The MetaFIND (Metagenomics For INfectious Diseases) Project: Developing Clinical Metagenomics To Improve The Healthcare Of Patients With Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$303,014.00
Summary
The MetaFIND (Metagenomics For INfectious Diseases) project is a combined laboratory and clinical study that aims to develop and investigate the use of cutting-edge genome sequencing technology to improve the healthcare of patients with severe infections. It involves developing and optimising a method to determine the cause of an infection by analysing all the DNA present in a clinical sample – a promising “one-stop-shop” test to help improve diagnosis and subsequent treatment of infections.
Enhancing The Cascade Of HIV Care To Maximise The Prevention Benefits Of Antiretroviral Therapy For Populations Living With HIV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
Antiretroviral drugs are effective at preventing death and illness for populations with HIV and preventing HIV transmission. I will undertake a series of studies to measure the impact of current antiretroviral treatment to prevent both illness and new infections in Australia. I will also undertake a series of studies to increase HIV testing, diagnose HIV earlier, and improve people’s linkage and retention HIV in care and evaluate the impact of these interventions on HIV transmission.
A Randomised Open-label Study Comparing The Safety And Efficacy Of Two Alternative Treatment Options In The Management Of HIV-1 Infected Participants Who Have Virologically Failed A Standard First-line Combination ART Regimen
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,676.00
Summary
For the past decade there has been an unprecedented international effort to provide access to care for all HIV-infected people as a basic human right. Most of these people are treated with a simple combination of drugs that are well proven to control HIV. However, what to do when this first drug combination stops working is unknown. This study aims to fill that knowledge gap so that patients failing the first drug combination can be offered a second combination with a maximal chance of success.
Randomised Trial To Determine The Safety And Efficacy Of Early Versus Deferred Treatment Of Adult HIV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,254.00
Summary
The purpose of this randomised study is to determine whether the use of combination antiviral drugs during early stages of HIV disease is superior to later use in adults with HIV infection. Superiority is defined in terms of reducing the number of serious diseases and deaths that are associated with HIV infection.
An In Depth Analysis Of Clinical And Virological Outcomes Of 2 Strategies For The Antiretroviral Salvage Of First-line Regimen Virological Failure For HIV-1 Infection Tested In An Australian-led Randomised, International, Multi-centre Clinical Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
The recently completed Australian-led SECOND-LINE trial is the first high quality study to provide reliable evidence for policy recommendations for the composition of anti-HIV drug cocktails after standard initial treatment has failed. This award will support the researcher in further refining our understanding of how to manage second-line therapy including proposals to test the use of low-cost technologies for application in resource-limited settings where the majority of people with HIV live.
Australian Partnership (for) Preparedness Research On InfectiouS (disease) Emergencies (APPRISE)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,996,416.00
Summary
We have assembled national experts in clinical, laboratory and public health research to ensure Australia is equipped for a coordinated, effective and evidence based response to infectious diseases. This multidisciplinary team will create and share new knowledge to detect, prevent and manage emerging infection threats. We will train a robust cross-sectoral work force and develop sustainable research capacity integrated within the health system to ensure national and regional health security.
This fellowship aims to develop evidence-based clinical and public health approaches to the control of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. Projects include identifying optimal treatment approaches to drug resistant tuberculosis by using meta-analyses; analysing the cost-effectiveness of strategies to prevent drug resistant tuberculosis; understanding transmission of drug resistance within households and implementing a major clinical trial of antibiotic therapy to prevent the disease.
Understanding The Establishment Of HIV Reservoirs And Development Of HIV Eradication Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,891.00
Summary
Understanding why, when, how and at what pace the HIV virus hides and establishes itself in one's body will allow us to design new ways for preventing and eliminating this reservoir of hidden HIV. As a clinician scientist in HIV and infectious diseases, I will drive clinical studies to explore the kinetics of HIV in patients who recently acquired HIV, those who start HIV treatment early, and those chronically infected with HIV so as to investigate novel means to minimise HIV hiding spots.
Implementation Of Highly Effective Therapy For Hepatitis C
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$569,219.00
Summary
Hepatitis C is a major public health issue in Australia, and globally, with escalating liver disease burden. Highly effective interferon-free HCV regimens will be available from 2016 and have the potential to provide one of the greatest advances in clinical medicine in recent decades. Development of implementation strategies for new HCV therapies, particularly for highly marginalised populations including people who inject drugs and prisoners, is crucial to provide broad public health impact.