The project aims to improve cochlear implant performance via integrated gene therapy. A neurotrophin gene cassette will be delivered to cells adjacent to the electrode array using electrical pulses. This drives regeneration of the auditory nerve fibres and considerably improves cochlear implant performance. This study will optimize the therapeutic gene construct and cochlear implant –based gene delivery controller, and undertake an initial clinical trial to evaluate safety and efficacy.
We have discovered a single tumour factor which causes cancer cachexia, a wasting condition that is one of the worst complications of malignancy, for which there is no current effective treatment. We have developed antibodies which effectively block this condition in preclinical models and have produced human/humanised version of this. This application is to characterise these human antibodies to allow us proceed to clinical trials.
Anticalins: Inhalable Biologicals For Severe Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$577,933.00
Summary
This grant aims to develop a new class of medicines called 'anticalins'. Anticalins behave like a successful class of medicines called monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). MAbs are too fragile and large to be inhaled to treat lung disease but anticalins are small and robust. We will be developing an anticalin (PRS-060) which blocks damaging immune reactions in severe asthma. By inhaling PRS-060 we hope to make a new and clinically useful medicine for a common form of poorly-controlled severe asthma.
Monoclonal antibodies, such as the cancer therapeutic Pembrolizumab, have revolutionised the treatment of cancer and many inflammatory conditions. With over $100 billion in sales in 2018, they also underpin a growing biotech industry. We have developed a highly specific, high affinity therapeutic antibody candidate, and demonstrated efficacy in animal models of malignancy. This project will advance and develop this monoclonal, allowing us to initiate clinical studies in patients.
Development Of A Modified Gp130 Ligand To Treat Obesity-induced Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,533.00
Summary
IC7 is a mixture of two naturally occurring proteins, CNTF and IL-6. These gp130 receptor ligands have been shown to have positive metabolic effects in humans, but individually they are not suitable for therapeutic use. IC7, the novel molecule this technology is based upon, is a combination of CNTF and IL-6 in a specific design to avoid the negative effects. Preliminary results suggest that IC7 has positive metabolic effects but further development is required to increase its effectiveness in tr ....IC7 is a mixture of two naturally occurring proteins, CNTF and IL-6. These gp130 receptor ligands have been shown to have positive metabolic effects in humans, but individually they are not suitable for therapeutic use. IC7, the novel molecule this technology is based upon, is a combination of CNTF and IL-6 in a specific design to avoid the negative effects. Preliminary results suggest that IC7 has positive metabolic effects but further development is required to increase its effectiveness in treating insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.Read moreRead less
Needle Free Delivery Of Dengue And Zika Vaccines To The Skin
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$642,792.00
Summary
There is no Zika vaccine and only one licensed dengue vaccine, which is age and region restricted because of poor efficacy. We have developed safe subunit vaccine candidates capable of inducing potent virus neutralizing antibodies and demonstrated protection from lethal dengue challenge in a mouse model. Here we are partnering with Vaxxas to undertake preclinical development and GLP toxicity trials for microarray patches delivering dengue and zika virus subunit vaccines.
Stability Engineering Of Human Antibody Therapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,104.00
Summary
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are among the fastest growing class of drugs with more than $30 billion sales in 2011. Unfortunately, antibodies often display limited stability and a tendency to aggregate. This greatly hinders their development and results in high failure rates of otherwise promising candidates. We have recently identified mutations that render human antibodies resistant to aggregation. Here we apply this technology to a monoclonal antibody candidate developed by a leading pha ....Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are among the fastest growing class of drugs with more than $30 billion sales in 2011. Unfortunately, antibodies often display limited stability and a tendency to aggregate. This greatly hinders their development and results in high failure rates of otherwise promising candidates. We have recently identified mutations that render human antibodies resistant to aggregation. Here we apply this technology to a monoclonal antibody candidate developed by a leading pharmaceutical company.Read moreRead less
Pancreatic Targeting Of IL-22 Therapy For Diabetes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$484,644.00
Summary
Type 2 diabetes is one of the largest problems facing health care and presents an enormous therapeutic market. Our approach with IL-22 fights the disease at the core of the problem in the pancreatic ?-cells that make insulin. Our patent focuses on targeting IL-22 to the ?-cells which promises to maximise therapeutic benefits while minimising potential adverse effects in other tissues. Independently, and in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, we are making prototype drugs to achieve this.