GSK invests $300,000 to help launch the Pharmacy Innovation in Immunization Research Collaborative (PIIRC) at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy

PIIRC serves as a catalyst for innovation by supporting interdisciplinary research and real-world evidence generation focused on improving vaccine access, delivery and education.
MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 6, 2025 /CNW/ – GSK is proud to announce a $300,000 investment in the Pharmacy Innovation in Immunization Research Collaborative (PIIRC), a new national initiative led by the School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo. This groundbreaking initiative reflects a shared commitment to expanding the role of pharmacy in Canada's immunization landscape and improving equitable access to vaccines across the country.
Immunization has never been more critical. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the life-saving power of vaccines and demonstrated the essential role that pharmacists and pharmacies play in public health. Pharmacy teams have administered more than 20 million COVID-19 vaccines in Canada alone. Yet, there remains untapped potential to leverage the country's 11,000+ pharmacies as accessible, community-based hubs for broader immunization services. PIIRC aims to close that gap.
Launched by the largest clinical pharmacy practice research group in Canada, PIIRC serves as a catalyst for innovation by supporting interdisciplinary research and real-world evidence generation focused on improving vaccine access, delivery and education. The initiative brings together researchers from the University of Waterloo, national and international collaborators, policymakers and stakeholders across healthcare and industry to advance pharmacy-based immunization strategies.
'As a global leader in vaccines, we believe in harnessing science and partnerships to tackle the world's most pressing health challenges,' said Michelle Horn, Country Medical Director, GSK Canada. 'Through our founding partnership with PIIRC, we are investing not only in research, but in the future of vaccine delivery in Canada—one that is more accessible, equitable, and community-centred.'
Transforming Immunization Through Pharmacy Innovation The objective of PIIRC is to re-imagine the role of pharmacy in immunization—from vaccine administration to health education, monitoring, and system design. Areas of research will include:
Expanding the role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as vaccine educators, facilitators, and immunizers
Overcoming barriers to access, especially among rural residents, older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and other underserved populations
Leveraging digital health tools and technology to support clinical decision-making and personalized outreach
Countering vaccine misinformation through evidence-based communication strategies and resources for healthcare providers
Conducting economic analyses to examine the cost-effectiveness and public health value of pharmacy-based vaccine services
Implementing science methodologies to ensure successful and scalable solutions across regions and populations
This work will be supported by the School's extensive expertise in pharmacy practice research, health systems design, health economics, public policy, behavioural science, and communication strategies.
'As a leader in clinical pharmacy practice research and community pharmacy innovation, the University of Waterloo's School of Pharmacy continues to push boundaries,' said Andrea Edginton, Hallman Director, School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo. 'PIIRC is a natural evolution of our work in immunization, and GSK's partnership will accelerate breakthroughs that improve public health both in Canada and globally.'
Impact Beyond the Lab In addition to funding innovative research, GSK's investment will also:
Provide funding to support new interdisciplinary projects with direct policy and practice implications
Train the next generation of immunization researchers, including PharmD students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
Facilitate enhanced access to real-world pharmacy data to monitor vaccine uptake and identify areas for intervention
Establish a network of community pharmacies engaged in research, data collection and pilot projects
Enable regular knowledge translation activities to ensure research is informed by and disseminated to industry, government and community stakeholders
Support the creation of an Advisory Board that includes voices from pharmaceutical and insurance companies, regulators, pharmacy associations and the public
Strategic Alignment with Public Health and Policy This investment directly supports the Ontario Life Sciences Strategy by demonstrating private sector leadership in supporting community-based immunization services. By investing in evidence that shows how pharmacy can help achieve broader public health goals—including for future vaccine program rollouts such as RSV—GSK is playing a critical role in advancing both healthcare outcomes and policy development.
'Our support for PIIRC is not just about generating data; it's about making a meaningful contribution to the future of healthcare,' added Michelle Horn, Country Medical Director, GSK Canada. 'We're proud to stand alongside the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy in driving innovative, patient-centred immunization strategies that reflect our mission to get ahead of disease together and our commitment to doing what's right for communities and for public health.'
Why Waterloo and Why Now? The University of Waterloo's collaborative ethos, track record of external partnerships and commitment to impact make it an ideal home for PIIRC. The University creates substantial opportunities for high-impact partnerships that bridge the gap between research and application.
PIIRC helps shape policy and guides decision-making with timely, actionable evidence that reflects the realities of patients, pharmacists and public health professionals. GSK's early and decisive investment solidifies its reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the pharmacy space and a partner of choice in advancing vaccine innovation.
About the University of Waterloo School of PharmacyThe School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo is home to Canada's largest clinical pharmacy practice research group and is at the forefront of pharmacy innovation. Through interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration, the School is advancing pharmacy's role in improving health systems and patient outcomes.
About GSK GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at www.ca.gsk.com/en-ca.
Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the 'Risk Factors' section in GSK's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2024, and GSK's Q1 Results for 2025.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Malaysian Reserve

