Targeting Polymyxin-resistant Gram-negative Superbugs: Development Of Novel Antimicrobial Lipopeptides
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$661,069.00
Summary
Prevalence of resistance to antibiotics among Gram-negative 'superbugs' is a major global medical challenge, which is highlighted by the Bad Bugs, No Drugs campaign of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. There are virtually no new antibiotics in the current drug development pipeline for these dangerous pathogens. In this project, novel lipopeptides will be designed, synthesised and evaluated against these 'superbugs'. Information obtained will be crucial for further drug development.
Exploring The Structure Activity Relationships Of Novel Trypsin Inhibitor SFTI-1 With Implications As Cancer Therapeutic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,312.00
Summary
A novel peptide isolated from sunflower seeds has recently been shown to interact with an enzyme implicated in the growth of cancers and in particular prostate cancer. The proposed research involves developing this peptide as a therapeutic by performing a thorough analysis of the important features involved in its exciting anti-cancer activity.
Studies Into Myeloperoxidase-Induced Cardiovascular Disease And Its Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$924,596.00
Summary
During cardiovascular disease an inflammatory protein called myeloperoxidase (MPO) becomes abnormally released into the circulating blood and is transported into diseased blood vessels. Our studies show for the first time that increasing circulating levels of MPO promotes both atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm. This project will study how MPO promotes inflammatory artery disease and test new drugs for their ability to inhibit this damaging protein and protect against cardiovascular disease.
Addressing Residual CV Risk In Diabetes: Focus On Lp(a) Metabolism
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$367,864.00
Summary
High postmeal lipid levels and fatty liver occurs commonly in Type 2 Diabetes and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to the standard risk factors of triglycerides and cholesterol, other factors, including a small protein called Lp(a) increase cardiovascular disease risk. Few therapies reduce Lp(a) and this study will examine the effect of niacin on reducing the concentration of this protein. A positive result may expand treatment choices for diabetics in red ....High postmeal lipid levels and fatty liver occurs commonly in Type 2 Diabetes and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to the standard risk factors of triglycerides and cholesterol, other factors, including a small protein called Lp(a) increase cardiovascular disease risk. Few therapies reduce Lp(a) and this study will examine the effect of niacin on reducing the concentration of this protein. A positive result may expand treatment choices for diabetics in reducing the risk of heart disease.Read moreRead less
Early Pharmacological Intervention In An Animal Model Of Schizophrenia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$438,857.00
Summary
The symptoms of schizophrenia do not appear until late adolescence/early adulthood. Some adolescents may be at “high risk” of progressing to clinical psychosis. There is now intense interest in using antipsychotic drugs (APDs) to delay symptoms in these patients. APD use in adolescents however is controversial. This project seeks to clarify the structural, neurochemical and functional implications of APD use in a well described animal model of schizophrenia, developmental vitamin D deficiency.
Ion Channel Dysfunction In The Pathophysiology Of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Diagnostic Biomarkers, Therapeutic Targets And Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,460,700.00
Summary
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is an illness affecting up to 240,000 Australians. The cause of ME/CFS is not known, and there are currently no diagnostic tests or effective treatments. Research suggests that ion channels that transfer calcium within cells are dysfunctional in ME/CFS. Our research will investigate ion channels and calcium transfer using immune cells to help develop biomarkers for the illness and discover better treatments for these patients.
Investigating The Effects Of Macrolides On Excessive Synthesis And Secretion Of Airway Mucins Using Novel Ex Vivo And In Vivo Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$520,821.00
Summary
Many people have difficulty breathing because the airway tubes that move air in and out of their lungs are blocked by excessive amounts of sticky mucus. Our project will use new techniques developed in our laboratories to investigate whether a group of medicines called “macrolides” can prevent the excessive production and release of mucus in the airways, and thus be beneficial in treating asthma, and potentially other lung diseases.
Randomised Controlled Trial Of Early Use Of A Simplified Treatment Regimen Incorporating A Half-dose, Three-in-one Blood Pressure Lowering Pill Vs. Usual Care For Improving Hypertension Control In India.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,095,201.00
Summary
Hypertension affects a large proportion of the Indian population. Effective medications exist to lower blood pressure (BP) and the adverse effects of hypertension. However, complex medication regimes and the need to take multiple drugs can affect patient adherence to drugs, making it difficult to achieve good BP control. This research will investigate whether use of a simplified treatment protocol including a three-in-one BP lowering pill can improve BP control in Indians with hypertension.
A Double Blind Placebo Randomised Controlled Trial Of Sativex In The Management Of Cannabis Withdrawal
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$245,626.00
Summary
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia with an estimated 300,000 individuals with cannabis use disorder in Australia. Treatment presentations for cannabis have more than doubled over the last 10 years, yet there is still no medication to help with withdrawal. This proposal will test pure active ingredients in cannabis in a preparation sprayed in the mouth, to wean individuals from cannabis. This will assist them to complete cannabis withdrawal.