Optimising The Therapeutic Efficacy Of Protein-based Drugs Against Lymph-resident Diseases
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$348,330.00
Summary
Effective treatments for lymphatic diseases (such as HIV and lymph-metastatic cancers) are limited by the lack of drug assess towards the lymphatic sites of disease progression. Improving the access of drugs into lymph therefore has the significant potential to improve the treatment of these illnesses. We will therefore explore a novel approach to improving the lymphatic uptake and retention of protein-based drugs using a useful and widely used biologically compatible polymer.
The Mechanism Of Ccbe1 Function During Lymphangiogenesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$502,437.00
Summary
Tumours induce the regional growth of lymphatic vessels (in a process termed lymphangiogenesis) and then spread (a process termed metastasis) via lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. Inhibiting lymphangiogenesis can inhibit metastasis. We have identified a gene called ccbe1 that is essential for lymphangiogenesis during development. We aim to understand how this potential therapeutic target functions at the molecular level during lymphangiogenesis.
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).
The Role Of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) In The Pathogenesis Of Lymphatic Malformations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$87,198.00
Summary
Lymphatic malformations or cystic hygomas are growths of abnormal blood vessels called 'lymphatic vessels'. They are present at birth, commonly affect the head and neck, and can cause lifelong problems due to growth in size and frequent infections. Surgical treatment does not offer a cure, and problems often persist lifelong. The finding that blood clots are continuously forming and breaking down in these growths may provide a clue to relieving symptoms and understanding the cause of this condit ....Lymphatic malformations or cystic hygomas are growths of abnormal blood vessels called 'lymphatic vessels'. They are present at birth, commonly affect the head and neck, and can cause lifelong problems due to growth in size and frequent infections. Surgical treatment does not offer a cure, and problems often persist lifelong. The finding that blood clots are continuously forming and breaking down in these growths may provide a clue to relieving symptoms and understanding the cause of this condition.Read moreRead less
Understanding The Mechanisms Of Nanomedicine Absorption From The Lungs And The Application Of This Knowledge To Improving The Delivery Of Chemotherapeutic Nanomedicines Towards Primary And Secondary Lung Cancers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
The administration of chemotherapeutic 'nanomedicines' via the lungs has the capacity to improve the specific delivery of toxic anti-cancer drugs specifically towards primary and metastatic lung cancers. This project aims to evaluate how nanomedicines are absorbed from the lungs after an inhaled dose, and how they can be best developed as inhaled chemotherapeutics for the treatment of lung cancers.
Childhood Lymphatic Malformations: The Mechanism Of Rapamycin In Controlling Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$456,579.00
Summary
Lymphatic malformations (also known as cystic hygromas or lymphangiomas) cause deformity and pain which can last lifelong. Current treatments help but do not fix all the symptoms. Rapamycin, a drug used for many years in children and adults with kidney transplants, may be useful for treating children with lymphatic malformations. We aim to understand how the drug works on the cells of lymphatic malformations in culture and in an animal model, to develop new and more effective treatments.
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.
A Biomimetic Prodrug Platform To Enable Oral Bioavailability And Target Lymphatic Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
This project will allow the advance of a unique translational technology platform that provides novel drug delivery solutions. The project aims to establish the potential for a drug delivery strategy to increase the efficacy, reduce the toxicity, and transform the impact of drug therapies for a variety of conditions, including pain, hormone dysregulation, and metabolic syndrome.