B.C. biotech companies come together in support of innovative COVID-19 study

The SAfER project is designed to get British Columbians back to work in an efficient, safe manner

The SAfER survey is one of the first of its kind in Canada

Some of the bigger names in B.C. biotechnology are working to support a new 15-month, $1.2-million study on how to get British Columbians back to work in the safest way possible.

The SARS?CoV?2 Study for Eased Restrictions in British Columbia (SAfER) aims to gather information that will help inform public health decisions.

The study, backed by nonprofit research group Genome BC, will track and collect data on infection, immunity, contacts and clinical symptoms for 1,500 volunteer employees at local biotech companies, including Stemcell Technologies, Xenon Pharmaceuticals and Zymeworks. SFU and UBC workers will also take part.

“This is one of the first projects of its kind in Canada, and B.C. has a window of opportunity in which to learn and lead as we prepare to meet the coming challenges.” Dr. Pascal Spothelfer, president and CEO of Genome BC, said in a release.