Researchers develop direct-acting antiviral therapy to treat COVID-19

May 2021

Scientists from Menzies Health Institute Queensland and City of Hope in the US have developed an experimental direct-acting antiviral for COVID-19. They used gene-silencing RNA technology - siRNA (small-interfering RNA) to attack the virus's genome directly. This stops the virus from replicating and is delivers the siRNA to the lungs by lipid nanoparticles. This still experimental treatment was designed at Griffith University and City of Hope. The treatment reduces viral load by 99.9% and is designed to work on all betacoronaviruses such as the original SARS virus (SARS-CoV-1) as well as SARS-CoV-2 and any new variants that may arise in the future.

Queensland science capability directory

The Queensland science capability directory provides information on the State’s key research capabilities.

Artists in Residence Science Program

The Artist in Residence Science program supports creative collaborative residencies between professional artists and creative practitioners with scientists and the diverse science networks, researchers, data and infrastructure.

Tenders for the 2019 Artist in Residence Science Mural Project are now closed.

About the exhibition

The 2012–2018 Art meets Science Exhibitions provided an opportunity for artists from across South East Queensland to join the artists participating in the Artist in Residence Science program in showcasing their recent artworks that demonstrate a strong art-science connection. Find out more about the artists and artworks featured in these exhibitions in the 2015-2018 Art meets Science exhibition catalogues.