‘Vital’ NZ contributes to research

Scientists have hailed a justannounced $37 million Government spend toward a Covid-19 vaccine — and now a major clinical research organisation has called for trials to be carried out here.

Yesterday, ministers revealed the fund would be sending $10m toward local vaccine research and $5m for exploring manufacturing a vaccine here. Up to $15m would also be steered toward global research collaborations and $7m would go to Gavi — an alliance that distributes vaccines to developing nations.

Alongside the fresh funding, the Government unveiled its longawaited vaccine strategy, which aimed to secure enough doses of a safe, effective vaccine for New Zealand at the earliest possible time.

A key part of that strategy was building capability for making and distributing a vaccine here if it was needed — something Kiwi biotech company Avalia Immunotherapies has already been exploring with a pre-awarded $100,000 grant.

“It’s vital that we contribute to international research efforts as well as ramp up our own research and manufacturing capability,” Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods said.

Malaghan Institute director Professor Graham Le Gros — who has been working with top Kiwi scientists and industry partners Avalia and South Pacific Sera on a home-grown effort — said the investment ensured New Zealand and its Pacific neighbours were well positioned.

Yesterday there were no new cases of Covid 19, the fourth day in a row of no new cases. There are now only 22 active cases in New Zealand, including one person in hospital.