Clive Palmer’s $1m donation for trial of coronavirus drugs

Clive Palmer’s hefty cash injection come as multiple donors try to hasten development of possible coronavirus treatments.

Clive Palmer in Bundaberg.

A $1m donation from mining magnate Clive Palmer has helped kick start clinical trials of new drugs which have shown potential to be used as treatments for coronavirus.

The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation has also attracted many donations from individual and corporate groups to its coronavirus action fund for medical research and clinical trials, hospital equipment and hospital staff support in the battle against COVID-19.

In a statement, Mr Palmer said there was now no reason why the trials could not commence immediately so treatment could soon be available for all Australians.

“At this time of national crisis in our country all Australians must do whatever they can to help their fellow Australians,’’ Mr Palmer said.

“There are many other Australians beside me that can provide financial support necessary to allow our medical resources to be deployed in the shortest possible time to save lives.

The fund has attracted other big donors, including the Yu Feng Group which owns several shopping centres around southeast Queensland.

Professor David Paterson, a consultant infectious diseases physician at the RBWH and director at the University of Queensland’s Centre for Clinical Research will lead the trials.

The trials will potentially determine which drug is effective in treating COVID-19 and could be expanded to incorporate other drugs that could treat the disease.

The two drugs to be trialled are both already registered and available in Australia.