COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Registry of Interests

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COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 26, 2020

Proposal Considered: Variation Biotechnologies Inc. (VBI) (announced – vaccine) August 5th
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
J. Langley has worked with VBI on similar vaccines to those described in the VBI proposal, but holds no material interest in that proposal.**
*Note: Research funds for these trials were paid to Dalhousie University.
**Note: Subsequent to Task Force discussions related to VBI, the company has approached CIRN to help organize the clinical trials for its COVID vaccine.
As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
M. De Wilde is a board member of VBI Deemed a conflict of interest, Michel de Wilde recused himself from deliberations and recommendations.
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meeting.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
Did not attend meeting. N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
L. Tyrrell had supervised the PhD thesis of the current Chief Medical Officer at VBI many years ago. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: July 3, 2020

Proposal Considered: Moderna (Announced August 5th) – update to CVTF on September 3rd
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
None N/A
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meeting.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
None N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
C. Procyshyn is the co-founder and CEO of Vanrx, a company that produces biomanufacturing machinery. Prior to the creation of the task force, Moderna had purchased a Vanrx machine. The CVTF played no role in the advice on the purchase of the machine. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
S. van den Hurk noted that VIDO-InterVac was mentioned as a collaborator for animal trials with Moderna, but that she is not involved in that work and holds no interest in it As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: July 23, 2020

Proposal Considered: Novavax (Announced August 31st) – update provided August 20th
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
J. Langley noted that the university where she works has collaborated with Novavax in the past on clinical trials. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
Did not attend meetings. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meetings.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None (July 23)
Did not attend meeting (August 20th).
N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: July 28, 2020

Proposal Considered: Johnson & Johnson - Janssen - update on August 6th (Announced August 31st )
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
J. Langley noted that the university where she works has collaborated with Janssen in the past on clinical trials. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
None N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: September 3, 2020

Proposal Considered: Sanofi / GSK (announced – Sept 22nd )
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
M. Lievonen was previously employed by Sanofi Pasteur (past president, retired in 2016) and holds modest shares (current value of approximately $500). He is no longer active with the company. Not considered a direct, material conflict but, in an abundance of caution, M. Lievonen recused himself from deliberations and recommendations.
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
J. Langley noted that the university where she works has collaborated with Sanofi Pasteur, GSK in the past on clinical trials. There is a challenge unit named after Sanofi Pasteur. She has no personal financial interests in the arrangement.
*Note: Dr. Langley holds the CIHR-GSK Chair in pediatric vaccinology at Dalhousie University. The funds for this chair are held by Dalhousie University.
*Note: Dr. Langley has collaborated on research projects outside of clinical trials with scientists from Sanofi (no financial compensation).
*Note: Dr. Langley served as a consultant to Sanofi on influenza vaccines in 2018 (this was an ad hoc advisory board). Payment for this work was directed to academic activity in Dalhousie University's Department of Pediatrics.
As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
Did not attend meeting. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
None N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
B. Rovinski noted that he worked for Sanofi over 20 years ago. Not considered a direct, material conflict but, in an abundance of caution, B. Rovinski recused himself from deliberations and recommendations.
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
Did not attend meeting. N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
S. van den Hurk shared that 10 years ago, she held a small contract with Sanofi Pasteur regarding preclinical studies. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 25, 2020

Proposal Considered: AstraZeneca (Announced September 25th)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
Dalhousie University, where J. Langley is employed, will be conducting a study with Medimmune on a respiratory syncytial virus monoclonal antibody. Medimmune is owned by AstraZeneca. Research funds for these trials would be paid to Dalhousie University. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meeting.
*Participates only in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
None N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 29, 2020

Proposal Considered: AstraZeneca (Announced September 25th)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
Dalhousie University, where J. Langley is employed, will be conducting a study with Medimmune on a respiratory syncytial virus monoclonal antibody. Medimmune is owned by AstraZeneca. Research funds for these trials would be paid to Dalhousie University. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
B. Knoppers is working with AstraZeneca on artificial intelligence principles for data sharing, but this work is far removed from anything to do with vaccines.
*Participated in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
Did not attend meeting N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 25, 2020

