From proof of concept to real-world impact: partnering with VIDO in One Health innovation

Whether partners are at an early-stage biotech building their first vaccine candidate or an established company expanding their infectious disease pipeline, progress depends on one thing: the right partner that can transform promising science to proven results.

By Candace Lamb

When the work requires specialized containment, animal models, and hands-on expertise, the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) brings those capabilities together in one place.

Founded more than 50 years ago with roots in animal health, VIDO has grown into an internationally recognized research organization at the intersection of animal and human infectious disease. As new and emerging threats continue to impact both people and animals, VIDO’s One Health approach connects scientific expertise, biocontainment infrastructure, and practical experience to support vaccine and therapeutic development.

“We know that animal diseases and human diseases are closely linked,” says Volker Gerdts, director and CEO of VIDO. “That’s why we’re dedicated to One Health research, particularly focused on infectious diseases, and to bringing vaccines and medicines to market that can protect both animals and humans.”

VIDO offers a streamlined path from early discovery through applied testing, supported by the containment environments, animal models, and scientific teams needed to keep programs moving forward. Whether partners are validating a new concept or advancing a candidate toward the next milestone, VIDO can help generate high-quality data with confidence. All test facility principles and processes follow and correspond to Good Laboratory Practice principles.

VIDO currently offers access to containment level 2, level 3, and level 3 Ag, with containment level 4 capability coming next year. A new, state-of-the-art containment level 2 animal housing facility is nearing completion, supporting research across a wide range of species, from insects and bats to large animals such as bison. With more than 40 animal models, partners can choose the right model to fit their needs, generate more relevant data faster.

Partners work with VIDO in different ways, from co-development and scientific collaboration to fee-for-service testing and process development support. VIDO’s structured, standardized approach helps teams make confident decisions early, especially when timelines are tight and the stakes are high. “We put a project team together,” says Gerdts, “to help clients clarify proof of concept, identify next steps, and strengthen candidate performance through science-driven adjustments.”

What VIDO can do for partners:

If your team is looking for a partner that brings One Health expertise, trusted containment capability, and end-to-end development experience, VIDO is ready to collaborate.

Contact our team to learn more about partnering with VIDO.