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 pivotal new unit advancing early-phase research across diverse health conditions.
Located at UBC Hospital and directly connected to Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH), the P1-CTRU is designed to accelerate the safe evaluation of novel therapies — including drugs, biologics and medical devices — spanning across neurological diseases (ALS, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Multiple Sclerosis, dementia), mobility disorders, oncology, hematology, immunotherapy as well as conditions with significant unmet clinical need.
Mission
To design and operate an integrated early-phase clinical trials unit that prioritizes safety, efficiency and inclusion while delivering measurable value to patients, the health system and British Columbia’s life sciences ecosystem.
What Makes the P1CTRU Unique
The P1-CTRU is a strategic investment in B.C.’s health care future. It increases access to next-generation therapies while strengthening provincial capacity for discovery and delivery.
- Expanding access: Enables patients in B.C. to access first-in-human therapies with the potential to alter disease progression and improve quality of life.
- Embedding research in care: Clinical trials are embedded within the acute care environment, creating a unique patient-centered ecosystem where scientific innovation and clinical excellence converge.
- Reducing environmental impact: Enables patients in B.C. to participate in early-phase clinical trials closer to home, reducing out-of-province or international travel, lowering healthcare-related carbon emissions and improving the patient experience.
- Strengthening the health system: Advances provincial priorities in availability, sustainability and workforce development while positioning British Columbia as a competitive hub for biopharmaceutical research and life sciences innovation.
Designed for Safety and Excellence
The P1-CTRU is purpose-built to prioritize patient safety and high-quality trial delivery, featuring:
- State-of-the-art monitoring devices and co-location with UBC’s High Acuity Unit to ensure rapid access to critical care support.
- Interdisciplinary clinical capacity to support a broad range of conditions: 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 to mentor the next generation of clinical research leaders.
VCHRI's Unique Advantage: From Discovery to Delivery
The P1-CTRU establishes a closed-loop pathway that connects discovery, development and care.
This integrated model, spanning the P1-CTRU, VCHRI Clinical Research Unit and Hematology Research Unit, 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
Collaborative Powerhouse
The P1-CTRU builds on VCH’s deep expertise across specialty areas, harnesses VCH and UBC’s collaborative strengths and connects with CIEBH’s biomanufacturing capacity. Together, these partnerships strengthen B.C.’s position as a global leader in translational research and health innovation.
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.