Developing Novel Therapeutic Approaches To Treat Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,173,545.00
Summary
Progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to endstage is characterised by inflammation and fibrosis. No current treatment effectively halts CKD progression. We are using protective immune cells to treat CKD and have invented a genetically-engineered immune cell which uses damaging inflammatory signals to switch them into protective cells which reverse inflammation and fibrosis where they occur, to prevent progression of CKD and other diseases, such as those of heart, lung and liver.
Driving Change To Improve Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Kidney Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,050,000.00
Summary
The burden of kidney disease affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is devastating. Community members prioritise prevention of kidney disease, early detection and treatment to stop progression to dialysis. In remote areas, people requiring dialysis have to move away from their family and supports. This work will focus on innovative ways to address this disparity to improve care, treatment and services for Indigenous people living with kidney disease.
From Bench To Bedside: A New Treatment For Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,360,520.00
Summary
My research focuses on diseases of the upper airways, in particular chronic relapsing infections and inflammation of the nose and sinus mucosa and on improving wound healing after surgery. My research is translational, aimed at defining new treatments for these diseases. I have invented novel products that improve wound healing after surgery and instruments that help surgeons perform their surgeries in a better and safer way.
LIFESPAN-CHD – Leading Innovation By Finding And Eliminating Gaps In Research, SPecialist Care ANd Mental Health Services For People With CHD.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$462,644.00
Summary
Keeping patients and families engaged in congenital heart disease (CHD) care is vital for improving health outcomes for Australians living with CHD. This collaboration will position Australia at the forefront of CHD care and research by delivering healthcare innovations including a national CHD health services dataset, a digital health tool that maximises engagement in CHD care and new models of care co-designed with CHD patients and families to meet their cardiac and mental health needs.
Early Life Exposures And Chronic Disease: Mechanisms And Preventative Strategies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,714,215.00
Summary
The world is in the grips of an epidemic of chronic disease and exposure to pollution in early life is partly responsible. To change this situation we need to understand and mitigate the mechanisms linking early life pollution exposure to life-long disease risk. My research will provide direct evidence of how pollution increases disease risk and design and implement strategies to reduce this, with an emphasis on asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic respiratory disease.
Targeting Health System Change To Provide Better Care For People With Chronic Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,562,250.00
Summary
Chronic pain causes serious impacts to quality of life but the healthcare system is not well suited to managing the problem. This research addresses 3 barriers to evidence-based care. A new model that integrates clinical care with health coaching will be adapted for different settings. A training program to help clinicians incorporate research into their practice will be designed and evaluated. A pain education program aimed at empowering people in regional areas will be rolled-out and assessed.
Characterization And Targeting Of Precursor Exhausted T Cells (TPEX) For The Treatment Of Chronic Infection And Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$606,009.00
Summary
The recent discovery of precursor exhausted CD8 T cells (TPEX) has not only allowed us to conceptualize our understanding of how chronic T cell responses are maintained over long periods of time, but also resulted in a new understanding of the mechanisms underpinning checkpoint inhibition. I will undertake critical characterization of these TPEX in chronic viral infections with the goal to reveal phenotypic and functional properties, which will serve as potential novel targets for immunotherapy.
Optimising Patient & Health System Outcomes In Chronic Respiratory Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,613,220.00
Summary
In Australia, lung disease is a more common cause of preventable hospital admission than any other chronic disease. Non-drug treatments are recommended to reduce hospital stays, but they are under-used and under-researched. This research program will optimise non-drug treatments for people with chronic lung disease, focusing on rehabilitation, oxygen therapy and self-management. This research will improve access to effective care, enhance patient wellbeing and reduce health system costs.