Toronto 
Credit: Sunnybrook Research Institute; Pictured left to right: Dr. Robert Kozak, Dr. Samira Mubareka, Dr. Arinjay Banerjee
Researchers from Sunnybrook Research Institute, McMaster University and the University of Toronto have made a breakthrough towards the global effort in fighting the pandemic, COVID-19.
The team – Dr. Samira Mubareka and Dr. Rob Kozak of Sunnybrook and University of Toronto; Dr. Arinjay Banerjee and Dr. Karen Mossman of McMaster University – were able to culture the virus from two clinical specimens in a Level 3 containment facility and have isolated the virus, SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 or novel coronavirus.
This transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S. Virus particles are shown emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. The spikes on the outer edge of the virus particles give coronaviruses their name, crown-like. Credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIH
“We need key tools to develop solutions to this pandemic. While the immediate response is crucial, longer-term solutions come from essential research into this novel virus,” said Dr. Samira Mubareka, microbiologist and infectious diseases physician at Sunnybrook.
This development will help researchers across the world develop better diagnostic testing, treatments, and vaccines, and gain a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 biology, evolution, and clinical shedding.
$275 million in additional funding on top of the initial $27 million grant to fund coronavirus research in Canada was announced by Justin Trudeau part of Canada’s $1Billion whole-of-government response to COVID-19.
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Trudeau are currently in self-isolation after Sophie tested positive for the coronavirus.
