We’re excited to provide another update on the University of Queensland’s (UQ) vaccine research program.

In 2020, UQ was tasked by The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) with developing a COVID-19 vaccine candidate using molecular clamp technology that boosted a vaccine's ability to stimulate an immune response.

To support their incredible work, we made a $1 million donation from Golden Casket’s unclaimed prize money to accelerate this world-leading research. 

Then in 2021 and 2022, we made another $500,00 donation from Golden Casket’s unclaimed prize money to supercharge future vaccines. 

While UQ’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate didn’t progress to the next development phase, the technology behind it brings hope of developing future vaccines for various illnesses.   

During the past two years, UQ’s team has remained dedicated to progressing their research, creating a second-generation molecular clamp vaccine dubbed Clamp2. 

Clamp2 has since met all pre-clinical testing expectations when tested across multiple virus families and continues to be safe and effective.

Last month, the CEPI announced they would provide up to $8.5 million to support further development of the clamp technology for potential use in the global response to future disease outbreaks.

In March next year, the team will begin proof of concept human trials to assess the safety and efficiency of Clamp2.

If successful, this technology could play a massive role in safeguarding against future pandemics and ensuring we have an Australian-based rapid-response vaccine pipeline,  team and infrastructure ready to go. 

This Queensland research holds the promise that if there was another infectious disease epidemic, it could be used to rapidly develop a vaccine within 100 days.

Clamp2 could be a global game-changer, and we can’t wait to update you on its progress!