Proposal Considered: Pfizer (Announced August 5th)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
None N/A
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meeting.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
None N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
C. Procyshyn is the co-founder and CEO of Vanrx, a company that produces biomanufacturing machinery. BioNTech, who is collaborating with Pfizer on their vaccine candidate, has been a past customer of Vanrx. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 29, 2020

Proposal Considered: Pfizer (Announced August 5th)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
None N/A
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
None
*Participated in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
Did not attend meeting. N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
C. Procyshyn is the co-founder and CEO of Vanrx, a company that produces biomanufacturing machinery. BioNTech, who is collaborating with Pfizer on their vaccine candidate, has been a past customer of Vanrx. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: August 6, 2020

Proposal Considered: Pfizer (Announced August 5th)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
None N/A
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
Did not attend meeting. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meeting.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
C. Procyshyn is the co-founder and CEO of Vanrx, a company that produces biomanufacturing machinery. BioNTech, who is collaborating with Pfizer on their vaccine candidate, has been a past customer of Vanrx. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 22, 2020 (with follow-up discussions on July 3, 2020 and July 16, 2020)

Proposal Considered: Biodextris (Announced October 23rd)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
None N/A
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meetings on June 22, July 3 and July 16
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
Did not attend the meeting on July 16; resigned from Task Force. N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 22, 2020 (with follow-up discussions on July 3, 2020 and July 16, 2020)

Proposal Considered: Providence Therapeutics (Announced October 23rd)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
None N/A
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meetings on June 22, July 3 and July 16.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16; resigned from Task Force. N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 22, 2020 (with follow-up discussions on July 3, 2020, July 16, 2020 and March 9, 2021)

Proposal Considered: Entos (Announced October 23rd)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
Dalhousie University, where J. Langley is employed, will be one of the study sites for Entos' clinical trials. Research funds for these trials would be paid to Dalhousie University. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meetings on June 22, July 3 and July 16.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16; resigned from Task Force. N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
Entos indicated that L. Tyrrell is a potential collaborator. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 22, 2020 (with follow-up discussions on July 3, 2020 and July 16, 2020)

Proposal Considered: Glycovax Pharma (Announced October 23rd)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
None N/A
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meetings on June 22, July 3 and July 16.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16; resigned from Task Force. N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
Glycovax Pharma indicated that it is collaborating with individuals at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute, where A. Veillette is a Professor; however, A. Veillette was not aware of this potential collaboration. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 22, 2020 (with follow-up discussion on June 29, 2020)

Proposal Considered: Precision Nanosystems (Announced October 23rd)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
Dalhousie University, where J. Langley is employed, was considered as a potential study site for Precision Nanosystems' clinical trials; however, no contractual relationship is currently in place. Research funds for these trials would be paid to Dalhousie University. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meeting on June 22.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
Did not attend meeting on June 29. N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
C. Procyshyn is the co-founder and CEO of Vanrx, a company that produces biomanufacturing machinery. Precision Nanosystems indicated that Vanrx is a potential contributor towards establishing manufacturing infrastructure, perhaps through the purchase of a Vanrx machine. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
Precision Nanosystems indicated that several Canadian companies could use its platform, including a company in which L. Tyrrell has an interest. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 22, 2020 (with follow-up discussions on July 3, 2020 and July 16, 2020)

Proposal Considered: Symvivo (Announced October 23rd)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
Dalhousie University, where J. Langley is employed, may be one of the study sites for Symvivo's clinical trials. Research funds for these trials would be paid to Dalhousie University. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meetings on June 22, July 3 and July 16.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16; resigned from Task Force. N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 22, 2020 (with follow-up discussions on July 3, 2020 and July 16, 2020)

