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
Optimising Prevention And Vaccination Policy For Pneumococcal Disease, Influenza And RSV In Indigenous Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$174,933.00
Summary
Despite recommending pneumococcal vaccine in the Northern Territory since 2000 for Indigenous Australians from 15 years of age, and increasing vaccination coverage, a corresponding reduction in disease has not been observed. This study will provide an evidence base for future vaccination policy by examining whether there is an adequate immune response to pneumococcal vaccination in Indigenous Australians, and whether prior vaccination could reduce the immune response to revaccination.
The Immunogenicity Of 7-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine In Sick Elderly People For Whom Vaccine Is Not Registered
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$443,800.00
Summary
The bacteria pneumococcus (also known as streptococcus pneumoniae) is the most common cause of pneumonia in the community, and a major cause of illness and death in the elderly. Rates of antibiotic resistance are also increasing. The pneumococcus is a complex bacteria, with over 80 known serotypes. Most human disease in Australia is caused by 23 of these serotypes. Australia has an ageing population. The health and wellbeing of the elderly has been identified as a national priority. Vaccination ....The bacteria pneumococcus (also known as streptococcus pneumoniae) is the most common cause of pneumonia in the community, and a major cause of illness and death in the elderly. Rates of antibiotic resistance are also increasing. The pneumococcus is a complex bacteria, with over 80 known serotypes. Most human disease in Australia is caused by 23 of these serotypes. Australia has an ageing population. The health and wellbeing of the elderly has been identified as a national priority. Vaccination and prevention of serious infections, a common cause of illness in the elderly, is an achievable public health goal. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia recommends that adults aged 65 years and over should be immunised with 23-valent polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccine (PPV). PPV has been available long term in Australia, but the dilemma associated with its use is that it is least effective in those at greatest risk of pneumococcal disease and its complications, the sick elderly population. A new 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-7) has been available since the end of 2000, but is currently indicated only for children, because it has never been tested in adults. This vaccine uses different technology, and is conjugated to a protein to make it more effective. Clinicals trials of PCV7 have largely been limited to children aged 0-4 years, and have shown it protects 93.9% of children under 2 years of age against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Our study aims to look at the efficacy of this new vaccine, currently only registered for children, in the sub-group of the population who are at highest risk for pneumococcal disease - hospitalised elderly. We will vaccinate hospitalised elderly people with PCV or PPV and compare their immune response to the two different vaccines. If PCV is more effective than PPV, this has implications for the development and use of conjuagated pneumococcal vaccines for adults.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.
This study will examine cellular immunity to the avian H5 influenza in people who have been previously infected with the currently circulating strains of H1 and H3 influenza, or in those who have been recently vaccinated with current influenza vaccines. This will give us an idea if there is any cross reactive immunity that may assist in developing immunity to pandemic strains of avian influenza, or may provide help in making antibody responses sooner to avian influenza vaccines once they are dev ....This study will examine cellular immunity to the avian H5 influenza in people who have been previously infected with the currently circulating strains of H1 and H3 influenza, or in those who have been recently vaccinated with current influenza vaccines. This will give us an idea if there is any cross reactive immunity that may assist in developing immunity to pandemic strains of avian influenza, or may provide help in making antibody responses sooner to avian influenza vaccines once they are developed. We will also establish assays to determine how immunogenic some new avian influenza vaccines are in mice.Read moreRead less