Health by Jackie Sinnerton
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Subscriber only Two world-first drugs developed by Queensland researchers that could prevent and treat the virus that causes Covid-19 are proving promising in preclinical trials. QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute scientists have discovered the peptide-based drugs can both prevent the initial SARS-CoV-2 viral infection, and also treat people who have been exposed to the virus so they do not develop severe Covid-19. The drugs may also help to protect those who cannot be vaccinated and against emerging coronavirus mutations. These are the first drugs we are aware of that can operate on dual fronts, senior researcher and head of QIMR Berghofer s Gene Regulation and Translational Medicine Group Professor Sudha Rao said.
Scientists in Queensland have developed two drugs that could not only prevent infection of coronavirus but also stop it spreading through people already positive.
Experts at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute have identified peptide-based drugs they believe could revolutionalise treatment of covid-19.
The drugs, which could be available within 18 months should trials be successful, move to target how human cells react to the virus, rather than developing antibodies against the virus through a vaccine.
Scientists in Queensland have developed two drugs that could not only prevent infection of coronavirus but also stop it spreading through people already positive
The Nature Cell Discovery journal listed the findings on Monday night, noting a shift in planning for the next stage of coronavirus treatment.
Qld s astounding double world-first COVID drug breakthroughs qt.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from qt.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Lauren Roberts (ABC)
1 May, 2021, 3:20 pm
Studies have shown vaccines
prompt a T-cell response,
these responses have varied
from person to person and it
hasn’t been clear why.
Picture: AP/RAJANISH KAKADE
Right now, white blood cells known as T-cells are cruising through your body looking for any signs of an infection.
New research has shown your genetics influence how well these immune system cells respond to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19).
But can your genetic make-up also influence how your T-cells react to the COVID-19 vaccine?
That’s the question Australian scientists like Corey Smith are keen to answer.