This research will advance the development of a novel vaccine strategy based on duck hepatitis B virus-like particles (VLPs). These VLPs can be engineered to contain parts of other viruses such as Hepatitis C, HIV or Measles, and have been shown to produce strong antibody responses in mice. Detailed information on the cellular and antibody responses to these VLP vaccines will be aligned with GLP processes to support future clinical trials in man, providing support for the development of urgently ....This research will advance the development of a novel vaccine strategy based on duck hepatitis B virus-like particles (VLPs). These VLPs can be engineered to contain parts of other viruses such as Hepatitis C, HIV or Measles, and have been shown to produce strong antibody responses in mice. Detailed information on the cellular and antibody responses to these VLP vaccines will be aligned with GLP processes to support future clinical trials in man, providing support for the development of urgently needed vaccines against a range of infectious diseases.Read moreRead less
Neuropathic Pain Drugs Based On The Endogenous Opioid Peptide Endomorphin 1.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$209,470.00
Summary
We have developed a new pain drug based on the natural pain killing opioid peptide, Endomorhin 1. The new drug exhibits activity similar to morphine and gabapentin against neuropathic pain in animals but seems to act through a different mechanism. We will complete our preclinical investigation of this compound by assessing its side effect profile and tolerence inducing properties in animals. We will also continue our development of an orally active analogue of this important peptide.
Identification And Characterisation Of Amplified Oncogenes In Liposarcoma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,293.00
Summary
Liposarcoma is the commonest single subtype of sarcomas, a group of cancers that disproportionately affects the young. The overall mortality for liposarcomas is approximately 50%. Chemotherapy may temporarily controlling disease in under a third of patients, but is toxic and cannot achieve cure. We have identified new potential therapeutic targets, and aim to develop these in the clinic.
Antitumour Efficacy Of TRAIL: An Immunotherapeutic Approach For The Treatment Of Skeletal Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,034.00
Summary
The most serious clinical problem with patients with solid tumours is metastasis to bone, which leads to complications that can cause erosion of the patient's quality of life, and eventually death. TRAIL is a new cancer therapeutic that selectively kills cancer cells while sparing normal cells. The use of TRAIL agonistic antibodies that do not bind OPG and have increased serum half life offers an exciting approach for the treatment of skeletal malignancies that is non toxic and safe.
A Study Addressing Motor, Cognitive And Attentional Deficits In Presymptomatic Gene Carriers For Huntington's Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$180,330.00
Summary
Since the discovery of the Huntington's disease (HD) gene mutation there has been much controversy in the literature relating to whether there are any preclinical deficits in individuals who are gene positive for HD but who have not yet been clinically diagnosed with the disease. Our aim is to examine, over a three year period, the cognitive, attentional and motor performance of presymptomatic gene-positive, and negative, individuals on a wide variety of computerized experimental procedures, whi ....Since the discovery of the Huntington's disease (HD) gene mutation there has been much controversy in the literature relating to whether there are any preclinical deficits in individuals who are gene positive for HD but who have not yet been clinically diagnosed with the disease. Our aim is to examine, over a three year period, the cognitive, attentional and motor performance of presymptomatic gene-positive, and negative, individuals on a wide variety of computerized experimental procedures, which we have previously shown to be sensitive to deficits in individuals who have already been diagnosed with HD. If progressive behavioural changes in gene-positive individuals can be reliably documented to occur before the clinical symptoms of HD are evident, this would be of profound significance as it would allow a set of criteria to be established to assist in early detection of clinical onset of symptoms, and possibly permit use of newly-emerging therapies.Read moreRead less
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDIs) With Antineoplastic And Antiosteolytic Properties
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,333.00
Summary
Metastatic bone disease is very common in patients with many forms of solid tumours. Our approach to use Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors (HDIs), to target bone metastases offers an exciting therapeutic potential. Treatment with HDIs will have the potential to suppress cancer-induced bone destruction by integrating the cytotoxic and osteotropic properties that reside within the same compound. Our preclinical data will facilitate the translation of HDIs to clinical trials for bone cancer.