Scientists from Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics recently opened its enrollment process to volunteers who want to be involved in the malaria vaccine trials scheduled for 2016.
The trials will take place on the Gold Coast of Africa. The goal is to take malaria vaccines to the next stage that is needed to fully develop the immunizations.
“There are currently 198 million cases of malaria across 109 different countries. Of the 600,000 sufferers who die each year, 80 percent are young children who are simply not strong enough to fight off the killer parasite,” Dr. Danielle Stanisic, an Institute for Glycomics Research Fellow and clinical trials coordinator, said. “By becoming a volunteer you will be helping bring a cure to those affected by the deadly mosquito-borne disease.”
Eligible volunteers must be healthy men between 18 and 50. They must reside on the Gold Coast or be able to drive to that area throughout the study.
“These next upcoming studies, due to be conducted in cooperation with clinicians from Gold Coast University Hospital from January to March next year, will allow us to further examine the immune responses,” Stanisic said. “We plan to culminate these studies with a larger study at the end of next year, which will then allow us to progress to testing in malaria-infected countries.”
This trial gives everyone an opportunity to do their part in battling malaria.
“Your help is the next step in rolling out this vaccine and making a significant difference in the world,” he said.
