A new clinical trial across Southeast Queensland will assess a needle-free avian influenza patch as a potential vaccine for pandemic response.
The study, coordinated by UniSC Clinical Trials, will assess the safety and tolerability of the influenza vaccine administered through a high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) covered in thousands of microprojections.
Unlike traditional needle and syringe administrations which are inserted into a muscle, the HD-MAP technology delivers the vaccine to immune cells directly below the skin surface.
Previous trials of the technology, developed by Australian biotech company Vaxxas, have shown promising results in delivering vaccines including seasonal influenza, COVID-19, measles and rubella.
Principal Investigator Dr Nischal Sahai said the study would assess the safety and tolerability of the influenza vaccine, as well as the body's immune response.
"It is anticipated that this mechanism of vaccine delivery may provide a quicker, more effective response from the immune system," Dr Sahai said.
"This method could lead to improved uptake of vaccination within the community as the HD-MAP technology is easier to transport because it does not have the same refrigeration requirements.
"These benefits could help with the rapid and broad deployment of vaccines, particularly in response to a future pandemic."
Clinical Trial Coordinator Joan Stark said the UniSC team was seeking volunteers to participate in the trial.
"We're looking for people aged between 18 and 50 years who are in good general health to contribute to medical research.
"Participants need to visit the clinic for nine scheduled visits and undergo a thorough medical examination by doctors, including physical examination, vital signs and blood tests."
The trial will be conducted over a 13-month period across three UniSC Clinical Trial centres in Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast. There is also one clinical trial centre in Melbourne with Doherty Clinical Trials.
Vaccination remains the most effective safeguard against the viral respiratory illness known as 'bird flu', which has symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
To date, 1,568 people have been infected by H7N9 worldwide since early 2013, according to WHO.
UniSC Clinical Trials is a world-class clinical trials network that partners with healthcare professionals across the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane.
More details at www.usc.edu.au/trials or call 07 5409 8640.
