COVID-19: Australia's experimental vaccine shows 'positive results' in preclinical trials

Australia's University of Queensland's experimental COVID-19 vaccine candidate has shown “promising results” in preclinical animal trials. In a press release on August 25, scientists said that vaccine has given good results in terms of its potential effectiveness and manufacturability. Animal trials were conducted by Viroclinics-DDL Diagstic Laboratory in Nerlands and results were submitted to International Society for Vaccines for human trials approval, project co-leer Associate Professor Keith Chappell said. 

“ neutralizing immune response created by our molecular clamp vaccine in animal models was better than aver level of antibodies found in patients who have recovered from COVID-19,” Dr. Chappell said in press release.

“In hamster models, vaccine combined with Seqirus MF59® juvant provided protection against virus replication, and reduced lung inflammation following exposure to virus,” he ded.

doctors observed a “strong” T-cell response that targeted coronavirus better than antibodies found in human immunity systems. UQ team became world’s first project to report against COVID-19 reference standards produced by  National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) and recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), as per release. Epidemic Preparedness (CEPI) and University of Queensland also anunced a partnership with CSL to vance production and accelerate vaccine program into late-st clinical testing. 

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“A vaccine is vital in putting an end to this pandemic. That’s why government has thrown its support behind UQ with $10 million in funding to fast-track this research," Queensland’s Invation Minister Kate Jones said. 

Furr, he stressed, “ sooner we can produce a coronavirus vaccine, sooner life will get back to rmal for millions of Queenslanders who have been impacted by this pandemic.”

To manufacture millions of doses

“One of big challenges in development of vaccines is ability to produce m at sufficient scale for widespre use,” Dr. Chappell said. He ded, team was “working with CSL to ensure production yield is as efficient as possible, and have every confidence y will be able to manufacture millions of doses required to protect Australian public.” While phase I study yielded great results and demonstrated required safety and immune responses, scientists expected to commence “a large-scale efficacy study before end of year.” y were also hopeful that data from research would be available in time for CSL.  

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