AUSSIES IN VACCINE FIRST

AN AUSTRALIAN biotech company is the first in the world to develop a potential nanocellular Covid-19 vaccine that’s expected to be more efficient against mutant strains and better suited for patients with compromised immune systems.

The drug developed by Sydney-based company EnGeneic has shown 95 per cent efficacy in its preclinical animal studies.

The technology used for the drug was initially developed as a breakthrough cancer treatment but has been adjusted to work as a vaccine.

Phase 1 clinical trials in healthy humans have begun at Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital. Another trial is due to established in Sydney.

According to the company, the vaccine can be kept at room temperature, has a shelf life of more than three years and doesn’t have added stabilisers or chemicals.