The Prime Minister announced a Canada Foundation for Innovation grant today that will mean new imaging equipment for Saskatoon based VIDO-InterVac. The new CT scanner, or computerized tomography, will image animals infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19.

Dr. Volker Gerdts is the Directors at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization – International Vaccine Centre on the University of Saskatchewan campus and he says the specialized equipment will allow for comprehensive, real-time analysis of the disease progression. It will also allow them to assess the the safety and effectiveness of treatments.

VIDO InterVac officials say that CT imaging is proving to be one of the most effective and informing. As well it is a valuable tool for investigating animal models of infection, research which they say is critical to understanding variables that may impact COVID-19. Twenty-eight million dollars was announced for 19 projects across Canada.