Clive’s $1M contribution assist institute to create groundbreaking discoveries

Mr Berghofer met with researchers at the QIMR Institute this week after the research facility announced two Covid-19 drugs were progressing to human trials.

Clive Berghofer toured QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute on Thursday. Mr Berghofer with QIMR Director and CEO Professor Fabienne Mackay (left) and Professor David Whiteman (right).

Groundbreaking research financially backed by Toowoomba property developer Clive Berghofer has the potential to both prevent and treat Covid-19.

Mr Berghofer met with researchers at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute this week after the research facility announced two Covid-19 drugs were progressing to human trials.

Clive Berghofer toured QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute on Thursday.

The peptide-based drugs are now being tested in hamsters at France’s preclinical and clinical research facility, IDMIT, with early results showing they are not toxic and have few side effects.

With the help of a $1 million donation from Mr Berghofer, the medical facility constructed a physical containment facility, which allowed it to grow the virus so researchers can test their findings onsite.

Lead researcher on the COVID-19 drugs announced this week, Professor Sudha Rao stated, “Without Clive I would not have been able to redirect the focus of my research to COVID-19 early last year. We have developed two drugs, which if approved will benefit millions of people globally, and it’s Clive who allowed us to start this research.”

Mr Berghofer (left) with Senior researcher and head of QIMR Berghofer’s Gene Regulation and Translational Medicine Group, Professor Sudha Rao.

“These are the first drugs we are aware of that can operate on dual fronts,” Professor Sudha Rao said.

“We hope, if the clinical trials are successful, that the first drug could be given as a therapy alongside vaccination to prevent the virus binding to cells and taking hold, while the second peptide could be used to stop the virus replicating in already-infected patients.”

The two drugs are designed to ease the symptoms of Covid-19 and improve vaccine efficacy, as well as prevent the infection in the first place and are designed to come in the form of a non-invasive nasal spray.

The research was conducted on Covid-19 patient blood and human cells.

Mr Berghofer (right) with senior researcher and head of QIMR Berghofer's Gene Regulation and Translational Medicine Group, Professor Sudha Rao (left) and other researchers who have been focused on the development of the new Covid-19 drugs.

Professor Nabila Seddiki, who is testing the drugs at IDMIT in France, said the development of new drugs was an exciting step in the fight against Covid-19.

“Many of the drugs being developed around the world to treat Covid-19 are targeted at people with severe disease,” she said.

“However, these peptide-based drugs are aimed at preventing infection in the first place and reducing severity before it really takes hold.”

Mr Berghofer said QIMR was close to his heart, with his financial contribution a matter of public safety for the Toowoomba community.

“I’ve made my money out of Toowoomba, so I want to give back to Toowoomba,” he said.

Clive Berghofer toured QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute on Thursday. Mr Berghofer (right) with QIMR Director and CEO Professor Fabienne Mackay and his partner, Suzanne Hawkins.

Director and CEO of QIMR Berghofer, Professor Fabienne Mackay said it takes more than a village to advance research.

“Without Clive, we wouldn’t have been able to start our program of research into COVID-19. He has been transforming,” she said.

“When COVID-19 first emerged early in 2020, there was an urgent need to start research. Clive quickly stepped up and gave us the financial support we needed to get the ball rolling. While we have since received other support, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Clive for getting this amazing research off the ground.”

Professor Mackay said anything from $1 to $1 million means the world for scientists trying to make a difference.

“The intention is there and it sends a message of hope,” she said.

“Public donations tell our scientists that the community believe in them and are right behind them.”

Clive Berghofer toured QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute on Thursday.