UNSW Sydney’s Kirby Institute is working to develop treatments that will improve the immune responses of vulnerable people like frontline healthcare workers, older people and those who are immune-compromised.

Philanthropic investment is urgently needed to support this initiative – and save lives.

While a COVID-19 vaccine is the end goal, it is anticipated that this will take time – yet our valued frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable community members need protection now.

For that reason, UNSW is prioritising the development of treatments that provide protective immunity to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 and minimise severity for those who contract it. While these treatments are intended for all, our immediate priority is to ensure they reach those who are most vulnerable.

Since antibodies are likely to play a major role in preventing and controlling COVID-19, the Kirby Institute is working to develop a rapid pathway to move safe anti-viral immunotherapies from laboratory to clinic. Our first clinical trial may be as fast as four to five months.