Launch Catch-Up — Funding Announced October 23, 2026.
Western University said a research collaboration involving Canada and Uganda received $24 million in Canadian federal funding to develop experimental HIV therapies and make them more accessible.
The university's October 23 announcement describes a six-year project called IMMUNEQUITY, led by researcher Eric Arts. The effort aims to prepare treatments for first-in-human studies in Canada and Uganda. It has not announced a proven cure.
Researchers will pursue two biotherapeutic approaches while developing lower-cost ways to manufacture, transport and monitor treatments. Partners include several Canadian universities, Uganda's Joint Clinical Research Centre and Makerere University.
Western said the first priority is producing an experimental treatment at its new Pathogen Research Centre. The facility is expected to be ready for occupancy in 2027.
The funding comes through the Transformation stream of Canada's New Frontiers in Research Fund. The collaboration includes policy and manufacturing work intended to address access alongside laboratory development.
Sources Western University — October 23 Research Announcement: https://news.westernu.ca/2026/10/immunequity-2/