Australia's first human trials of a potential COVID-19 vaccine started in Melbourne today, with about 130 people involved in the program.

Clinical research organisation the Nucleus Network will be in charge of the early stages of testing the vaccine NVX-CoV2373, before the trial expands to Brisbane within a week.

The participants are healthy people between 18 and 59 years old.

Victoria's Parliamentary Secretary for Medical Research, Frank McGuire, said the trial was a significant step forward in the race for a coronavirus vaccine.

"As the first human trial in the southern hemisphere, and one of only a handful of COVID-19 human trials worldwide, I am delighted Victoria is again at the forefront in leadership and excellence in medical research," he said in a statement.

The treatment is being developed by US biotech company Novavax and is aimed at enhancing the immune response and stimulating high levels of neutralising antibodies.

Preliminary results are expected in July.

10:00 - Dr Norman Swan from Coronacast takes a closer look at the new vaccine

Read more here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-26/coronavirus-vaccine-trail-begins-in-melbourne-brisbane/12286028

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