Do you know that University of Queensland is the only university in Australia, assigned by The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to produce a drug against the pandemic “Coronavirus”? Certainly, it is a moment to prove for researchers and Australia. It also shows the quality of research this institution offers to its scientists and students pursuing their Ph.D.
So, if you are part of this university or going to be then it is a proud moment for you. Yet another reason why you should choose Australia for higher education. Moving on, in this blog we will focus on how UQ is progressing in this historic research:
1- Funds of $17 million have been injected
After world war two, this pandemic is the worst scenario for the entire human race. Almost every country, especially Europe, is in a terrible situation due to this new virus. Though the typical time period to develop, approve and market a new vaccine is between 6-10 years, researchers and regulators are working to compress the time period and according to WHO, there are currently 20 vaccines in progress.
So, to cut this timeline, a handsome amount of $17 million was provided to the UQ research center. Again, the Australian government is leading from the front with continuous support to the UQ School of Chemistry and Molecular biosciences.
Other than funding from CEPI, It is announced by the UQ University that the Queensland government will support with $10 million and the Australian government will pledge $3million for this project. All these efforts will help to reduce the vaccine development time for six months, at least.Other funding partners: Other than donations from government and large scale sectors, The Paul Ramsay Foundation announced a grant for $3.5 million to support the UQ research center. It’s great to see, different business organizations are supporting at that level as The a2 Milk company contributed with NZD $500,000.
2-How UQ researchers are working on this?
According to university respondents, the molecular clamp is used in this process. This technology is specifically designed to create vaccines more quickly and access the genetic sequence of the virus. Moreover, this breakthrough process will allow developing a life-saving drug for clinical testing after 16 weeks of its creation. If shown a positive result, it will be available for the public after 6 months.
More than 20 scientists are working on this project day and night to develop a solution. Two teams are working parallel so if one person gets sick and the entire group has to self-isolate so that the other teams can work without wasting time.
It will be tested on more than 100 volunteers in the middle of the year. Once it demonstrates effectiveness and safety, with the help of large scale manufacturers the stock will be ready to go in to the market.
3-Who can use it?
If medical trials will be valid then it will be available for front lines medical workers like doctors, nurses and medical staff. It will also be available for vulnerable people who get infected due to this virus.
4-Some other benefits
It is still in an early stage of development where scientists are making sure this vaccine will be safe to use for the general public. Once approved, it will control the spread of this disease. And more importantly, it will help people with low immunity.It will also protect individuals against influenza and scientists should be ready to stop the future escalation of coronavirus.
