The a2 Milk Company supporting independent research for a novel Coronavirus vaccine
The a2 Milk Company has signed Gift Agreements with the University of Queensland’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) – a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital – to assist in the development of a vaccine to stop the spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Donations of NZD$500,000 to each organisation will support research teams who are playing a leading role in the international effort to develop a vaccine for the virus.
The Director of the Doherty Institute, Professor Sharon Lewin AO, FRACP, PhD, FAHMS said: “We are extremely grateful to The a2 Milk Company for their generosity, which will contribute significantly to our efforts towards developing a vaccine for the Coronavirus (COVID-19), declared a public health emergency of national concern by the World Health Organization.”
Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland, said: “The research team at University of Queensland is progressing a Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine program and the support from The a2 Milk Company will help us enormously as it will supplement the huge costs associated with the vaccine development.”
Chief Executive Officer of The a2 Milk Company, Mr Geoffrey Babidge, said: “We believe that in addition to providing support on the ground for Chinese families through product donations and financial support for the local Red Cross, the most effective way for us to assist the Chinese people and the global community is to provide funds that will help independent scientific researchers develop an effective vaccine for this virus.”
The a2 Milk Company previously announced on 31 January that it is providing support for Chinese families affected by the virus including:
- Product donation: The a2 Milk Company is donating 5 million RMB of a2 Milk™ dairy products. China State Farm Holding Shanghai Co., Ltd. (“China State Farm”) is assisting with the dispatch of these products to front line medical teams and families affected by coronavirus.
- Cash donation: The a2 Milk Company is donating 5 million RMB to Shanghai Red Cross to help and support the areas and people seriously affected by the Coronavirus.
Mr Babidge said: “We have enormous sympathy with the Chinese people and recognise the efforts by the Chinese Government to contain the spread of the Coronavirus. Together with our strategic partner in China, China State Farm, we have started delivering product to the medical centres most in need in Hubei Province including in the city of Wuhan.”
A PDF of this release may be found here.
Further information:
Australia: Rick Willis E: rick@networkfour.com.au M: +61 411 839 344
New Zealand: Barry Akers E: akers@senescallakers.co.nz M: +64 9 309 5656
China: Carlos Shi E: carlos_shi@redflycommunications.com M: +86 137 0185 1938
About:
Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Finding solutions to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases and understanding the complexities of the immune system requires innovative approaches and concentrated effort. This is why The University of Melbourne – a world leader in education, teaching and research excellence – and The Royal Melbourne Hospital – an internationally renowned institution providing outstanding care, treatment and medical research – have partnered to create the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute); a centre of excellence where leading scientists and clinicians collaborate to improve human health globally.
About:
University of Queensland
For more than a century, The University of Queensland (UQ) has educated and worked with outstanding people to create positive change for society. UQ research has global impact and is delivered by an interdisciplinary community of more than 1500 researchers at six faculties, eight research institutes and 100+ research centres. UQ’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences’ biomolecular research spans small synthetic molecules through to proteins, nucleic acids, viruses and microorganisms, and our materials research encompasses the design and synthesis of molecular devices, functional polymers and nanomaterials. The School is recognised internationally for its research strengths, output and demonstrated translation of discovery and technology. Its impact is testament to its breadth of expertise, collaborative academics, and partnerships.
