As a centralized network of paediatric and adult cystic fibrosis trial sites across the country, Cystic Fibrosis Canada Accelerating Clinical Trials Network (CF CanACT), removes barriers and provides the infrastructure and support required for sponsors to conduct trials in Canada.
Since inception in 2018, CF CanACT has led CF clinical trials across the country. This nimble network of 10 adult and pediatric clinic-affiliated sites at 13 clinics has direct access to more than half of the people in Canada with cystic fibrosis and is supported by experienced on-site research coordinators for rapid trial start-up, execution and successful trial completion. Through a national referral program, sponsors gain access to 100% of the 4,500+ CF patients in Canada across CF clinics, enabling broad recruitment.
CF CanACT has a well-established referral process to ensure that your trial is well-positioned to meet recruitment targets, no matter where eligible patients are located. CF CanACT also has established relationships with CF clinics that are not affiliated with the research network, which allows patients to be referred into trials happening with CF CanACT from anywhere in Canada.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada creates CF CanACT, a network of 6 sites, to coordinate both adult and paediatric CF clinical trials across Canada.
The network grows to 10 sites that provide direct access to more than 50% of Canada’s CF population, and 100% through our referrals program.
CanACT coordinated 50+ interventional and observational clinical trials since its creation.
CanACT launches two different gene therapy clinical trials for adults with rare mutations.
2600+ participants to date
70+ interventional and observational trials
30+ global pharmaceutical organizations
First multi-centre investigator-initiated protocol review conducted by CF CanACT
First NABT trials in the network launched
First pediatric pharmacokinetics study launched by the network
From gene therapy to CFTR modulators to observational studies and more
Our benchmark timelines help to ensure your clinical trial gets moving as quickly as possible:
Key issues table and critique summary returned to Sponsor within 14 days of submission
Executive committee (EC) decides on sanctioning and internal strategic fit score within 5 days of Sponsor response to key issues
Sponsor may choose to accept or appeal the EC’s sanctioning decision
Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s clinical trial network is well-positioned to support trials of all sizes and complexities. Our network consists of coordinators and principal investigators experienced in conducting a broad range of studies, working directly with pharmaceutical and contact research organizations (CROs) to advance trials.
The network supports a wide range of clinical trials including modulators, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, genetic therapy, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) and observational trials
Gene therapy/NABT trials have a smaller population of eligible patients and they are complex and resource-intensive to run.
The network is currently offering early-stage NABT trials to eligible patients – building expertise that will help these trials expand to additional sites in the future. These trials are offered alongside others as we continue to support sponsors on a range of potential treatments for the CF community.
Through our partnerships with the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry, the burden of feasibility assessments is significantly lowered for both sponsors and prospective sites. By leveraging the CF registry and the capabilities of our sites, CF CanACT is well-positioned to streamline and accelerate the feasibility assessment process.
Our sites are well-equipped to handle most CF trials. In addition to highly experienced staff, our clinical research infrastructure includes (site dependent):
CF CanACT is a frequent collaborator in global protocol reviews through our partnerships with CFF-TDN (Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Therapeutics Development Network) and ECFS-CTN (European Cystic Fibrosis Society-Clinical Trials Network). In addition to aligned global reviews with one or both international partners, CF CanACT offers independent protocol reviews exclusive to Canada.
The network has access to a broad pool of experienced reviewers, including respirologists, gastroenterologists, paediatricians, research coordinators, statisticians, community members, and other individuals with broad clinical expertise, such as respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, and dietitians.
Protocol Review Process:
The network has a condensed process for observational and other low-risk trials.
Our process accelerates timelines, allows for consistent feedback from a broader pool of experts, maximizes recruitment potential by providing insights from multiple regions and ensures operational efficiency with one point of contact.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s public clinical trials finder allows the CF community to easily search for upcoming and ongoing research studies in one convenient place.
The CF CanACT coordinating centre is in touch with CF clinics across the country frequently to support recruitment referrals. Clinic staff regularly discuss with patients the trials in the network actively recruiting to help sponsors reach 100% of the CF population, no matter which sites are selected. Our sites track recruitment metrics, allowing sponsors to stay informed on study progress.
Clinical trial finder
Connect with us to explore how CF CanACT’s experienced network can support your clinical research. Whether you're planning a complex early-stage trial or a broader study, we’re here to help drive innovation in CF treatment.
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