IC14: Biotech Company in Woolloongabba Developed COVID-19 Drug for Trial in the US

A biotech company based in Woolloongabba and led by top immunologist Ian Frazer has developed IC14, a COVID-19 drug that will begin trial for high-risk patients in the United States.



Mr Frazer and his team at Implicit Bioscience developed the monoclonal treatment to reduce the damage and symptoms of COVID-19 in the patient’s body and facilitates a faster recovery time. IC14 will be used, alongside remdesivir, on hospitalised patients who are presenting low blood oxygen levels and respiratory issues.  

The drug works to control inflammation but it was not specifically developed for COVID-19. Mr Frazer’s team was working on IC14 for nearly a decade as the treatment could potentially cure diseases that cause severe inflammation and long-lasting damage. 

“The chronic diseases that afflict us as we age are largely the result of inappropriate inflammation, so the ability of IC14 to reset the level of inflammation should be game-changing for these diseases,” the expert said. 

Photo Credit: Flickr

Mr Frazer, who was cited for developing the Gardasil vaccine that prevents Human Papillomavirus and was named 2006 Australian of the Year, said that 300 to 500 people are in the U.S. trials with Implicit Bioscience’s Seattle office. The Brisbane-based professor hopes to see the results of the trial in three to six months. However, the full results of the trial will be published in early 2022. 



If IC14 is proven to be effective, it will be recommended as a treatment routine for COVID-19 patients across the world and prevent more deaths due to the viral disease. Mr Frazer said that while vaccines are important, new viral strains highlight the importance of developing drugs that could be used for intervention when a patient contracts the virus. 

The Jam Pantry Reopens for Father’s Day, Entire Staff Negative for COVID-19

The popular Greenslopes cafe, The Jam Pantry, is resuming business in time for Father’s Day this September weekend after an unfortunate COVID-19 threat. 

The new owner of the establishment, Victor Chan, immediately took action and made sure that the staff and customers are safe and healthy following reports that a woman positive for COVID-19 apparently dined at the eatery. 

On 19 Aug 2020, The Jam Pantry owner confirmed shutting down the cafe temporarily for a full disinfectant clean and COVID-19 testing for the workers. Mr Chan also promised to work closely with the health department. Fortunately for all concerned, the entire team had negative results after testing two times.  



With this good news, The Jam Pantry is ready to trade again by Friday, 4 Sept 2020. 

“We are opening our doors on the 4th of September and we couldn’t be more excited,” Mr Chan wrote on Facebook. “We have just completed a deep clean of the cafe and are ready to get back in the kitchen. We know that you’ve all be eager for an update on how things are going so you’ll be pleased to hear that all of our wonderful staff have all taken a second test after being in quarantine for the last two weeks and the results are NEGATIVE. NO COVID!!!” 

Photo Credit: The Jam Pantry/Facebook

Regulars expressed their support for the cafe, especially after Mr Chan properly communicated the plan to temporarily close and get tested. 

“Big thanks to Victor and his team for going above and beyond what is required. Their actions are keeping the community safe and although I haven’t been to the cafe for a while, I’ll definitely make a point of dropping in for a meal soon,” a customer wrote in support of the cafe.



Mr Chan took over the ownership of The Jam Pantry in the middle of the pandemic crisis. Previous owner Naomi “Nims” Zavackas sold the restaurant to concentrate on training at the  South Bank culinary hub, Wandering Cooks

Despite the wrong timing, Mr Chan is optimistic about the restaurant’s future. He brings that same positive spirit to the comforting cafe every day.

The Jam Pantry has retained most of Ms Zavackas menu. Before the chef left, she spent time training the kitchen crew to prepare the types of food the regulars love to order.

Photo Credit: The Jam Pantry/Facebook