A University of Alberta researcher said his research team has made a “significant discovery” in the search for a vaccine against hepatitis C. (Shutterstock)
Angelique Rodrigues, QMI Agency
First posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 07:18 PM EST | Updated: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 07:25 PM EST
EDMONTON — A University of Alberta researcher has discovered a vaccine he believes may one day cure hepatitis C -- a virus that kills more people in Canada than HIV.
Canada Excellence Research Chairman (CERC) in Virology Michael Houghton said his research team has made a “significant discovery” in the search for a vaccine against hepatitis C.
Houghton presented his findings Wednesday in Vancouver at the Canada Excellence Research Chairs Summit.
The summit is held in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual meeting and offers some of Canada’s most renowned researchers a chance to share their latest discoveries with their peers.
Officials said Houghton and fellow U of A research partner John Law have already tested their vaccine on human subjects.
They reportedly found the drug was capable of fighting all major strains of hepatitis C -- which can cause liver cancer and has a high rate of mortality.
The CERC program supports universities across Canada in furthering the nation’s leadership in research and innovation.
The program awards world-renowned researchers and their teams up to $10 million over seven years to establish ambitious research programs.
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