Researchers from The University of Queensland’s Vaccine Rapid Response Team are attempting to develop a new vaccine for the not widely known but deadly Bolivian Chapare virus in just 150 days.

Based upon the ‘100 Days Mission’ created by The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the challenge attempts to prove how vaccine technology is able to adapt and respond to new viral threats. Considering the Covid-19 vaccines took just under a year to develop; if successful, the challenge would rapidly accelerate the timeframe in which a new vaccine is able to be developed and approved for use.

The challenge ultimately aims to increase the global response time and preparedness for future pandemics to potentially save more lives in the future.

Image: Image: Shutterstock – Mongkolchon Akesin

Produced By: Maeve Groom

Featured In Story: Professor Keith Chappell – Vaccine Developer at The University of Queensland

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 16 April 2025