Proposal Considered: IMV (Announced October 23rd)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
Dalhousie University, where J. Langley is employed, has been a study site for IMV's Canadian Institutes of Health Research-funded Phase 2 respiratory syncytial virus study and is planning to work with IMV on future clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine candidate using the DPX platform. Research funds for these trials are paid to Dalhousie University. As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meetings on June 22, July 3 and July 16.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
Did not attend meeting on July 16; resigned from Task Force. N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
Lumira Ventures, where B. Rovinski is employed, owns shares in Immunovaccine Technologies (IMV). Deemed a conflict of interest, B. Rovinski recused himself from deliberations and recommendations.
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 22, 2020 (with follow-up discussions on June 25, 2020 and October 22, 2020)

Proposal Considered: Medicago (Announced October 23rd)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, C.M.
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
J. Langley has been a scientific colleague of Medicago's Medical Officer for several decades. J. Langley is planning to work with Medicago's Medical Officer and others in the Canadian Immunization Research Network (CIRN) on a clinical development program of a vaccine developed by the NRC to prevent invasive disease due to H. influenza type A.
Dalhousie University, where J. Langley is employed, participated in Medicago's seasonal influenza vaccine trial three years ago. Research funds for these trials were paid to Dalhousie University.
Subsequent to the meeting on June 25, it was learned that Dalhousie University may become a study site for Medicago's COVID-19 vaccine trials. Research funds for these trials would be paid to Dalhousie University.

As there were no direct, material linkages during the Task Force's consideration of Medicago's proposal, it was not considered a conflict at the meetings on June 22 and 25 and recusal was not deemed necessary.

Despite that it was not deemed a conflict of interest at the meeting on October 22, in an abundance of caution, J. Langley recused herself from deliberations and recommendations.

  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None; did not attend meeting on October 22. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meetings on June 22, June 25 and October 22.
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Gary Kobinger, PhD
G. Kobinger collaborated with Medicago on a previous clinical trial and is currently a co-applicant with Medicago on a serology grant.
Medicago is receiving funds from G. Kobinger's Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant.
Did not attend meeting on October 22; resigned from Task Force.
Deemed a conflict of interest, G. Kobinger recused himself from deliberations and recommendations for which he was present; departed meeting on June 25 prior to Medicago discussions, deliberations and recommendations.
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None; did not attend meeting on October 22. N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None; did not attend meeting on October 22. N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None; did not attend meeting on October 22. N/A
  1. Shelley Deeks, MD
S. Deeks previously worked on a publication with Medicago's Medical Officer.
Did not attend meeting on October 22; resigned from Task Force.
*Dr. Deeks was invited to join the COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force (VTF), on a volunteer basis, and participated in its inaugural and two additional meetings. She informed the VTF co-chairs on June 25 that she was unable to continue serving on the VTF and officially resigned. The co-chairs of the Task Force thanked Dr. Deeks for her valued contribution in the meetings she attended and wished her well with the significant and important responsibilities she has at Public Health Ontario.
As there are no direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: December 10, 2020

Proposal Considered: Novavax (Announced February 2nd)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. Mark Lievonen, CM
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
J. Langley noted that the university where she works has collaborated with Novavax in the past on clinical trials.

As there are not direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.

  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
Did not attend meeting N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
Did not attend meeting
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications
N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 26, 2020 (with follow-up discussion on July 16, 2020)

Proposal Considered: Treadwell
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. J. Mark Lievonen, CM
None N/A
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
R. Brunham is a co-applicant for the TCRyption/Treadwell proposal. Deemed a conflict of interest, R. Burnham recused himself from deliberations and recommendations.
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None
*Was not in attendance at the July 16 meeting.
N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
None N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
  N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: March 9, 2021 (with follow-up discussion on March 12)

Proposal Considered: VIDO (Announced April 19th and April 23rd)
Name of Member: Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. Mark Lievonen, CM
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
Dalhousie University, where J. Langley is employed, is a study site for VIDO's Phase 1 clinical trials for its COVID-19 vaccine candidates. J. Langley is the Principle Investigator. Research funds for this clinical trial will be paid to Dalhousie University.

