Sugars and non-caloric sweeteners are detected in the gut via a common sensor, which may control sugar uptake into the blood. We showed this sensor was defective in type 2 diabetic patients, which could worsen their disease. We will test if high intake of non-caloric sweeteners worsens gut control of blood glucose in healthy volunteers, and if a blocker of this sensor improves control in patients. Deep testing of this sensor will then be used to identify new drugs for managing type 2 diabetes.
Advanced Imaging To Define Hepatic & Intestinal Drug Disposition In Aging & Liver Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$762,123.00
Summary
Aged people and liver disease patients have impaired drug absorption and elimination functions. Their response to drugs varies widely when given drug dosage regimens recommended for normal patients. This project will explore the possibility of using in vivo imaging techniques to define the gut and liver function and their response to administered drugs. This grant will help the selection of appropriate drugs and doses for aged people and patients with liver diseases, i.e. personalised medicine.
Integrating Drug Delivery Principles Into Drug Design To Transform The Treatment Of Immune Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,635.00
Summary
Immune system disorders (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, transplant rejection, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis) are often treated with immunosuppresant drugs. However, immunosuppressant drugs can cause significant toxicity and can lack efficacy. This proposal will show how the design of drugs used to treat immune disorders can be changed to allow drugs to be delivered specifically to their site of action (immune cells) thereby enhancing activity and reducing toxicity.
Snakebite is a worldwide health problem, causing some 100,000 deaths per year. We have preliminary evidence that application of nitric oxide-releasing chemical to the skin presents a novel approach to first aid treatment of venomous bites. The method has the advantage of being simple and reliable and could save lives applied by itself or as an adjunct to pressure bandaging with immobilisation (PBI).
Novel Cellular Trafficking Mechanisms For The Drug Influx Transporter, Human Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1A2 (OATP1A2)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$337,614.00
Summary
Human organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) are membrane proteins that regulate the cellular uptake of endogenous and exogenous substances including anti-cancer drugs. OATPs strongly determine whether such drugs enter the tissues where they are required to exert their effects. This project will study novel mechanisms that we have recently identified that determine the orientation of transporters in the cells. These processes can be impaired by a common pharmacogenetic variant in indivi ....Human organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) are membrane proteins that regulate the cellular uptake of endogenous and exogenous substances including anti-cancer drugs. OATPs strongly determine whether such drugs enter the tissues where they are required to exert their effects. This project will study novel mechanisms that we have recently identified that determine the orientation of transporters in the cells. These processes can be impaired by a common pharmacogenetic variant in individuals.Read moreRead less
Protein Absorption And Kinetics In Critical Illness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,233,268.00
Summary
This experienced & productive group plan to perform a number of interrelated studies in patients with critical illness the aim of which will be to ascertain protein absorption & kinetics, & the relationship between protein intake & muscle physiology. The goal is to lay the groundwork for an understanding of protein in the nutritional support of these patients which will help us to later establish the optimum amount & type of protein to improve muscle strength, functional outcomes & survival.
A Nanostructured Drug Delivery Approach For Improved Colorectal Cancer Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,072.00
Summary
Based on nanotechnology a new medicine will be developed for chemotherapy drugs. Drugs that are currently only delivered by injection will be able to be taken as an orally dosed tablet. A novel therapy for colorectal cancer will be advanced with potential improved clinical outcomes and reduced side-effects, e.g. nausea and diarrhoea. Cancer patients will no longer need to visit the hospital for injection therapy and therefore reducing the burden on the health service.
Drug Targeting To Sites Of Lymph-adipose Interaction To Transform The Treatment Of Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$515,172.00
Summary
Insulin resistance (IR) underpins the development of inadequately treated heart and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Recently we demonstrated that high fat diets promote increased leakage of fluid from lymph vessels to abdominal fat, and that increased access of lymph fluid to fat stimulates fat expansion and changes in fat function that promote IR. This project seeks to optimise novel drug delivery strategies that target lymph and fat and more effectively treat IR.
Generation Of Human Intestinal Stem Cells By Direct Reprogramming
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$630,391.00
Summary
Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) can give rise to mini guts in vitro with exciting applications for drug screening and cell based regenerative medicine. However, currently the establishment of mini gut cultures requires an invasive procedure. By taking advantage of a revolutionary new predictive algorithm (Mogrify) we will generate ISC directly from somatic and pluripotent cell sources.
Optimising Nutrient Delivery And Absorption In Critically Ill Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,715.00
Summary
Patients surviving ICU are frequently discharged malnourished. Adequate nutrition is essential for optimal outcomes. It is considered best practice to administer nutrition as a liquid formula via a tube passed through the nose into the stomach, however this is frequently limited by impaired gastrointestinal function. We aim to develop more effective strategies for the provision of nutrition to improve nutritional and thereby clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.