoctoral trainees and early- and mid-career researchers. The prioritization of fostering new research talent is something that Dr. Aslam Anis, former CTN National Director, considers to be a key part of the recipe for a successful network.
“I look forward to building upon the legacy that the CTN has established over decades as a national leader in HIV and STBBI research,” said Dr. Anis, who will serve as a National Co-Director for the new CTN+. “As we move forward, I am dedicated to enhancing our research and mentorship programs, ensuring they continue to provide invaluable support and opportunities for emerging scientists. By nurturing their potential, we not only honour our history but also pave the way for groundbreaking advancements within the HIV and STBBI research fields.”
Dr. Sharon Walmsley, who will be continuing her role as National Co-Director, is energized about the network restructuring, expanded scope, and future of Canadian STBBI research.
“Having a centralized node supporting regional hubs will allow for strategic alignment and enhanced coordination between researchers while being able to address concerns of local communities,” she said. “The expanded scope will help identify parallels between STBBIs that can inform new clinical trials and treatment paradigms.”
By fostering a robust research community, CTN+ aims to grow Canada’s capacity to rapidly respond to emerging infections and epidemics and tackle new public health challenges with agility and expertise. Through this commitment, the CTN+ will continue to lead globally, fortifying Canada’s resilience against future health threats, and improving health and wellbeing for people living with and affected by STBBIs.
Media Contact:
Sean Sinden (he/him) | MSc, MPH
Manager, Communications & Knowledge Mobilization
CIHR Canadian HIV/AIDS & STBBI Trials Network (CTN+)
570-1081 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
778-231-2665 | ssinden@hivnet.ubc.ca
www.hivnet.ubc.ca
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Source: https://www.hivnet.ubc.ca/news/2024/07/ctn-to-lead-canadas-hiv-and-stbbi-clinical-trial-infrastructure-with-25-million-investment-from-cihr/
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