11 hours ago

• Malaysian Reserve

Molecular Point-of-Care (mPOC) Market Reaches $1.8 Billion: Kalorama Report Spotlights Rapid PCR Innovation and Expanding Frontiers in STI and HAI Testing

ARLINGTON, Va., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kalorama Information, a leading authority in in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market research, has released Molecular Point-of-Care (mPOC) Market Outlook and Innovations, 2024–2029, estimating the global mPOC market at $1.8 billion in 2024. The report offers a comprehensive forecast through 2029, highlighting transformative opportunities in respiratory, sexually transmitted, and hospital-acquired infection diagnostics at or near the point of care. 'While the molecular point-of-care market saw unprecedented acceleration during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kalorama's latest analysis reveals it now stands on a firmer foundation with renewed growth expected,' said Justin Saeks, senior market analyst and report author. 'We anticipate an almost double-digit compound annual growth rate for the 'true' mPOC segment as demand spreads beyond COVID to broader respiratory panels, STIs, HAIs, and tropical diseases.' Key Findings from the Report: Respiratory testing dominates the market, with COVID-19, flu, strep, and RSV continuing to drive system adoption, particularly for combination tests. Growth expected in HAIs and STIs, although these will evolve more slowly due to testing infrastructure and workflow differences across care settings. 'True' mPOC segment revenues, which had recently declined, are projected to achieve a substantial CAGR from 2024 to 2029. Kalorama differentiates between 'true' mPOC platforms and near-patient systems, offering detailed segmentation by company, region, and disease target. Abbott and Cepheid lead their respective segments. True mPOC Systems: Compact, fast, CLIA-waived (or with waiver potential), and operable by non-lab personnel. Key players include Abbott (market leader), Roche, Cepheid, QuidelOrtho, BioFire, and Sekisui. Near-Patient Molecular Systems: Encompasses larger non-POC systems and smaller platforms with POC or near-POC potential. BioFire and Cepheid are major competitors, with Cepheid leading this segment. Why It Matters Now The report's release is timely as healthcare providers seek diagnostic solutions that balance speed, accuracy, and accessibility across both developed and resource-limited settings. mPOC systems bring the power of molecular testing to emergency departments, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, mobile labs, and even homes—enabling timely treatment decisions and improving care outcomes. 'POC molecular diagnostics represent one of the most important intersections between innovation and access in global health,' said Alisa Alvich, Marketing Director at Science and Medicine Group, Kalorama Information's parent company. 'Kalorama's analysis shows where this market is headed and what players must consider to stay competitive.' Audience Impact This research is essential for: Product Managers and R&D leaders developing decentralized molecular platforms. Corporate strategy teams evaluating new market opportunities or CLIA-waived innovations. Investors and M&A professionals scouting high-growth segments or acquisition targets. Clinical lab and procurement teams optimizing test menus for decentralized care delivery. With deep dives into market sizing, disease applications, regional dynamics, and competitive intelligence, Molecular Point-of-Care (mPOC) Market Outlook and Innovations, 2024–2029 equips life sciences professionals with the insights needed to navigate a rapidly evolving diagnostics frontier. Get the Report Molecular Point-of-Care (mPOC) Market Outlook and Innovations, 2024–2029 is now available for purchase at: For purchasing inquiries or to schedule a custom consultation, contact:Sheri Davie – Sales Director, Kalorama About Kalorama Information Kalorama Information, part of Science and Medicine Group Inc., is a trusted publisher of market research exclusively focused on the healthcare industry. For over 25 years, Kalorama has delivered accurate, timely, and strategic intelligence to leaders in biotechnology, clinical diagnostics, in vitro diagnostics (IVD), pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and broader healthcare sectors. Originally launched in 1998, Kalorama Information quickly established itself as a premier source of insight into U.S. and global medical markets. Today, Kalorama remains a leading authority on healthcare market dynamics, with a particular emphasis on IVD. Kalorama is best known for its flagship title, The Worldwide Market for In Vitro Diagnostic Tests, an internationally recognized benchmark in the diagnostics field. Other reports published throughout the year cover these and other healthcare topics in greater detail. Our innovative approach to research, combined with deep industry expertise, has made Kalorama a go-to resource for top healthcare companies, strategic planners, investors, and media seeking authoritative market data and trends. With a singular focus on healthcare, Kalorama continues to shape informed decision-making across the industry through comprehensive, evidence-based analysis. Kalorama also works in coordination with other Science and Medicine Group brands, including BioInformatics, which focuses on life science markets and marketing, SDi, the leading source of information on the laboratory life science and analytical instrumentation industry and publisher of IBO, its twice-monthly newsletter, and IMV, which publishes reports and data on the medical imaging and clinical markets. For more information about Kalorama Information and other services offered by Science and Medicine Group, please visit our website.

