An innovative needle-free coronavirus vaccine trial is set to start in Australia after receiving a financial boost from the federal government.
Experts at Sydney University have developed a DNA-based vaccine for COVID-19 that would be administered through the skin via a jet of air, eliminating the use of needle free and making it pain-free.
150 people are being enlisted for a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of the drug, set to start this year and funded by the government to the tune of $3 million.
Known as ‘PharmaJet’ the needle-free process delivers vaccines through the skin by means of a narrow, precise fluid stream.
Experts say that pushing skin cells using air can induce finely tuned responses in comparison to other vaccines.
“You feel a jet that is as thin as a hair that goes directly into the skin,” Sunrise GP Dr Ginni Mansberg explained.
“It goes directly into the skin, which is the body’s biggest immune system organ, and we think skin-delivered vaccines have the potential to do better.”
Dr Ginni added that jab-free vaccines will also prevent ‘needle stick injuries’ among health workers tasked with administering vaccines.
“Our Government continues to invest in medical research to supercharge the development of promising vaccines to save lives and protect lives,” Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said after announcing the funding.
Originally published at 7 News