UQ Still Forging Ahead With Clamp Technology Vaccine

In summary, researchers at the University of Queensland have successfully re-engineered the Clamp technology, now known as Clamp2, to eliminate false positives in HIV tests. The improved technology, funded by $8.5 million from CEP, will undergo human trials in early 2021 and will be manufactured at the National Biologics Facility at UQ. Preclinical testing has shown that the Clamp2 platform is producing stable antigens and strong immune responses against multiple virus families. The ultimate goal is to use this technology to not only combat COVID-19, but also to be prepared for future pandemics.
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Precis of a news report from today's Courier Mail.

The University of Queensland clamp technology knocked out because it gave false positives to HIV tests is set for human trials early next year. Scientists have re-engineered the clamp, dubbed Clamp2, so there is no diagnostic interference. CEP provided $8.5m to support the development of the improved technology.

The Clamp2 vaccine will be manufactured at the National Biologics Facility at UQ.

Keith Chappell, UQ’s Rapid Response Vaccine co-leader, said preclinical testing has shown the Clamp2 platform was meeting all expectations, producing stabilised antigens and inducing strong neutralising immune responses. “We have validated the Clamp2 platform in the laboratory. It is equivalent to the original vaccine across multiple virus families, including the influenza virus, Nipah virus and SARS- CoV-2.

Professor Dan Watterson, who spearheaded the successful Clamp2 redesign, said it was important for people to understand the ultimate aim was not to rush a new Covid vaccine to market. “This is about the role this technology could play in safeguarding against future pandemics and ensuring we have an Australian-based rapid response vaccine pipeline.

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What is the "UQ Still Forging Ahead With Clamp Technology Vaccine"?

The "UQ Still Forging Ahead With Clamp Technology Vaccine" is a potential vaccine being developed by the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia using a unique technology known as the "molecular clamp".

How does the "molecular clamp" technology work?

The "molecular clamp" is a protein that helps stabilize the shape of the virus's spike protein, which is the key target for most COVID-19 vaccines. This stabilization allows the immune system to better recognize and respond to the virus, potentially leading to a more effective vaccine.

What makes the "UQ Still Forging Ahead With Clamp Technology Vaccine" different from other COVID-19 vaccines?

The "UQ Still Forging Ahead With Clamp Technology Vaccine" is unique in its use of the "molecular clamp" technology. This technology has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies and could potentially lead to a more effective and long-lasting vaccine.

What is the current status of the "UQ Still Forging Ahead With Clamp Technology Vaccine"?

The "UQ Still Forging Ahead With Clamp Technology Vaccine" is currently in phase 1 clinical trials, which are focused on evaluating the safety and immune response of the vaccine in a small group of people. If results are positive, the vaccine will move on to larger phase 2 and 3 trials.

When can we expect the "UQ Still Forging Ahead With Clamp Technology Vaccine" to be available?

It is difficult to predict an exact timeline for the availability of the "UQ Still Forging Ahead With Clamp Technology Vaccine". However, UQ and their partner, CSL, are working towards a goal of having the vaccine available by mid-2021 if all trials are successful.

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