Inside a biomedicine laboratory at Polytechnique Montréal, researchers in white lab coats extract samples using large syringes from a bubbling orange solution. Neatly labelled glass bottles filled with clear liquid sit beside computer monitors, where scientists analyze antibodies produced by cells. In a separate room, a large cryogenic freezer holds tubes of proteins and cells that could be used to create vaccines and treatments. This lab is part of a broader effort to prepare Canada for future pandemics, six years after the global shock of the COVID-19 outbreak. The facility is central to a federal initiative known as Ramp Up, which brings together research institutions across Canada to address weaknesses in the country’s biomanufacturing capabilities. Head researcher Gregory De Crescenzo emphasized that while predicting the timing and nature of the next pandemic is impossible, preparation is essential. During a tour of the lab, spanning multiple rooms within the downtown Montreal engineering school, he stated, “It’s not a matter of if, but when.” His comments underscored the urgency of building resilience against potential health crises. De Crescenzo highlighted the importance of rebuilding public trust in medical science, particularly following the spread of vaccine misinformation during the pandemic. He noted that the Ramp Up program seeks to accelerate vaccine and biomedical development while also providing hands-on training for students. Although the lab primarily focuses on viruses such as influenza and avian flu, its research has broad applications, potentially aiding in the treatment of a variety of diseases. The initiative also aims to learn from past failures, especially during the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis, when coordination among government bodies, academic institutions, and industry players was lacking. One of the primary challenges identified by Ramp Up is the country’s limited ability to produce vaccines on a large scale. Canada relied heavily on imports, which created vulnerabilities in the supply chain. To address this, the lab uses equipment similar to that found in commercial laboratories, including specialized tubes for growing cells and industrial-grade freezers for preserving biological materials over extended periods. Partner laboratories assist in identifying key components, such as antibodies or viral proteins, that the Polytechnique team then develops and scales for industrial production. De Crescenzo likened the lab’s operations to crafting recipes, explaining that each step is meticulously documented, verified, and approved before being transferred to manufacturing facilities. He acknowledged that while progress has been made since the onset of the pandemic, further work is needed to ensure these processes can be seamlessly integrated into larger-scale production. He stressed that collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and private industry is still evolving, requiring time and sustained effort to build a more resilient system. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of a coordinated, multi-sector approach to pandemic preparedness. He argued that no single laboratory can tackle the complexities of public health emergencies alone. Instead, he advocated for a comprehensive strategy involving government action, societal engagement, and improvements in sectors beyond healthcare, such as transportation, food safety, and public health infrastructure. He cited Canada’s response to a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship earlier this year as an example of how cross-sector cooperation can enhance readiness. Bogoch praised the government’s investment in biomedicine but warned that additional attention is required to strengthen other critical areas. He noted that while the tools necessary for preparedness exist, many of the challenges facing the nation stem from political and systemic issues rather than purely scientific limitations. As the lab continues its work, the hope is that increased transparency and public access to research environments will foster greater confidence in medical advancements and collective resilience against future threats.
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