Ketamine Therapy Among Patients With Treatment-resistant Depression: A Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,069,382.00
Summary
In the last decade, there have been reports of powerful antidepressant effects after a single injection of anaesthetic ketamine, with dramatic (though shortlasting) effects within 24 hours. This will be the first controlled study to test whether a course of repeated ketamine treatments, given over 4 weeks, is effective and safe in treating depression.
Targeting PI3K-regulated Small Non-coding RNAs To Restore Cardiac Function
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$610,204.00
Summary
Heart failure affects approximately 2.4% of the adult population and over 11% of people over 80 years old. The majority of existing therapies slow, rather than reverse heart failure progression. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether regulating novel regulatory genes can enhance cardiac function in a setting of heart failure. Ultimately, technologies that target these genes may lead to innovative pharmacotherapies in the clinical management of heart failure.
Targeting Drug-Resistance In Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$649,048.00
Summary
Leukaemia is the most common type of cancer in children but resistance to therapy continues to be a significant problem. This project will investigate the biology of drug-resistance and relapse using a mouse model that replicates the human disease. We hope to identify novel therapeutic targets that can be used in combination with existing therapies to improve outcomes in this disease, particularly for patients that develop drug-resistance such as those at the time of relapse.
Mammalian chitinases and gene therapy: new weapons to combat fungal and insect attack in mammals. Plants combat fungal and insect attack by producing chitin degrading enzymes. Related, chitinolytic enzymes have been identified in mammals, but their functions are unclear. We found that chitinases from human macrophages inhibited fungal growth. We hypothesise that, like plants, mammalian chitinases are produced to fight chitin containing pathogens. We will transform cells with a chitotriosidase ge ....Mammalian chitinases and gene therapy: new weapons to combat fungal and insect attack in mammals. Plants combat fungal and insect attack by producing chitin degrading enzymes. Related, chitinolytic enzymes have been identified in mammals, but their functions are unclear. We found that chitinases from human macrophages inhibited fungal growth. We hypothesise that, like plants, mammalian chitinases are produced to fight chitin containing pathogens. We will transform cells with a chitotriosidase gene and encapsulate them, creating bioreactors secreting chitinases. Therapeutic effects will be tested by grafting bioreactors to mice inoculated with Aspergillus. The research is a new approach to fighting chitin containing pathogens, with potential applications from parasite infestations in livestock to fungal infections in humans.Read moreRead less
BioPolymer Fibres For Remodelling Mdx And Damaged Muscle
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,286.00
Summary
This project aims to generate new, smart polymers for use in re-building muscle that has degenerated due to disease and-or trauma damage. The merger of smart polymers with biologically based solutions and cells has great potential to improve outcomes of treatments of damaged muscle in diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy.
Planning for a better life under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This project aims to analyse and define the experiences and expectations of people with disability in rural and remote regions. People accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are required to complete a personalised service plan, however despite these reforms, people in rural and remote communities currently experience many challenges with the scheme. Using qualitative research methods, the project ....Planning for a better life under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This project aims to analyse and define the experiences and expectations of people with disability in rural and remote regions. People accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are required to complete a personalised service plan, however despite these reforms, people in rural and remote communities currently experience many challenges with the scheme. Using qualitative research methods, the project will investigate people’s experiences engaging with Local Area Coordinators and Planners under the Rural and Remote Strategy 2016-2019 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Strategy. The project will provide significant outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people with disability in rural and remote areas, disability service providers, and government and non-government policy makers.Read moreRead less
Remote Aboriginal families and carers of children with disabilities. The project intends to explore the challenges that Aboriginal families who have children with disabilities experience when living in remote communities. Living in a community with family supports is important for the wellbeing, health and spirituality of Aboriginal people in the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) lands. However, the NPY Women’s Council are concerned that this is a significant challenge for families ....Remote Aboriginal families and carers of children with disabilities. The project intends to explore the challenges that Aboriginal families who have children with disabilities experience when living in remote communities. Living in a community with family supports is important for the wellbeing, health and spirituality of Aboriginal people in the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) lands. However, the NPY Women’s Council are concerned that this is a significant challenge for families and carers of children with disabilities. Project results will be used to propose models for supporting children with disabilities and their families and caregivers to live good lives in their communities. The outcomes are expected to inform service redesign to allow Aboriginal people to fully benefit from the National Disability Insurance Scheme.Read moreRead less
Development of Acid Degradable Polymeric Nanoparticles for Intracellular and Tumour Site Selective Delivery of Drugs. There is an enormous need to develop effective anticancer drug delivery systems to reduce the social and economic impact of cancer. One of the most critical problems in tumour treatment is the lack of selective toxicity of anticancer drugs against tumour tissues. Our multidisciplinary team will aim to develop a novel polymer based system for tumour site-selective delivery of anti ....Development of Acid Degradable Polymeric Nanoparticles for Intracellular and Tumour Site Selective Delivery of Drugs. There is an enormous need to develop effective anticancer drug delivery systems to reduce the social and economic impact of cancer. One of the most critical problems in tumour treatment is the lack of selective toxicity of anticancer drugs against tumour tissues. Our multidisciplinary team will aim to develop a novel polymer based system for tumour site-selective delivery of anticancer drugs. Development of such advanced drug delivery systems will significantly enhance Australia`s power in biotechnology. Development and/or formation of strategies to improve the health quality of Australians, is an important anticipated outcome of this innovative project.Read moreRead less
Examination of the integration and diffusion of Aboriginal voices in public health collaboratives. Does the integration of Aboriginal voices in governance processes of public health collaboratives influence equity of access in service delivery? Improving access to services is a key priority in order to improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal people. However there is no rigorous scientific evidence base driving current integration reforms. This project will use innovative methodologies (mathematical, ....Examination of the integration and diffusion of Aboriginal voices in public health collaboratives. Does the integration of Aboriginal voices in governance processes of public health collaboratives influence equity of access in service delivery? Improving access to services is a key priority in order to improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal people. However there is no rigorous scientific evidence base driving current integration reforms. This project will use innovative methodologies (mathematical, visual, and vocal) which will lead to a performance indicator framework of the relationships between integration, collaboration, equity and access to services within a social model of health. This is a way to move from assessments of Aboriginal participation processes as 'bad, poor and no' to 'good, green and go'.Read moreRead less