A colleague has been seconded to VIDO as part of the COVID response.

Not considered a direct, material conflict but, in an abundance of caution, J. Langley recused herself from deliberations and recommendations.

  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None; did not attend meeting on March 12. N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None; did not attend meeting on March 9. N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
None
*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.
N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
None N/A
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
S. van den Hurk is a Program Manager at VIDO. S. van den Hurk recused herself from discussion, deliberations and recommendations.
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID‑19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: July 26, 2021

Proposal Considered: Moderna (Announced August 10th)
Name of Members: Nature of Interest Action Taken
1. Mark Lievonen, CM None N/A
2. Joanne Langley, MD Dalhousie University, where J. Langley is employed, is being considered as a potential study site for Moderna's clinical trials for its maternal cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine and pediatric COVID‑19 vaccine; however, no contractual relationship is currently in place. Research funds for these trials would be paid to Dalhousie University. As there are not direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
3. Alan Bernstein, PhD None N/A
4. Robert Brunham, MD None N/A
5. Michel De Wilde, PhD Did not attend meeting N/A
6. Christopher Procyshyn C. Procyshyn is the co‑founder and former CEO of Vanrx, a company that produces biomanufacturing machinery. Prior to the creation of the CVTF, Moderna had purchased a Vanrx machine. The CVTF played no role in the advice on the purchase of the machine and C. Procyshyn no longer has a role with Vanrx. As there are not direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
7. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD None N/A
8. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD None N/A
9. Sylvia van Drunen Littel‑van den Hurk, PhD S. van den Hurk previously noted that VIDO‑InterVac was mentioned as a collaborator for animal trials with Moderna, but that she is not involved in that work and holds no interest in it. As there are not direct, material linkages, it was not considered a conflict and recusal was not deemed necessary.
10. André Veillette, MD None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: March 18, 2021

Proposal Considered: BioVectra (Announced November 18, 2021)
Name of Member Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. Mark Lievonen, CM
None N/A
  1. Joanne Langley, MD
None N/A
  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD
None N/A
  1. Robert Brunham, MD
None N/A
  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD
None N/A
  1. Bartha Knoppers, PhD
None

*Participates in policy discussions but not in scientific discussions on specific applications.

N/A
  1. Christopher Procyshyn
C. Procyshyn is the co‐founder and CEO of Vanrx, a company that produces biomanufacturing machinery. In February 2021, Cytiva acquired Vanrx Pharmasystems. BioVectra indicated that it was considering making purchases from Cytiva and Vanrx. Not considered a direct, material conflict but, in an abundance of caution, C. Procyshyn recused himself from deliberations and recommendations.
  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD
None N/A
  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD
None N/A
  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD
None N/A
  1. André Veillette, MD
None N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 23, 2021

Proposal Considered: Jubilant HollisterStier (announced March 16, 2023)
Name of Member Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. Mark Lievonen, CM

None

N/A

  1. Joanne Langley, MD

None

N/A

  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD

None

N/A

  1. Robert Brunham, MD

None

N/A

  1. Michel De Wilde, PhD

None

N/A

  1. Christopher Procyshyn

None

N/A

  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD

None

N/A

  1. André Veillette, MD

None

N/A

COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force Meeting: June 23-24, 2022

Proposal Considered: Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (announced March 17, 2023)
Name of Member Nature of Interest Action Taken
  1. Mark Lievonen, CM

None

N/A

  1. Joanne Langley, MD

None

N/A

  1. Alan Bernstein, PhD

None

N/A

  1. Christopher Procyshyn

None

N/A

  1. Benjamin Rovinski, PhD

None

N/A

  1. Lorne Tyrrell, MD, PhD

The Canadian Critical Drug Initiative is led by Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation in partnership with the Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, of which L. Tyrrell is the Founding Director.

Deemed a conflict of interest, L. Tyrell recused himself from deliberations and recommendations.

  1. Sylvia van Drunen Littel-van den Hurk, PhD

None

N/A

  1. André Veillette, MD

None

N/A