Whole Genome Pharmacogenomics Study Of Susceptibility Of Birth Defects In Children Born To Mothers Taking Anti-Epileptic Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,160.00
Summary
This project will investigate for genes that determine why certain women have an increased risk of having a baby with a birth defect if they become pregnant while being treated with a medication for epilepsy. Subjects will be recruited from the Australian Pregnancy Register, the findings validated using subjects from the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register. The study will comprehensively examine for both common and rare changes in genes across the entire human genome.
Genomics Of Antiepileptic Drug-induced Stevens Johnson Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,817.00
Summary
Epilepsy affects 3% of people. Severe skin reactions to anti-epileptic drugs are unpredictable and potentially fatal. This project aims to better understand the complex genetic architecture of these reactions using the latest sequencing platforms applied to a unique collection of samples, followed by functional analysis. The findings will enhance the practice of precision medicine in epilepsy treatment, shed light on the mechanisms of these reactions, and inform better drug design in the future.
MPO-ANCA GN is a major cause of renal failure. Current treatments are toxic and poorly effective. Excessive DNA production resulting in prominent deposits of extracellular DNA are seen in glomeruli of patients with MPO-ANCA GN. This study will look at the pathological role of DNA and in a relevant animal model, use DNase I treatment to dissolve deposited DNA and treat anti-MPO autoimmunity and GN. This evidence will allow the introduction of DNase I in clinical trials.
Overcoming Barriers To Improved Physical Health In People With Severe Mental Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$864,658.00
Summary
People with severe mental illness have high rates of cardiometabolic disease and reduced life-expectancy. Public intervention campaigns have had little impact on component risks (obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, poor nutrition). This study will determine factors associated with changes in cardiometabolic profiles in people with severe mental illness; examine impediments to risk modification; and develop targeted interventions for implementation within mental health services.
Development Of Iron Complexes For The Treatment Of FriedreichÍs Ataxia & The Role Of Frataxin In Iron Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,143.00
Summary
Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a neuro- & cardio-degenerative disease where there is an accumulation of toxic iron (Fe) in the mitochondrion. Work from our current NHMRC grant showed iron plays a significant role in FA pathology In fact, the CIs dissected the mechanisms of mitochondrial iron-loading & have published 8 papers in high impact journals with 3 papers in PNAS USA in the last 2 yrs Understanding of this process has led to the design of rationalised drugs for FA This work in this Renewal c ....Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a neuro- & cardio-degenerative disease where there is an accumulation of toxic iron (Fe) in the mitochondrion. Work from our current NHMRC grant showed iron plays a significant role in FA pathology In fact, the CIs dissected the mechanisms of mitochondrial iron-loading & have published 8 papers in high impact journals with 3 papers in PNAS USA in the last 2 yrs Understanding of this process has led to the design of rationalised drugs for FA This work in this Renewal could lead to novel therapies for FARead moreRead less
Carbon Dioxide As A Treatment For Seizures In The Newborn
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,389.00
Summary
This study aims to introduce a simple and effective treatment to prevent brain damage from seizures in babies using CO2. Neonatal seizures remain a major clinical problem worldwide and are associated with poor brain outcomes and significant risk of death. Recent trials in human adult epileptics show rapid and effective seizure suppression following the use of CO2. This therapy will significantly impact long-term outcomes for affected babies and reduce the burden of care for families and society.
The Relationship Between Accident Culpability And Drug Presence In Blood Samples Taken From Persons Injured In Motor Vehicle Collisions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,721.00
Summary
This project aims to determine the incidence of drugs in blood samples taken under the Victorian Road Safety Act 1986 from drivers involved in non-fatal collisions, the relative importance of illicit drugs, legal drugs used as prescribed, and legal drugs misused by drivers in non-fatal collisions by examining driver culpability in these accidents.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of Aripiprazole For Treatment Of Auditory Verbal Hallucinations In Borderline Personality Disorder
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,748,148.00
Summary
People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often report hearing voices. There is no consensus about how to treat these symptoms. Our study aims to address this clinical problem by conducting a 12 week trial of antipsychotic medication in patients who hear voices and have a diagnosis of BPD. The study will examine the effect of this medication on the nature of these voices, as well as other aspects of mental illness and brain functioning. The results will directly inform clinical practice.
Understanding The Mechanisms For Ameliorating/preventing Antipsychotic-induced Obesity In Early Life
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$576,496.00
Summary
There has been a sharp worldwide increase during the last decade in antipsychotic prescriptions (mostly “off-label”) to paediatric patients. One important issue is that antipsychotic drugs were developed for adult patients and normally have serious side-effects. This project will not only reveal the mechanisms of antipsychotic-induced obesity side-effects in youth, but will also explore intervention strategies for preventing antipsychotic-induced weight gain/obesity in paediatric patients.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators - A New Adjunctive Treatment For Men With Schizophrenia?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$816,603.00
Summary
One-third of people with schizophrenia do not respond well to antipsychotic medication treatment.There is an urgent need to develop new treatments.We have conducted world-first studies showing that estrogen treatment is highly successful in treating women with schizophrenia.Our research is a trial of SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator), a new form of “brain estrogen” in men with persistent schizophrenia. We hope to reduce the disability caused by persistent psychotic symptoms.