Cellular And Molecular Mechanisms Of Transcutaneous Immunisation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$190,490.00
Summary
Vaccines are among the most effective medical interventions. The recent discovery that cholera toxin, when applied to the normal skin of humans and laboratory animals, stimulates powerful and protective immune responses to itself, and to other proteins has opened up the possibility of needle-free vaccines in the form of skin patches. How CT brings about this effect is currently unknown. We have discovered that the immune stimulating effect of CT depends upon the production of an immune protein ( ....Vaccines are among the most effective medical interventions. The recent discovery that cholera toxin, when applied to the normal skin of humans and laboratory animals, stimulates powerful and protective immune responses to itself, and to other proteins has opened up the possibility of needle-free vaccines in the form of skin patches. How CT brings about this effect is currently unknown. We have discovered that the immune stimulating effect of CT depends upon the production of an immune protein (cytokine) called tumour necrosis factor (TNF). TNF is known to activate specialised immune cells within the skin (Langerhan's Cells ) and we hypothesise that the interaction beween CT and LC via TNF is the pathway to the potent immune response. In this project we propose to investigate the cells and molecules involved in the immune effects of CT in the skin with a view to the development of new skin based vaccine strategies.Read moreRead less
Elastaderm: An Improved Human Skin Substitute For Treating Burns
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$326,316.00
Summary
We will focus on proof of concept needed for the commercialisation of improved dermal replacements designed to repair severe skin burns. These novel dermal replacements are a substantial development of and improvement beyond existing technology because they are intended to reduce wound contraction and increase elasticity.
Pre-clinical Evaluation Of Nano-membrane Dressings To Promote Wound Healing
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$188,600.00
Summary
This project will investigate whether a novel type of wound dressing can promote faster wound healing and reduce scarring. Time taken to heal is one of the best predictors of whether a wound will heal with significant scarring. The faster wounds heal the better. We have identified a new dressing with specific nano-scale pores that may promote faster healing. This dressing will be tested in the best model of human wound healing with the potential to progress to clinical trials if successful.
Development And Pre-clinical Evaluation Of A Novel Wound Dressing Treatment For Chronic Ulcers
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$125,040.00
Summary
Chronic leg ulcers are a common, painful and costly reality for many Australians, impacting on sufferers' mobility, social interactions and overall quality of life. This research is directed at developing a novel cost-effective wound dressing for treatment of this condition. This will be achieved through neutralising the ulcer's toxic proteolytic environment through an interactive wound dressing. This then will allow the body's own cells to promote wound healing.
Development Of Small Molecule IRAP Inhibitors For Treating Memory Deficits
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$369,898.00
Summary
We have identified a series of small molecule compounds based on their ability to inhibit the catalytic activity of a protein, IRAP using a computer model of IRAP to screen chemical libraries. This research proposal aims to investigate the properties of these compounds and their ability to treat Alzheimer's dementia. At the conclusion of this project, we will have 2 families of lead compounds suitable for development into a new class of therapeutic agents for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Development Of Small Molecule Inhibitors Of IRAP - Potential Use For The Treatment Of Memory Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,450.00
Summary
This research project provides proof of concept that IRAP is a suitable target for use in the development of a new class of clinically valuable cognitive-enhancing agents. We have recently Identified a family of small molecule compounds that inhibited the catalytic activity of the enzyme using a molecule model of IRAP to screen virtual libraries. This research proposal aims to validate that this family of compounds have memory-enhancing properties by acting specifically on IRAP. At the conclusio ....This research project provides proof of concept that IRAP is a suitable target for use in the development of a new class of clinically valuable cognitive-enhancing agents. We have recently Identified a family of small molecule compounds that inhibited the catalytic activity of the enzyme using a molecule model of IRAP to screen virtual libraries. This research proposal aims to validate that this family of compounds have memory-enhancing properties by acting specifically on IRAP. At the conclusion of this project, we will have elucidated important information on the specificity of the memory effects and the structure activity relationship of this family of compounds. We will have identified and characterised a lead compound for development into a new class of cognitive enhancers.Read moreRead less
Novel Methods For Promoting Organ Development And Growth
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,203.00
Summary
A revolutionary new therapy for treatment of growth restricted fetuses and premature babies is being developed through the administration of Colony Stimulating Factor (CSF-1). We have evidence that CSF-1 therapy can promote kidneys and lungs to continue development and maturation after birth. This exciting new finding allows for the application of CSF-1 therapy for both the treatment of premature babies and unborn babies with kidney defects.
Dynamic In Vivo Size & Shape Measurement Of The Human Upper Airway Using Endoscopic Long-range Optical Coherence Tomogra
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$184,250.00
Summary
This project will fund the construction of a clinically deployable prototype device to measure changes in upper airway size and shape in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. We have recently developed and validated a technique based on endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT). Preliminary in vivo studies have been performed in the human upper airway and the results published. To our knowledge, this is the only such system world-wide capable of making these important measurements. The tec ....This project will fund the construction of a clinically deployable prototype device to measure changes in upper airway size and shape in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea. We have recently developed and validated a technique based on endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT). Preliminary in vivo studies have been performed in the human upper airway and the results published. To our knowledge, this is the only such system world-wide capable of making these important measurements. The technique has wide commercially applicability as it can be used to measure the internal dimensions of any hollow organ system.Read moreRead less
Use Of Snake Venom Prothrombin Activators In Blood Collection Tubes To Produce High Quality Serum To Improve Patient Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$284,706.00
Summary
The timely availability of high quality serum and plasma samples are of the utmost importance for accurate biochemical analysis in a clinical setting. This requirement is particularly true for patients on anti-clotting therapeutic agents such as warfarin and heparin. In this study we will employ potent prothrombin activators purified from snake venom to enhance the clotting efficiency of blood for serum preparation for biochemical analysis.