A Novel Mesenchymal Stromal Cell And Biomaterial For Corneal Reconstruction
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,611.00
Summary
Our research group has identified a new cell type (L-MSC) with the potential to treat a variety of eye diseases. We have also developed a novel material from a protein found in silk, that has potential as a vehicle for delivering healthy cells into diseased eyes. The present project will build upon these promising results by evaluating the properties of L-MSC necessary for clinical use and by testing the feasibility of our new cell delivery system.
Cultivated Corneal Endothelial Cell Implants For Restoring Vision
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$886,032.00
Summary
Thousands of Australians each year receive a corneal tissue transplant from the eyes of a deceased organ donor. In the majority of cases these transplants are performed to restore structure and function to the most posterior layer of the cornea – the corneal endothelium. The reliance upon donor tissue, however, presents significant logistical and safety issues. Our goal is therefore to develop improved strategies for treating diseases of the corneal endothelium using cultivated tissue implants.
Development Of A Novel Bioengineered Tissue Construct For Repairing The Eye.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,817.00
Summary
Corneal diseases are often treated using donor tissue transplants. Nevertheless, donor tissue is unsuitable for treating the peripheral or limbal margin of the cornea. We have therefore developed a way to transplant sheets of limbal tissue (epithelium) grown in the laboratory from a patient's own cells, but this tissue lacks a foundation of connective tissue that we believe is essential for sustained healing. Thus, our aim is to develop a novel limbal transplant which contains both layers.
A Pragmatic Randomised Clinical Trial Of Nicotine Vaporisers Added To Smoking Cessation Treatment For Priority Populations Living With Comorbidities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,499,145.00
Summary
Smoking is a leading cause of early death for people with certain health conditions because they are more likely to smoke and are also at greater risk of tobacco-related disease. This clinical trial will test whether encouraging people living with Hepatitis C Virus, people on opiate substitution therapy and people living with HIV who smoke to use nicotine vaporisers long-term, in addition to current smoking cessation treatments, will help them to stay abstinent from smoking.