Group A Streptococcal Human Challenge Study: Accelerating Vaccine Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,018,741.00
Summary
Infection with group A streptococcus (GAS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including in the Aboriginal population of Australia. Concerted efforts for vaccine development have been hampered by the absence of a suitable animal model. To address this critical knowledge gap we propose to develop a controlled human infection model of GAS infection. This model will provide a direct pathway for the future appraisal of novel GAS vaccines.
The Pharmacokinetic, Pharmacodynamic And Pharmacogenomic Outcomes Of Reduced Dosage Of Efavirenz: The Encore1 Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,234,943.00
Summary
Our primary aim is to assess blood concentrations of a drug called efavirenz, an important drug used in the treatment of HIV infection and associate these with variability of genes that control metabolism of the drug. A better understanding of gene variability and how it relates to safety and efficacy outcomes at a reduced, compared to a standard dose of efavirenz could support improved treatment of HIV disease.
Long Term Persistence Of HIV In The Liver And The Clinical Impact On HIV-HBV Co-infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,393,245.00
Summary
This grant will address a major question in HIV cure research - the role of the liver as an HIV reservoir and the impact of HIV persistence in HIV-infected patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) on liver disease, in the setting of HIV-HBV co-infection. We will trial a novel intervention to reduce HIV infection of the liver that could potentially reduce chronic liver disease in this setting.
Towards A Functional Cure For HBV: Exploiting Lessons From HBV-HIV Co-infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$913,551.00
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can be treated, but therapy is usually lifelong and has side effects, so a cure for HBV is very important. We work closely with colleagues in Asia where both HBV and HIV are common so this provides a unique opportunity to study HBV. We will investigate how an effective immune response against the 2 main HBV proteins is developed. If we can understand how the immune response works against HBV, this could be used to develop new therapies to develop a cure for HBV
Randomised Trial To Determine The Safety And Efficacy Of Early Vs Deferred Treatment Of HIV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,070,331.00
Summary
Treatments for HIV represent a miraculous achievement of medical research. Global use of antiretroviral drugs has prevented substantial morbidity and mortality. However, it is unclear if these drugs should be used in people who are HIV positive with early HIV disease but no clinical symptoms. The START trial will result in a precise estimate of the risk-benefit for earlier versus later use of these treatments. It will immediately affect treatment guidelines around the world and inform future res ....Treatments for HIV represent a miraculous achievement of medical research. Global use of antiretroviral drugs has prevented substantial morbidity and mortality. However, it is unclear if these drugs should be used in people who are HIV positive with early HIV disease but no clinical symptoms. The START trial will result in a precise estimate of the risk-benefit for earlier versus later use of these treatments. It will immediately affect treatment guidelines around the world and inform future research for many years to come.Read moreRead less
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.
A Randomised Trial To Compare Dolutegravir+darunavir/r Versus Recommended Standard Of Care Antiretroviral Regimens In Patients With HIV Infection Who Have Failed Recommended First Line Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,323,209.00
Summary
Public sector programs for provision of antiretroviral drugs in developing countries need regimens of therapy that are safe, effective and simple to administer. The evidence base to support first line therapy is strong. This contrasts with a relative paucity of evidence for second regimens of therapy once first line effectiveness has been lost. This trial will address that evidential deficit and support evidence-based recommendations for global health.
Identification And Quantification Of HIV Latency Biomarkers In The Central Nervous System
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$814,618.00
Summary
One major obstacle in curing HIV is the brain’s role as a potential reservoir of HIV infection. It is unknown if “reawakening” of HIV may lead to uncontrollable brain damage given that current antiretroviral drugs vary in their ability to treat brain infection. Not all patients have HIV brain infection so eradication therapies in themselves may be safe. We aim to identify and quantify biomarkers of HIV latency in the brain to stratify patients into these two cohorts.