Federal Government announces $15.6 million for coronavirus testing and treatment research
The Federal Government has announced an $15.6 million boost to researchers to develop a new coronavirus test and treatment.
Health Minister Greg Hunt announced $15.6 million boost to researchers to help develop a new coronavirus test and treatment.
The federal government is providing $13 million in medical research grants to find treatment options for coronavirus.
Up to 10 antiviral therapies that could fight the virus would be tested as part of a $8 million grant announced by Health Minister Greg Hunt on Saturday. Another $5 million grant will be offered for clinical trials to treat and manage patients in severe acute respiratory distress because of the COVID-19 strain.
The grants will be funded from the government’s $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund which aims to support vital health and medical research.
“Research plays a critical role in ensuring Australia maintains its world-class health system and is particularly important as the world responds to COVID-19,” Mr Hunt said.
Applications for the antiviral grant will open next Wednesday, while respiratory grant applications will be accepted from Monday.
RELATED: Coronavius cases in Australia
RELATED: Follow the latest coronavirus updates
Separately, the government is investing more than $2.6 million in four cutting-edge diagnostics research projects at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.
“These projects will increase Australia’s ability to conduct widespread testing for diagnosis and clearance of the coronavirus,” Mr Hunt said.
Research funds have already been provided to Australian researchers developing a potential vaccine to prevent infection, though that could be more than a year away.
Mr Hunt said 115,000 coronavirus tests have been conducted with a 99 per cent negative result.
“For every 100 tests, well over 99 have been negative,” he told reporters in Melbourne today.
“What that means of course is that we are testing widely.”
He said Australia had one of the highest rates of COVID-19 testing in the world.
X-rated act almost kills ‘fit’ man
An X-rated act left a man with a potentially deadly heart emergency, as he suffered a torn artery.
Childcare fall turns into worst nightmare
The most innocuous incident for a little Australian girl at childcare turned into the family’s worst nightmare.
Update after bodybuilder’s fatal gym collapse
The 33-year-old father died in hospital weeks after he spent 15 hours unconscious in the shower of a gym in Perth.