Professor Yang Ge (right) and Dr. Chapelle (left) prepare to work on the development of vaccine for pneumonia
If the World Health Organization declares China`s new coronavirus epidemic a sudden public health incident, Australian scientists on standby are expected to embark on a mission to develop a new vaccine within 24 hours of being notified.
The university of queensland has embarked on a new technology that could be quickly used to combat new unknown viruses and is waiting for official notification expected within 24 hours.
Professor Paul Young, of the university`s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, said:" A week ago, we didn`t know the end of the epidemic, but the recent developments, the odds have increased. He led the project with Dr. Keith Chappell.
Scientists in Australia say China`s response to the coronavirus epidemic is clearly different from the 2003 SARS epidemic.
Professor Damian Purcell, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Doherty Institute in Melbourne, said:" The reaction in China was muted and tied up. "
"This time we know it`s a related but different strain of the virus, derived from an unknown animal, but the response from China has been excellent," he said. "
"It dealt with the issue quickly, scientifically validated the relevant information obtained, and then promptly addressed it to the scientific community. "
"China has released key information to enable countries to develop diagnostic testing tools very quickly. It`s the first time the virus has been sequenced for a week or two after the outbreak.
During the SARS outbreak, there was no clear understanding of where the virus was going and what it was. Now that we have the information, we can control the border ports.
Prof Purcell said the virus could have a incubation period of 7 to 10 days, so people with the virus were more likely to find someone ill if they were flown in. Authorities will know that passengers monitor their health and notify Authorities when symptoms develop.
Some generic drugs such as interferon and ribavirin, commonly known as viral azole, may be useful for treating SARS, he said.
The University of Queensland is part of a $14.7 million epidemic innovation alliance that aims to develop a quick-reaction pipeline that can develop and test new vaccines within 16 weeks.
Anti-epidemic innovation alliance aims to develop vaccine in the early stages of an unknown form of viral transmission, but this will reduce the timing of the final vaccine adjustment to the epidemic.
