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Strep A Vaccines

The Strep A Vaccines research team is primarily focused on the Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative (ASAVI) program of work funded by a $35 million grant from the Australian Government to accelerate the development of a Strep A vaccine (augmented by two multi-million-dollar philanthropic grants).

ASAVI is a partnership between The Kids Research Institute Australia and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), led by Co-Directors Jonathan Carapetis and Andrew Steer.

Together, we work closely with public health organisations, industry, academic partners and the International Strep A Consortium (SAVAC).

As an Australian-led global initiative with the goal of reducing the disease burden caused by Strep A infection through effective vaccination, ASAVI plays a leading role in the global effort to develop a Strep A vaccine and the project is being undertaken in several phases. 

Key objectives

  • Through the Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative (www.asavi.org.au) Strep A vaccine development program:
    1. demonstrate safety and efficacy study of a Strep A vaccine candidate in paediatric populations in Australia
    2. develop clinical immune assay platforms to support vaccine clinical trials
    3. Undertake surveillance studies to understand contemporary burden of disease to inform vaccine trials
  • Establish global partnerships that will facilitate later stage development and licensure of Strep A vaccines.
  • In partnership with Indigenous leadership and communities, develop a blueprint for vaccine access in Aboriginal communities.
  • Advocacy for Strep A vaccines and raising awareness for Strep A vaccines
  • Position Australia as an international leader in accelerated Strep A vaccine clinical development.

Team members (8)

Alma Fulurija

Alma Fulurija

Program Leader

Lynsey Fitzgerald

Lynsey Fitzgerald

Business Manager

Michael Morici

Michael Morici

Senior Research Scientist

Amanda O’Hehir

Amanda O’Hehir

Senior Project Officer

Adriana Messineo

Adriana Messineo

Research Assistant

Angela D’Angela

Angela D’Angela

Research Assistant

Isabel Lester

Isabel Lester

Research Assistant

Elizabeth Negus

Elizabeth Negus

Clinical Research Coordinator