The research team at the University of Queensland’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences are challenging the norm in hopes of discovering better health outcomes for all Australians.

They were one of six research facilities worldwide that were tasked by The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) with developing a COVID-19 vaccine. While UQ’s vaccine didn’t progress to the next phase of development, the team’s work educated some incredible outcomes. 

They discovered that their patented molecular clamp technology boosts a vaccine's ability to stimulate an immune response which should be applicable to a wide range of virus threats. The clamp showed promise in trials targeting influenza, Ebola, and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome.   

The team at UQ have now turned their focus to two new projects which The Lott by Golden Casket has recently supported.

The first being further development of the molecular clamp technology, while the other involves using the venom of the Fraser Island (K’gari) funnel web spider.

There is a peptide from the Fraser Island (K’gari) funnel web spider venom has been shown to protect the brain from damage caused by a stroke, improve cardiac recovery after heart attacks, and enhance the performance of donor hearts used for transplantation. 

Professor Glenn King and his passionate team of researchers have their sights set on treating some our biggest health issues.

A lot of Australians don’t realise that when they play Australia’s Official Lotteries - they’re contributing to important things, like research that could mend damaged hearts. And that’s a Lott more to play for.

Read more about The Lott in the community.