Brisbane scientists will next year begin work to develop a Chlamydia vaccine under the formation of a world-first research centre in Queensland. 

A $280 million mRNA vaccine hub will be established under an agreement between French pharmaceutical company Sanofi, UQ, Griffith University and the state government.

The Translational Science Hub is expected to drive the development of new vaccines and health care solutions, with an initial focus on a Chlamydia vaccine.

It will use laboratories and infrastructure at UQ, Griffith University and the Translational Research Institute.

“The Hub will bring more expertise, supply-chain capabilities, as well as clinical investigations to Queensland,” Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.

“We expect it will create up to 200 jobs for Queenslanders and strengthen our biomanufacturing supply chain.”

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the world with around 129 million infections a year.

While the infection can be effectively treated with antibiotics, it can often go undetected and lead to infertility and in pregnant women, can cause foetal eye and lung infections.

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