A human trial has begun in Australia for a potential coronavirus vaccine which has been touted as "second to none".
Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have been creating the drug since the Government announced it was putting $10 million towards it in March to fast-track its development.
Over 4000 Queenslanders volunteered to take part in the trial, but only 120 people between 18 and 55 years old were picked.
On Monday patients received their first dose of the vaccine, which they will get two of, once a month.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said it was an "exciting day" for Queensland, ABC News reported.
"The work, through UQ and its scientists, is second to none."
Innovation Minister Kate Jones described the research to find a vaccine as "world-leading".
"This research is putting Queensland on the map," she said.
"Today makes me proud to be a Queenslander. Our vaccine – made in Queensland by Queenslanders - could save millions of lives throughout the world."
Volunteers will be examined for their immune responses to the virus and for possible symptoms as the trial continues.
Trial volunteer Helen said she's excited to be a part of something that could significantly help the world.
"If it means that we can get a vaccine out there sooner, that's fantastic. To get the world back to normal, to get people working, to get people back to seeing their families."
Another volunteer, Christian Fercher, said he wanted to "give something back" to the community who were impacted by the virus.
"Seeing so many people are out of jobs and are basically affected financially and also personally... I wanted to help us get out of this as fast as possible," he said.
Professor Paul Young, a leading researcher at the university, said they aren't sure when the vaccine will be ready but they are aiming for the middle of 2021.
"We'll hold a collective breath while we wait to see how the trial goes," he said.
He said their partnership with a manufacturing company meant the vaccine could be available sooner.
"If things go to plan, they'll rapidly advance production of millions of doses and move the program into later-stage clinical testing, regulatory approval, large-scale manufacture and distribution."
