Establishing The Capacity For H5N1 Challenge Of Ferrets Within Australia &optimizing Pandemic Vaccines In This Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,513.00
Summary
Australia is currently in the process of manufacturing vaccines for use in people against strains of avian influenza viruses circulating in South East Asia as part of a national preparedness program for an influenza pandemic. These particular avian flu viruses are capable of causing severe disease and death in humans as well as birds, although at present they are not highly transmissible between people. Should the avian influenza viruses mutate to gain this capability, it will be necessary to in ....Australia is currently in the process of manufacturing vaccines for use in people against strains of avian influenza viruses circulating in South East Asia as part of a national preparedness program for an influenza pandemic. These particular avian flu viruses are capable of causing severe disease and death in humans as well as birds, although at present they are not highly transmissible between people. Should the avian influenza viruses mutate to gain this capability, it will be necessary to institute widespread vaccination of the Australian population. It is not possible to test the vaccines in people for their effectiveness against avian influenza infection prior to a disease outbreak, so an animal model for the disease will be used to assist in optimizing the formulation of flu vaccines and in testing their efficacy in preventing infection or reducing the severity of disease. Ferrets are natural hosts for flu viruses, have similar responses to vaccination as people, and develop a similar disease to humans when infected with influenza. These animals will be used to assist vaccine manufacturers in providing the best type of vaccine for protection of Australians in the face of a global flu pandemic.Read moreRead less
Determination Of The Efficacy And Resistance Profile Of A Long Acting Neuraminidase Inhibitor Against Several Avian Infl
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$91,350.00
Summary
Recent events have again highlighted influenza�s potential to cause a worldwide pandemic or be used as an agent of biowarfare. As of August 2005, the highly pathogenic Avian Flu sweeping through Asia has infected 112 people, killing 57. Over 150 million chickens have been slaughtered in an attempt to stop its spread, but with infection documented in migratory birds, containment may be difficult if not impossible. Experts believe that it is only a matter of time before the Avian Flu virus is capa ....Recent events have again highlighted influenza�s potential to cause a worldwide pandemic or be used as an agent of biowarfare. As of August 2005, the highly pathogenic Avian Flu sweeping through Asia has infected 112 people, killing 57. Over 150 million chickens have been slaughtered in an attempt to stop its spread, but with infection documented in migratory birds, containment may be difficult if not impossible. Experts believe that it is only a matter of time before the Avian Flu virus is capable of human to human transmission which could result in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Should a pandemic arise, either through purposely-engineered or natural processes such as avian influenza, effective vaccines are unlikely to be available for at least 3-6 months. In such an event, treatment of infection and prevention of spread through post-exposure prophylaxis would be optimal, while pre-exposure prophylaxis would be most suited to key personnel such as army, medical and emergency-response staff. Biota is a world leading antiviral drug discovery company based in Melbourne, Australia with key expertise in viral respiratory diseases, particularly influenza. Biota developed the first in class neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI) drug, zanamivir (Relenza) and through a partnership with Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) brought it to market. Biota also developed the FluOIA� for the rapid detection of Influenza A and B. Work has been underway at Biota for some time to develop a new generation of influenza drugs designed to be more active and longer acting than the first generation products. These long acting neuraminidase inhibitors (LANI) have the benefit of less frequent administration and a lower treatment dose making them an ideal choice for stockpiling. The proposed project aims to test the antiviral activity of LANI compound against the H5N1 influenza. The results of which could assist in a decision to fast track the clinical development of the compound with the aim of adding to the national stock pile of antivirals, thus helping Australia to prevent, prepare for and respond to a potential avian influenza-induced pandemic.Read moreRead less
Genetic And Environmental Factors And Early Lung Problems Can Be Related To Allergy And Poor Lung Development In Preschool Age Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$122,032.00
Summary
This important new collaboration between the Murdoch ChildrenÍs Research Institute and Barwon Health explores the impact of early lung development on longer term respiratory health. It utilises a newly validated, accurate and safe technique to measure lung function in young babies and children. Data on environmental factors and lung function will help us explore the risk factors for the development of allergy, asthma and lung infections in early life.
Development Of An Effective Therapy For Cheyne-Stokes Breathing In Heart Failure.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$604,030.00
Summary
During sleep, patients with heart failure often exhibit a cyclic pattern of breathing in which a period of regular breathing alternates with a period when breathing ceases. This breathing pattern is associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life but to date no effective treatment for it exists. We have developed a method to calculate an exact level of carbon dioxide to stabilise breathing in each individual, offering the prospect of a better night’s sleep and a longer life.
Targeting Cystic Fibrosis Using A Novel Inhalation Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,545.00
Summary
Currently treatments for cystic fibrosis infection are via oral, intravenous or lengthy inhalation processes. This can lead to significant side effects, consequent poor patient compliance, and limited therapeutic efficacy. We will develop and test a novel high-dose inhalation dry power device containing an antibiotics for the rapid treatment of infection in cystic fibrosis therapy.
First-in-human Evaluation Of A Novel Immunobiotic To Prevent Respiratory Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,180,080.00
Summary
Respiratory infections are a leading cause of death and illness throughout the world. We have discovered a 'friendly' bacteria that can be applied up the nose to prevent ear infections and the 'flu in mice. We will now test this novel therapy in humans to check it is safe and that it stimulates the human immune system in the same way that it does in mice. This will provide essential information to conduct clinical trials, with the aim to produce a medicine that prevents respiratory infections.
Breathe Well: A Centre For Research Excellence In Chronic Respiratory Diseases And Lung Ageing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,527,082.00
Summary
Our CRE is based on common respiratory conditions covering wide spectrum of ages and severity. We will investigate how to maintain optimal respiratory health, through innovative approaches to early detection, improved therapy and adherence. We have a strong multi-disciplinary team of collaborators and we will build capacity through post-doctoral fellowships to improve our structural balance and optimise translational outputs. Tasmania is an ideal community to host a strong CCRE.
Non-invasive Methods Of Measuring Work Of Breathing In Children
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$41,267.00
Summary
Sleep-disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnoea, is currently diagnosed if a child stops breathing more than once per hour. For children with asthma or cystic fibrosis, who may not stop breathing during the night, how hard their breathing muscles work can have a significant impact on their health. A non-invasive method of measuring respiratory effort, and incorporating this measurement into how sleep-disordered breathing is diagnosed, can revolutionize how sleep-disordered breathing ....Sleep-disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnoea, is currently diagnosed if a child stops breathing more than once per hour. For children with asthma or cystic fibrosis, who may not stop breathing during the night, how hard their breathing muscles work can have a significant impact on their health. A non-invasive method of measuring respiratory effort, and incorporating this measurement into how sleep-disordered breathing is diagnosed, can revolutionize how sleep-disordered breathing in children are managed world-wide.Read moreRead less
I am a respiratory physician studying mechanisms of respiratory allergy and host defence against respiratory viruses. My research aims to develop new ways of treating airway inflammation in asthma and COPD.
Inhibition Of IFN-?/? By Human Metapneumovirus And The Induction Of Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$605,251.00
Summary
The newly isolated human metapneumovirus (hMPV) causes significant respiratory illness in infants, young children and the elderly. The virus can persist long-term and may predispose individuals to chronic lung disease. This proposal aims to determine the mechanisms by which hMPV infection causes respiratory disease, with a view to improving treatments and preventing disease.