The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, is launching the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Research Unit (P1-CTRU) — a purpose-built facility that integrates early-phase clinical research directly into patient care.

Located at UBC Hospital and connected to Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH), the P1-CTRU accelerates the safe evaluation of novel therapies — including drugs, biologics and medical devices — across neurological diseases (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Multiple Sclerosis, dementia), mobility disorders, oncology, hematology, immunotherapy and other areas of significant unmet clinical need. By integrating research within the hospital environment, the unit shortens the path from discovery to treatment while keeping patient safety at the forefront.

Mission 

To design and operate an integrated early-phase clinical trials unit where research is care — prioritizing safety, efficiency and inclusion while delivering measurable value to patients, the health system and British Columbia’s life sciences ecosystem.

What Makes the P1-CTRU Unique

The P1-CTRU is a strategic investment in British Columbia’s health care future, strengthening provincial capacity while expanding access to innovative therapies.

  • Expanding access to new treatment opportunities: Enables patients in B.C. to participate in first-in-human and early-phase trials with the potential to alter disease progression and improve quality of life.
  • Embedding research in care: Clinical trials are delivered within the acute care environment, creating a patient-centred ecosystem where clinical excellence and scientific innovation advance together.
  • Bringing care closer to home: Reduces the need for out-of-province or international travel, improving patient experience, lowering environmental impact and easing strain on families and providers.
  • Strengthening the health system: Advances provincial priorities in availability, sustainability and workforce development while positioning B.C. as a competitive hub for biopharmaceutical research and life sciences innovation.
Designed for Safety and Excellence

With patient safety at its core, the P1-CTRU is purpose-built to support high-quality early-phase trials, featuring:

  • State-of-the-art monitoring and co-location with UBC Hospital’s High Acuity Unit for rapid access to specialized care
  • Interdisciplinary clinical expertise across neurology, cardiology, oncology, immunotherapy and more
  • Four inpatient beds, including caregiver accommodation, plus outpatient recliners for infusion-based trials
  • Dedicated research staff and a training environment that supports the next generation of clinical research leaders
VCHRI's Unique Advantage: From Discovery to Delivery

The P1-CTRU anchors an integrated, closed-loop research model that connects discovery, development and care across VCHRI’s clinical research ecosystem.

 

Together with the VCHRI Clinical Research Unit and Hematology Research Unit, this model accelerates next-generation therapeutics, including:

  • LNP-based vaccines and novel biologics
  • Engineered antibodies and cell therapies
  • Regenerative medicine approaches
  • Antimicrobial resistance treatments
  • Innovative medical devices

A Collaborative Powerhouse

Built on VCH and UBC’s extensive clinical and research excellence, and strengthened through collaboration with CIEBH and industry partners, the P1-CTRU brings clinicians, frontline teams, researchers and innovators together to advance translational research responsibly and at scale.

Be Part of the Future of Health Innovation

The P1-CTRU represents a bold step forward for patients, providers and innovators. With the support of industry, investors and the research community, this unit will:

  • Elevate clinical care
  • Empower innovation
  • Build lasting provincial capacity for discovery and treatment delivery
Launch Timeline

Coming summer 2026 — opening date to be announced.

Community and Funding Partners

Featured job opportunity
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist, Phase 1 Clinical Trials Research Unit - This position is responsible for providing leadership and direction in the delivery of nursing care and the formulation of organizational policies relevant to such care. The CNS works within the organization’s leadership framework to foster, facilitate and achieve the highest standards of service delivery and leads in the planning, development and implementation of clinical policies and programs designed for improving patient/client care.

 

Request a partnership meeting