OzQ Pty Ltd: Developing a Global Q Fever Vaccine
Q fever is a debilitating and widespread bacterial infection in rural communities worldwide; vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and its long-term impacts.
What is Q Fever?
Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. It primarily spreads to humans through contact with infected animals, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, or their products. Because the bacteria can be windborne, the infection often impacts rural communities significantly more than cities, though the risk persists wherever environmental conditions allow the pathogen to travel.
Acute Q Fever
A severe flu-like illness that can lead to acute fever and pneumonia, lasting several weeks and requiring medical intervention.
Post-Q Fever Fatigue Syndrome
A debilitating long-term condition following acute infection, characterized by extreme exhaustion and impaired quality of life for months or years.
Chronic Q Fever
The most dangerous form as it damages the heart, and can persist for years. It carries a 25% mortality rate if not treated aggressively.
Who Should Be Vaccinated Against
Q Fever?
High-Exposure Workers
Professionals working directly with animals or animal products, including abattoir workers, farmers, stock transport drivers, veterinarians, and shearers.
Children in LMICs
Vulnerable pediatric populations in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) where environmental exposure and lack of treatment options are common.
Rural & Regional Residents
Populations living in rural and regional communities who are at high risk of infection through windborne bacterial spread from animals in agricultural areas.
Public Health Stockpiles
Essential strategic reserves in outbreak-prone countries to ensure a rapid public health response and containment of the infection.
Military Personnel
Defense forces operating in endemic regions globally who require protection from operational health impairments caused by Q Fever.
A Global Need for Q Fever Vaccination
There is a worldwide need for a safe and effective Q fever vaccine. Currently, Australia is the only country with a registered human vaccine (Q-VAX). However, Q-VAX requires a complex, multi-day pre-vaccination screening process that involves skin and blood tests to avoid severe hypersensitivity reactions in individuals previously exposed to the bacteria.
This barrier prevents mass vaccination programs in countries other than Australia. A new generation of Q fever vaccine is urgently required one that is safe for the general population and does not necessitate expensive and time-consuming pre-screening protocols.
Experienced Leadership in Q Fever Research
Dr Stephen R. Graves
Director with over 30 years of experience in Q Fever research. Key leader in rickettsial diagnostics and research. Medical expert in rickettsial diseases and Q fever.
Dr John Stenos
Director and expert in rickettsial diagnostics. Integral role as scientific director of a world-leading rickettsial laboratory, dedicated to pioneering vaccine development and public health safety.
Investment Opportunity
OzQ Pty Ltd (ACN: 636-242-914) is seeking to fund a phase 1 first-in-human trial of a new Q fever vaccine. Our vaccine has already demonstrated high efficacy and safety in guinea pig models. The proposed clinical trial will be conducted by a recognised organisation under strict independent Human Research and Ethics Committee oversight. Investors will become equity partners in this breakthrough science, with expected returns on investment within a few years of vaccine registration.
Contact the Directors
To discuss investment, reach out to us:
Dr Stephen Graves
graves.rickettsia@gmail.com
Dr John Stenos
johns@barwonhealth.org.au