COVID-19

The impact of our research

More than 20,000 Australians have died from, or with COVID-19 since local cases were first reported in January 2020.

Even though it’s no longer classed as a global emergency, the pandemic declaration is still active. Not only does the virus continue to mutate, but COVID-19 continues to cause significant illness and long-term organ damage in some patients.

Our QIMR Berghofer researchers have developed a new drug that could transform COVID-19 treatment. It potentially protects against infection by any SARS-CoV-2 variant and could reverse the persistent inflammation associated with long COVID.

Our scientists have discovered promising evidence that T-cell immunotherapy could help fight against multiple strains of the virus.

We’re identifying the cause of COVID-19-induced heart damage, and how it can be treated.

We’re investigating the immune system to develop new drugs for the sickest patients.

We’ve discovered a new immunotherapy to fight multiple strains of COVID-19.

We’re finding new drugs to treat the devastating side effects of long COVID.

About COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health emergency caused by the emergence of the SARS CoV2 virus from animal hosts. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention.

Those more likely to develop serious illness include older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die.

What causes COVID-19?

COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Who’s most at risk of COVID-19?

Anyone can get COVID-19, but you’re more at risk if you:

are over 70;
have a weakened immune system;
are pregnant;
have a chronic condition, including lung disease, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Some people won't develop symptoms, while others will have only mild respiratory symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

runny nose
fever
cough
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
muscle aches
headache
fatigue.

COVID-19 in Australia

The first cases of COVID-19 in Australia were reported on 25 January 2020. The first death was reported on 1 March 2020.

How is COVID-19 treated?

Most people will have a mild case of COVID-19 and can manage their symptoms like a seasonal flu – rest, take pain killers to relieve pain and fever, and stay hydrated.

However, people who develop severe COVID-19 symptoms may need to be supported in hospital with oxygen, corticosteroids, antivirals, and other drugs.

How can we stop COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease and can easily spread from person to person. The best ways to stop transmission are:

Get vaccinated: vaccination stops people from becoming very sick if they catch the virus;
Wear a mask: COVID-19 can be airborne. Wearing a mask can stop droplets from spreading when people talk, cough, and sneeze;
Physical distancing: you can help reduce transmission by avoiding crowds, close physical contact (such as hugs and kisses) and not visiting vulnerable people;
Good hygiene: wash your hands frequently and cover your cough or sneeze.

Facts about covid-19

70+ million

COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Australia

20,000+

Australians have died from, or with COVID-19

Chronic heart conditions

make people particularly vulnerable to COVID-19

Our COVID-19 research

Cardiac Bioengineering

This lab, led by Professor James Hudson, uses state-of-the art bioengineering screening platforms to develop new therapeutics to prevent heart failure. By understanding the biological basis of the heart damage, the team is identifying drugs with a much higher chance of success.

“We’ve used thousands of lab-grown, miniature human heart organoids to understand how COVID-19 causes cardiac damage.”

Professor James Hudson

Gene Regulation and Translational Medicine

This lab, led by Professor Sudha Rao, focuses on immune-oncology in metastatic cancers and the potential implications for viral therapy and the immune response in the aged population.

“We have uncovered the pathway that SARS-CoV-2 uses to induce the persistent inflammation that is a major driver of debilitating long COVID.

This study shows our drug prevents that inflammation and even repairs damaged lung tissue in pre-clinical models. It is both a prevention and a treatment.”

Professor Sudha Rao

Inflammation Biology

This group, led by Professor Andreas Suhrbier, has developed, refined, and characterised a number of models used to gain new insights into the factors that regulate viral infection and inflammatory disease. The team also oversaw the repurposing of our high biosecurity (PC3) laboratory to handle and experiment on SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

“We can now monitor changes in viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and see which variants may not respond to certain vaccines and anti-viral treatments. We can also investigate whether potential variants are more or less virulent, and find out which drugs and vaccines will be effective.”

Professor Andreas Suhrbier

Psychiatric Genetics

This group, led by Professor Sarah Medland, focuses on investigating the genetic and environmental factors that influence mental health conditions and the impact of non-psychiatric conditions on mental health across the lifespan.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all of us at both individual and societal levels with no recent precedents in most western nations. We’re leading a project focusing on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and wellbeing and what makes some people more resilient than others.”

Professor Sarah Medland

Translational and Human Immunology

This group, led by Associate Professor Corey Smith, aims to understand the mechanisms that regulate human immune responses in health and disease. The lab is investigating T-cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and the impact of ageing on immunity.

“We hope that understanding how these cells work in people with different degrees of the disease will ultimately help us develop immune monitoring strategies to determine which patients are more likely to get sick. We also hope it helps us develop an immunotherapy for this virus.”

Associate Professor Corey Smith

Emerging Viral Diseases

Led by Dr. Daniel Rawle, the Emerging Viral Diseases Laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of infection and disease, aiming to develop novel interventions for COVID-19.

"COVID-19 continues to mutate and spread, causing illness and death worldwide. Characterizing the biology of new variants and evaluating current and new vaccines against them will remain a critical area of research for the foreseeable future."