Novel Prolonged-release Polymeric Microparticles For Relief Of Intractable Cancer-related Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$796,950.00
Summary
For the 10-30% of patients with advanced cancer who experience intractable pain despite administration of large doses of morphine-like drugs by mouth or injection, more invasive dosing routes may be needed. This project will utilise innovative polymer chemistry to develop bioerodable prolonged-release polymer microparticles to deliver pain-killers into the spinal fluid near to the cells that mediate their actions, with a view to producing prolonged periods of analgesia in these patients.
HYPE: Hypertension And Preeclampsia After Non-steroidal Use For Post-partum Pain Relief; A Prospective, Stratified, Randomised Placebo-controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$174,504.00
Summary
After caesarean delivery of a baby most women will require analgesia. Traditionally anti-inflammatory medications (eg.diclofenac) have been given. Evidence exists that this medicine may increase the mother�s blood pressure. This can result in a longer hospital stay, blood pressure medications and exposure to the risks of high blood pressure (eg.stroke and increased bleeding). This study examines the effect of diclofenac on the mother�s blood pressure, analgesia and investigates the mechanisms be ....After caesarean delivery of a baby most women will require analgesia. Traditionally anti-inflammatory medications (eg.diclofenac) have been given. Evidence exists that this medicine may increase the mother�s blood pressure. This can result in a longer hospital stay, blood pressure medications and exposure to the risks of high blood pressure (eg.stroke and increased bleeding). This study examines the effect of diclofenac on the mother�s blood pressure, analgesia and investigates the mechanisms behind the increased blood pressure.Read moreRead less
There is huge interest in the development of bioactive peptides and proteins for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. However, the biggest challenge in the development of peptide and protein drugs is overcoming their poor stability in the human body. The aim of my research is to develop novel methods that provide therapeutically promising peptides and proteins the ability to resist the body’s natural degradation pathways so they can reach their biological target and act as effective drugs.
Cellular Actions Of Cannabinoids Within The Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn In A Neuropathic Pain State
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$432,750.00
Summary
Morphine and other opioids are among the most important drugs used to treat moderate to severe pain. However, some clinically important chronic pain states are relatively insensitive to opioid treatment, such as neuropathic pain which is caused by injury to the nervous system. Human and animal studies indicate that the active ingredient of the plant cannabis sativa, THC, and a number of synthetic cannabis-like drugs (cannabinoids) also have analgesic, or pain relieving properties. Animal studies ....Morphine and other opioids are among the most important drugs used to treat moderate to severe pain. However, some clinically important chronic pain states are relatively insensitive to opioid treatment, such as neuropathic pain which is caused by injury to the nervous system. Human and animal studies indicate that the active ingredient of the plant cannabis sativa, THC, and a number of synthetic cannabis-like drugs (cannabinoids) also have analgesic, or pain relieving properties. Animal studies have shown that cannabinoids potentiate the analgesic effects of opioids. Of particular interest is the finding that cannabinoids reduce the abnormal pain symptoms associated with animal models of neuropathic pain, such as that caused by nerve injury. Several brain regions play a pivotal role in the analgesic actions of both opioids and cannabinoids. In previous studies I have identified the cellular mechanisms by which opioids and cannabinoids produce their analgesic effects in single cells within the brain. In addition, the spinal cord is the initial relay point of painful stimuli entering the central nervous system and is a major site of opioids and cannabinoid analgesic actions. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying cannabinoid and opioid actions within the spinal cord, particularly in pathways which transmit ascending pain information to the brain, are less well understood. In addition, the cellular actions of cannabinoids and opioids in neuropathic pain states are unknown. The proposed study will determine the cellular mechanisms underlying the analgesic actions of cannabinoids and opioids in single neurons identified as belonging to pain pathways within the spinal cord in normal and nerve injured animals. These techniques have the potential to identify analgesic combinations between cannabinoids, opioids and other agents with enhanced therapeutic activity and reduced side effects.Read moreRead less
Novel Approaches To Nanomedicines For Future Therapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,414,215.00
Summary
Nanomedicines have the potential to transform healthcare by targeting significant health issues such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes and Parkinson’s diseases that have mainly eluded successful therapeutic solutions. In addition, nanotechnology has the potential to significantly improve the treatment of chronic pain by repurposing analgesic medications for improved effectiveness without significant side effects. I will target these two areas of research during the next five years.
ENDOGENOUS PAIN RELIEF IN HEALTHY AND OSTEOARTHRITIC PATIENTS
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$509,926.00
Summary
Pain has a detrimental impact on ones quality of life and a significant financial impact on the community. Given this, there is a substantial effort aimed at developing pain relieving compounds. One way in which our own brain can provide complete pain relief is via a mechanism called diffuse noxious inhibitory control. We currently do not know how this mechanism works and the aim of this investigation is to explore this mechanism in healthy and osteoarthritis patients use human brain imaging.
Reduction Of Chronic Post-surgical Pain With Ketamine - ROCKet Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,823,395.00
Summary
Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is a common complication of major surgery, and a significant burden on quality of life and ongoing health costs. Ketamine is a drug used by anaesthetists to treat severe acute surgical pain. Various small studies suggest that it may be unique in its ability to reduce the risk of CPSP. We propose a large trial of ketamine during & after anaesthesia for major surgery to test this. Demonstration of effectiveness would promote widespread change in clinical practice.
Pain is a debilitating condition that affects the life of one in five Australians and has significant socioeconomic impact. Currently available pain killers often do not work, or have intolerable side effects including sedation and addiction. We have discovered a novel compound that avoids these side effects and provides effective analgesia as well as opioid-sparing effects in a number of relevant animal models. The aim of this project is to progress the compound towards clinical development.