A Novel Device To Improve Renal Blood Flow In Cardiorenal Syndrome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$198,900.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to assist in the development of a novel device to treat poor delivery of blood to the kidneys in conditions such as heart muscle weakness (chronic heart failure, CHF). Specifically we aim to build a prototype and test the device in a relevant animal model of CHF. Chronic heart failure is a major public health problem affecting >10% of the adult population over the age of 60 years. It is associated with high morbidity, mortality, frequent hospitalisation and major co ....The aim of this project is to assist in the development of a novel device to treat poor delivery of blood to the kidneys in conditions such as heart muscle weakness (chronic heart failure, CHF). Specifically we aim to build a prototype and test the device in a relevant animal model of CHF. Chronic heart failure is a major public health problem affecting >10% of the adult population over the age of 60 years. It is associated with high morbidity, mortality, frequent hospitalisation and major cost burden on the public health system. Weak heart muscle results in poor delivery of blood to the kidneys. Poor delivery to the kidneys activates circulating hormones which in turn further impair cardiac function by adverse effects on the heart. We have developed and patented a novel catheter based system for improvement of renal function via a purpose built device. Proof-of-concept studies have shown that the device should improve kidney blood flow in the setting of CHF. Given the huge public health problem of heart failure and the importance of the kidney in this setting, the commercial potential for a simple device that can be positioned via a catheter-based approach, permanently implanted is large. The device is currently being constructed by the Monash University Department of Engineering where expertise exists with regard to biomedical devices and materials engineering. A series of proof-of-concept studies will then be performed in sheep, as the vasculature of the sheep roughly approximates the dimensions of man. Sheep with CHF will have the device inserted percutaneously into the aorta. Measurements will be made of renal artery flow, relevant circulatory hormones and ultrasound of the heart at baseline (pre-deployment) and following deployment. We believe the above studies (should they be successful) will be sufficient to constitute definitive proof-of-concept and thus allow the device to be commercialised, most likely by a licensing arrangement with a device company.Read moreRead less
Development Of Non-surgical Approach To Treating Tricuspid Regurgitation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$266,427.00
Summary
Heart failure is a common problem in which the heart enlarges and contracts poorly. In association with enlargement of the heart, the heart valves also begin to fail causing further worsening of quality and length of life. Failure of the tricuspid valve occurs in upto 87% of patients with heart failure and presently the only treatment option is high risk heart surgery. We are developing a way of dealing with tricuspid valve failure that does not require cardiac surgery.
Development Of Oral Natriuretic-like Peptides For Chronic Treatment Of Congestive Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$389,533.00
Summary
Congestive heart failure is fatal disease and a major disease burdon for the community affecting nearly half a million Australians.. Current therapies are inadequate and very limited in prolonging life. We seek to develop a new peptide therepy based on the effectivness of human B type natriuetic peptide which has to be given by injection. Our aim is to produce an orally active and effective treatment based on peptides discovered in snake venom. The program involves testing in animals and cells
Development Of A Chronically Implantable, Miniaturised Device For Monitoring Ventricular Function, To Assist Tracking An
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,000.00
Summary
Heart failure (HF) is increasing - with ~5million sufferers (1-3rd in New York Heart Association Class III-IV i.e. severe cases) in the US alone, and ~12-15 million worldwide. Its management consumes health resources and strains sufferers, families and institutions. The proposed monitoring-management device, chronically implanted by minimally invasive surgery, will track the heart’s pumping pattern. It will allow informed decisions to optimise therapy, thereby improving Quality of Life (QOL), de ....Heart failure (HF) is increasing - with ~5million sufferers (1-3rd in New York Heart Association Class III-IV i.e. severe cases) in the US alone, and ~12-15 million worldwide. Its management consumes health resources and strains sufferers, families and institutions. The proposed monitoring-management device, chronically implanted by minimally invasive surgery, will track the heart’s pumping pattern. It will allow informed decisions to optimise therapy, thereby improving Quality of Life (QOL), decreasing hospitalisations and decreasing healthcare costs. We aim to develop a small, chronically and easily implantable device to track changes in heart function in HF patients.Read moreRead less
Development Of Oral Natruiretic Peptides For Congestive Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,037.00
Summary
Congestive heart failure is fatal disease and a major disease burden for the community affecting nearly half a million Australians. Current therapies are inadequate. We seek to develop a new peptide therapy based on snake venom version of the human B type natriuretic peptide which has to be given by injection. We will produce an orally active, stable and effective treatment using a program of discovery involving testing in animals and cells.
Pre-clinical Evaluation Of Nano-membrane Dressings To Promote Wound Healing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$188,600.00
Summary
This project will investigate whether a novel type of wound dressing can promote faster wound healing and reduce scarring. Time taken to heal is one of the best predictors of whether a wound will heal with significant scarring. The faster wounds heal the better. We have identified a new dressing with specific nano-scale pores that may promote faster healing. This dressing will be tested in the best model of human wound healing with the potential to progress to clinical trials if successful.
Mechanically-restricted Percutaneous Gene Therapeutic Solutions For Heart Failure.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$187,000.00
Summary
We have developed a novel system for the localized delivery of specialised genes to the heart in order to improve contractility and function of a failing heart. Many genes, for reasons of toxicity, clearance, or uptake, require direct delivery to the target region without spillover to the systemic circulation. Our system addresses these issues by isolating the local circulation of the target organ and directly delivering the agent with minimal systemic loss and improved delivery and uptake effic ....We have developed a novel system for the localized delivery of specialised genes to the heart in order to improve contractility and function of a failing heart. Many genes, for reasons of toxicity, clearance, or uptake, require direct delivery to the target region without spillover to the systemic circulation. Our system addresses these issues by isolating the local circulation of the target organ and directly delivering the agent with minimal systemic loss and improved delivery and uptake efficiency, while minimizing potentially dangerous and toxic systemic effects.Read moreRead less
Novel Nanoparticle Composites For Molecular Probes In Diagnostic Imaging
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$170,716.00
Summary
Isotope labelled protein probes, eg. antibodies, are a valuable imaging tool in investigating patient disease. Their biological specificity is their great strength, however, detection sensitivity often limits their use. A novel nanoparticle developed at ANU can increase this signal by a million-fold in comparison with conventional methods of labelling. This approach suits a range of probes and will accommodate many of the isotopes already used in patient diagnostics and therapy.
Studies Of Metabolites Of Synthetic Flavonols For The Treatment Of Cardiovascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$207,440.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, is the leading killer of Australians. A promising new drug, NP202, can reduce the amount of tissue damaged from a heart attack; however, its mechanism of action remains obscure. NP202 is metabolized to a range of compounds, one of which is partly responsible for its beneficial effects. In this project we will identify other metabolites of NP202 and characterize their biological activity to gain insight into its mechanism of action.
Development Of Guanylate Cyclase Activators For The Treatment Of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$137,684.00
Summary
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life threatening condition with few treatment options. It is marked by shortness of breath and reduced energy as a result of an unexplained constriction of the blood vessels in the lung. This results in reduced life expectancy. We are developing a new treatment that will relax the blood vessels in the lung to improve quality and length of life.