USC Clinical Trials is bringing COVID-19 vaccine research, previously only available in Australia’s major cities, to the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay.

The centre’s principal investigator Dr Sue Thackwray will oversee the “healthy volunteers” clinical trial, which aims to identify the optimal dose and safety of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by US-based Novavax, Inc.

“We are excited to be participating in worldwide research to find a vaccine against COVID-19, which is a serious and life-threatening disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus,” Dr Thackwray said.

USC Clinical Trials Director Lucas Litewka said the vaccine research forms an integral part of the centre’s goal of bringing advanced treatments and breakthrough therapies to the region.

“Bringing COVID-19 research to the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay allows these communities to take part in the race to resolve a global pandemic, hopefully accelerating the arrival of a viable vaccine,” he said.

Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Steven Miles said it was great to see Queenslanders involved in the global fight against COVID-19.

“I want to thank the researchers involved in making this happen,” he said. “There is plenty of scientific talent in our regional universities and we are all in this fight together.

“I encourage anyone interested in being involved to sign up on the USC website.”

The study, to be conducted at USC Clinical Trials’ Sippy Downs and Health Hub Morayfield clinics, requires healthy participants aged 18 to 84 who are non-smokers and have not previously contracted COVID-19.

Participants will be required to attend approximately six clinic visits over seven months.

Those interested in participating can find more information online or by calling at  (07) 5456 3797.