January 5th, 2022BACKING WORLD-LEADING RESEARCH INTO COVID-19 TREATMENTS

The State Government is backing Victorian research into new coronavirus treatment, including a nasal spray
medication that envelops the virus and reduces household transmission.

Acting Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Mary-Anne Thomas today announced $13.3
million in grants for seven research projects examining a range of coronavirus treatment options.
University of Melbourne and Monash University have received $4.2 million to establish a six-month clinical trial,
developed in collaboration with Oxford University, of a heparin-based nasal spray to be used in households where a
person has coronavirus.
The second most widely used drug in the world and primarily prescribed as a blood-thinner to treat or prevent blood
clots, heparin forms the base of the nasal spray treatment which is already being hailed as a success for its easy
administration, stability at room temperature and global availability.
The IntraNasal HEpaRin Trial (INHERIT) will be led by the Northern Hospital, using the Covid (Oximetry) Monitoring and
Early Treatment (COMET) platform that has enabled researchers to access and treat patients within 24 hours of their
diagnosis, speeding up treatment and providing remote patient monitoring through portable oximeter devices that
measure oxygen levels in blood.
Other research projects receiving funding include $2 million for a Walter and Eliza Hall Institute trial of antiviral cocktails
for immunocompromised patients unable to receive coronavirus vaccines, and $1.8 million for a Burnet Institute study
on a suite of biological medications that could neutralise and kill virus-infected cells. For the full list, go to
djpr.vic.gov.au/medical-research/initiatives/covid-19-research.
In the past year, the Labor Government has invested more than $590 million in medical research – including up to $400
million for a new Australian Institute of Infectious Disease to lead the fight against future pandemics. Clinical trials held
in Victoria contribute more than $300 million annually to the state’s economy.
Last week, Victorian scientists and manufacturers reached a major milestone, unveiling Australia’s first mRNA COVID19 vaccine candidate after a research period of just five months. Clinical trials will commence in early 2022.
Acting Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“Coronavirus is not going away any time soon and our amazing researchers are doing work that stands to make a real
difference. These projects will benefit not just Victorians but people around the world.”
Director of Lung Health Research Centre University of Melbourne Professor Gary Anderson said:
“Our study shows immense potential – studies show that intranasal heparin can wrap around the virus like a python,
preventing it from infecting you or spreading the virus to others.”
Director of Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre Monash University Professor Michelle
McIntosh said:
“The team has done everything possible in the laboratory to suggest this treatment will be effective, but the only way
to answer the question is with a robust clinical trial.”