Rakyat Post

a day ago

• Rakyat Post

Malaysia Records First COVID-19 Death In 2025

Subscribe to our FREE Malaysia has recorded its first COVID-19-related death of 2025, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Health (MoH) on 19 June. The fatality occurred during Epidemiological Week 24 (8–15 June). The individual, who had serious pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, had not received the second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. MoH noted that this was the first COVID-19 death since 26 May 2024, and a significant drop compared to the 57 COVID-related deaths reported in 2024. COVID-19 Cases on the Rise, But Situation Under Control As of Week 24, Malaysia has reported 21,738 cumulative COVID-19 cases in 2025, with the weekly average hovering around 900 cases. However, MoH did flag a 68% week-on-week spike, with 3,379 cases reported in Week 24 compared to 2,011 the previous week. Despite the increase, the ministry assured that the national COVID-19 situation remains stable and below the national alert threshold. In terms of severe cases, six patients were admitted to the ICU, all with underlying health issues. All have since been discharged from intensive care; four have returned home, while two remain in regular hospital wards for follow-up treatment. New Variant on the Radar: NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' The World Health Organisation (WHO) is closely monitoring the spread of NB.1.8.1, a Photo: Freepik WHO has classified Nimbus as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) due to its rapid transmission and potential health risks. Nimbus spreads faster than previous variants. Common symptoms include: razor-blade-like sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches and nasal congestion. What You Can Do Health experts continue to urge the public to take precautions, especially as new variants emerge. Wear a high-quality mask in crowded indoor spaces, improve indoor ventilation: open windows, use fans or air purifiers, get tested if you're feeling unwell or exposed to COVID-19, and stay home when sick to reduce the risk of transmission. Photo: Malay Mail While Malaysia's current COVID-19 situation remains under control, this latest death and the emergence of new variants serve as reminders that vigilance and public health measures remain crucial. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.

Sinar Daily

a day ago

• Sinar Daily

Malaysia reports first Covid-19 death in 2025

Covid-19 cases rose to 3,379 during ME24, up from 2,011 cases the previous week. 20 Jun 2025 08:35am The Health Ministry urges continued vigilance and adherence to vaccination schedules to keep the situation under control. - Bernama file photo PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia recorded its first Covid-19-related death of the year during Epidemiological Week 24 (ME24), according to the Health Ministry (MOH). The fatality involved a patient with serious comorbidities, including heart disease and diabetes, who had not received a second booster dose. The Health Ministry urges continued vigilance and adherence to vaccination schedules to keep the situation under control. - 123RF photo "This marks a significant decline compared to 57 Covid-19 deaths reported in 2024, with the last fatality recorded on May 26 last year,' it said in a statement yesterday. The decline, it added, reflects the effectiveness of ongoing control measures. However, Covid-19 cases rose to 3,379 during ME24, up from 2,011 cases the previous week. Despite the increase, the national situation remains under control and below the alert threshold, due to ongoing surveillance and public health interventions. To date, a total of 21,738 cases have been reported this year, with the weekly average holding steady at around 900. Six patients were admitted to intensive care during ME24, all with underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and Down syndrome. All received intensive care, with four discharged home and two transferred to general wards. MOH continues to encourage all Malaysians, from unborn babies to the elderly, to stay protected by following appropriate vaccination schedules under the National Immunisation Programme. - BERNAMA