German researchers will soon begin testing a potential COVID-19 vaccine based on an old tuberculosis vaccine.

VPM1002, based on the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, will be put through a large study in hospitals throughout Germany.

The trial will be run by the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology in Berlin and will include high-risk patients, such as older patients and healthcare workers.

The institute is hoping that VPM1002 could bridge the gap until a vaccine specifically effective against the novel coronavirus is available.

Researchers in Australia are also initiating a trial of the BCG vaccine for COVID-19. That trial will involve approximately 4,000 healthcare workers.