History
Originally established in 1975 as the Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization, we have evolved from a small agricultural focused research organization to a world-class research institute dedicated to the development of vaccines for the protection of human and animal health.
1975
Saving Livestock through Research
The Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) was founded with financial support from the Devonian Group of Charitable Foundations, the Provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta and the University of Saskatchewan. Pictured, VIDO's founding Director Dr. Christopher Bigland.
1978
Official Opening
VIDO officially opened its permanent laboratory and animal isolation facilities.
1978
First Vaccine Launched
VICOGEN™, an E. Coli scours vaccine for cattle, was launched in collaboration with Connaught Laboratories.
1983
Launch of BIOSTAR Inc.
BIOSTAR Inc., a federally incorporated company was launched to market animal health technologies and products developed at VIDO to national and international biological production companies.
1983
Second Director Appointed
Dr. Stephen Acres replaces Dr. Chris Bigland as VIDO’s second Director, with Dr. Lorne Babiuk appointed as the Director of Research.
1984
Second Vaccine Launched
Commercialization of ECOLAN RC™, a subunit vaccine against calf scours caused by E. coli, rotavirus and coronavirus.
1986
New 'World-First' Vaccine
Launch of HEVLAN TC™, the world’s first vaccine for hemorrhagic enteritis of turkeys.
1987
Research Station Opens
VIDO opens its 160 acre research station for large scale animal trials.
1992
3 New Vaccines Launched
Three new vaccines for bovine respiratory diseases commercialized: Pneumo-Star™, Somnu-Star™ and Somnu-Star Ph.™
1993
Third Director Appointed
Dr. Lorne Babiuk becomes VIDO’s third Director.
1997
Swine Vaccine Commercialized
Commercialization of Pleuro-Star 4™, a vaccine for swine that stimulates a protective immune response against the common strains of the bacteria causing swine pleuro-pneumonia.
2003
Containment Level 2 Expansion Opens
VIDO opens a new $17.8 million, 50,000 square foot expansion of containment level 2 laboratories and offices. Funding received from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Province of Saskatchewan and the Province of Alberta.
2003
New Name and Logo
Renamed as the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization to reflect expanded research goals.
2007
Fourth Director Appointed
Dr. Andrew Potter takes over as VIDO’s new Director & CEO.
2008
Econiche Launch
Econiche™, a vaccine for cattle against E. coli O157:H7, co-developed by researchers at the University of British Columbia commercialized by Bioniche Life Sciences Inc..
2008
PREVENT Established
VIDO-InterVac, the Canadian Center for Vaccinology, and the BC Centre for Disease Control fund the establishment of the Pan-Provincial Vaccine Enterprise Inc., a not-for-profit organization focused on commercializing promising human vaccine candidates.
2011
InterVac Grand Opening
VIDO celebrates the opening of its $140 million containment level 3 facility, the International Vaccine Centre (InterVac). The event was attended by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison.
2013
InterVac Goes Hot
Containment level 3 projects begin following final certification from government agencies.
2013
ISO 9001 Certification
VIDO's Management System is certified to ISO 9001.
2019
Fifth Director Appointed
Dr. Volker Gerdts selected as VIDO's fifth Director and CEO.
2021
New Visual Identity
Re-established our original VIDO acronym and embraced a new visual identity that symbolizes our national and international impact.