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Boosting Immunity: New Clinical Trial for Seniors in Vancouver

Published: 6/9/2024
      
senior immunity
RESILIENCE Study
Qu Biologics
immunomodulator
Vancouver clinical trial
elderly health
innate immune function
aging immune system
immune booster
senior health

Key Takeaways

  • The new clinical trial aims to boost immune function in seniors.
  • Qu Biologics' immunomodulator could improve health and longevity.
  • Seniors in Greater Vancouver are invited to participate in the study.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the immune function naturally declines with age, making elderly individuals more susceptible to diseases?

Introduction to the RESILIENCE Study

A new clinical trial known as the RESILIENCE Study is currently being conducted in Vancouver, aimed at improving the immune function of seniors aged 65 and older. This trial is evaluating a novel immunomodulator developed by Qu Biologics Inc., a biotechnology company based in Burnaby.

The Need for Enhanced Immunity in Seniors

As people age, their immune systems tend to weaken, making them more susceptible to illnesses such as cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, and infections. The RESILIENCE Study seeks to address this issue by testing an innovative immunomodulator designed to enhance immune response in the elderly.

Declining immune function is a natural part of aging, leading to a higher likelihood of health complications. Improving immune function through new therapies could significantly affect seniors' health and longevity.

The Science Behind the Immunomodulator

The immunomodulator, developed by Qu Biologics, aims to 'train' the immune system using inactivated bacteria, thus boosting its ability to fight diseases. The idea is to enhance the innate immune response, which is the body's first line of defense against pathogens.

Initial results from over 110 participants show a promising safety profile, indicating that the treatment could be a viable option for elderly patients.

Principal Investigator and Study Collaborators

The study is led by Dr. Ted Steiner, Chief Medical Officer of Qu Biologics, and a prominent figure in the field of infectious diseases. Several esteemed institutions like the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and Providence Health Care are collaborating on this study.

The RESILIENCE Study has received financial backing from the Government of Canada through the National Research Council of Canada - Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).

Purpose and Goals of the Study

The main objective of the RESILIENCE Study is to find an effective treatment to enhance natural immunity in seniors. By reversing the decline in immune function, the study hopes to not only improve the health of elderly people but also extend their healthy lifespan.

If successful, this new treatment could lead to the development of more effective therapies to combat various age-related diseases, providing a significant breakthrough in medical science.

Invitation for Participation

Seniors aged 65 or older living in the Greater Vancouver Area are invited to participate in the study. Interested individuals can obtain more information about participating by contacting the study's dedicated phone line or visiting their website.

Participation in clinical trials is voluntary and carefully regulated to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

About Qu Biologics

Qu Biologics is dedicated to developing innovative immunotherapies focused on restoring innate immune function. The company has conducted multiple Phase 2 studies in various fields including lung cancer and autoimmune diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

With an esteemed team of medical experts and advisors, Qu Biologics aims to address immune dysregulation underlying many diseases, creating cutting-edge treatments that could transform the healthcare landscape.

Scientific Leadership

The leadership team at Qu Biologics includes co-founder and CEO Dr. Hal Gunn, an expert on immune responses to chronic diseases, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simon Sutcliffe, a former CEO of the BC Cancer Agency. Their collective expertise underscores the scientific rigor and credibility of the RESILIENCE Study.

Chief Medical Officer for Infectious Disease, Dr. Ted Steiner, brings his extensive experience in immune responses to infections, further adding value to the study.

Conclusion

The RESILIENCE Study represents a significant step forward in our understanding of how to boost immune function in seniors. Qu Biologics' innovative approach could pave the way for new treatments that not only improve health outcomes but also enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals.

References

  1. Qu Biologics
    https://www.qubiologics.com
  2. University of British Columbia
    https://www.ubc.ca
  3. National Research Council of Canada
    https://nrc.canada.ca