Enrolments for Australia’s first needle-free, gene-based COVID-19 vaccine study – to be led in WA by The Kids Research Institute Australia – are open.
Led by The University of Sydney, The Kids Research Institute Australia was named as one of three locations chosen to participate in Phase 1 of this study to evaluate safety and effectiveness of COVIGEN when given to healthy adults.
Professor Peter Richmond, Head of the Vaccine Trials Group at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, and Paediatric Infectious Disease researcher at The University of Western Australia, said involvement in this study represents an exciting opportunity to help accelerate the development of a promising COVID-19 vaccine and delivery method.
“The COVIGEN vaccine uses a needle-free system that delivers genetic sequences of the COVID-19 spike protein through the skin to trigger an immune response. This technology is already being used for influenza vaccines in the USA and has been shown to be safe and stimulate protective antibodies.
It is important that we continue to develop the next generation of COVID-19 vaccines, as we may see even better safety and immune responses. Having a greater range of vaccines available increases global vaccine capacity to ensure everyone has access to immunisation.
“This first phase of the study will involve 150 adults of all ages, with participants receiving two doses of COVIGEN, given one month apart. If successful, a second and third phase of the study will be undertaken with a larger number of participants,” said Professor Richmond.
Please contact the Vaccine Trials Group if you would like to participate. If you decide to participate in the trial, you will need to delay receiving an approved COVID-19 vaccine for at least 57 days after receiving the first dose of the study vaccine.
For more information about the COVID-19 research by The Kids Research Institute Australia please visit the COVID-19 campaign page.