Brisbane researchers say they are within reach of finding a cure for COVID-19 but need donations to accelerate the research.

In lab testing, two drugs have stopped Coronavirus in its tracks and a clinical trial on humans is ready to begin.

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Renowned RBWH Infectious Diseases Physician Professor David Paterson who is overseeing the research said the drugs are “effective” but they are yet to determine whether “one is better than another”.

Brisbane researchers say they are within reach of finding a cure for COVID-19. Credit: 7NEWS

He’s hoping these drugs are the panacea the world so desperately needs.

“Potentially down the road, it’s even something a general practitioner could prescribe,” Paterson said.

Safe for use

Both medications are safe for use in Australia, one treats malaria, the other HIV and in test tube studies both effectively kill the virus.

The drugs have already been given to patients infected with COVID-19 abroad and on home soil with promising results.

When asked how close we are to a cure, Paterson said there is “potential” that this drug “could cure the infection”.

RBWH Infectious Diseases Physician Professor David Paterson. Credit: 7NEWS

But without human trials, these drugs can’t be administered with any certainty.

“We are going to coordinate with hospitals in NSW and Victoria so that we can all work on a common protocol to get the answers as quickly as possible,” Paterson said.

Funding

If the trial is successful, within three months researchers should know whether these drugs are effective in treating COVID-19.

The trial can begin within weeks but researchers need $750,000 to fund it.

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The RBWH Foundation has agreed to find the money, launching a campaign for donations from the public.

“If we have an effective drug that can cure the infection, we certainly believe we are going to save lives,” Paterson said.