Characterisation Of Autoreactive T Cells In Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria Would Improve Its Diagnosis And Treatment.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$97,182.00
Summary
Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a disease in which itchy hives recur due to no apparent trigger. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts against certain cells in the skin, called mast cells and basophils. It is unclear how this occurs. Once activated, mast cells and basophils release a chemical called histamine, which is responsible for the rash. I aim to identify the immune reactions that occur in CIU, develop reliable tests for diagnosis and improve treatment of CIU ....Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a disease in which itchy hives recur due to no apparent trigger. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts against certain cells in the skin, called mast cells and basophils. It is unclear how this occurs. Once activated, mast cells and basophils release a chemical called histamine, which is responsible for the rash. I aim to identify the immune reactions that occur in CIU, develop reliable tests for diagnosis and improve treatment of CIU.Read moreRead less
A portable device that can measure glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the home will be developed. HbA1c is an important biomarker of the average blood glucose levels over the preceding three months and hence guides a diabetic regarding their blood glucose treatment regime. A 1% decrease in HbA1c levels is associated with a dramatic decrease in chronic health complications from diabetes. The HbA1c meter that will be developed will be able to operate with existing glucose meter technologies.
Development Of An Anti-GM-CSF Antibody For Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$283,000.00
Summary
The aim of this project is to develop assays for the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of an anti-GMCSF neutralizing antibody in a Australian first-in-man clinical trial in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This chimeric antibody has been developed by the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne Branch, in conjunction with KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., USA. It is intended to use the assays developed in this project to facilitate commercial development of this antibody, ....The aim of this project is to develop assays for the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of an anti-GMCSF neutralizing antibody in a Australian first-in-man clinical trial in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This chimeric antibody has been developed by the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne Branch, in conjunction with KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., USA. It is intended to use the assays developed in this project to facilitate commercial development of this antibody, and result in the development of an improved treatment for this devastating disease.Read moreRead less
Rapid, Point Of Care Diagnostic Tests To Differentiate HA Subtypes In Patients Samples
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$168,293.00
Summary
A number of rapid, point-of-care tests are available for the detection of human and avian influenza types, but they vary greatly in sensitivity. In particular, these tests are based on current strains of H5 (avian) influenza, and may be unable to detect variant or pandemic strains, and negative results can give the false impression that patients do not have H5 influenza. We will develop rapid, point-of-care tests based on highly conserved parts of the virus, so that all H5 strains (current and f ....A number of rapid, point-of-care tests are available for the detection of human and avian influenza types, but they vary greatly in sensitivity. In particular, these tests are based on current strains of H5 (avian) influenza, and may be unable to detect variant or pandemic strains, and negative results can give the false impression that patients do not have H5 influenza. We will develop rapid, point-of-care tests based on highly conserved parts of the virus, so that all H5 strains (current and future) can be detected with equal sensitivity, along with the H1 and H3 strains that are currently found in man to provide a definitive diagnosis. These tests will be valuable in the identification and differentiation of pandemic influenza cases, allowing better use of public health resources, especially against a background of continuing standard (H1 and H3) influenza infections.Read moreRead less
A Stable Protein:DNA Complex For Development Of Ultrasensitive Diagnostics In Multiplex Format
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$521,961.00
Summary
A new technology platform will be developed to carry out diagnostic tests in a multiplex format with increased sensitivity and precision. We recently discovered a very strong interaction between a protein and a particular fragment of DNA. This interaction can be tuned to enable its use for the simultaneous detection of different disease markers in a single assay. This will improve the time and space needed to perform diagnostic tests in laboratories.
Prof McEvoy a respiratory physician researching the causes and consequences of sleep breathing disorders. He has a particular research interest in the link between sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease and in increasing access to care for sleep apnea sufferers through the development of new, simplified methods of diagnosis and management.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE100100121
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,000,000.00
Summary
An analytical transmission electron microscope for the investigation of functional materials, earth processes and novel condensed matter. Sustainablity depends on the delivery of clean energy, pristine water and air, and the manufacture of consumer products with small environmental footprints. Modelling long-term impacts requires an understanding of the hydro-geological cycles. The technologies are well known—efficient electronics, fuel cells, lightweight composites, and so on—but delivery is ....An analytical transmission electron microscope for the investigation of functional materials, earth processes and novel condensed matter. Sustainablity depends on the delivery of clean energy, pristine water and air, and the manufacture of consumer products with small environmental footprints. Modelling long-term impacts requires an understanding of the hydro-geological cycles. The technologies are well known—efficient electronics, fuel cells, lightweight composites, and so on—but delivery is not straightforward. It is clear, however, that novel materials manipulated at fine scales will be key. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) guides the development of sustainable technologies. The new TEM facility at ANU will accelerate current studies, by enhancing the materials research portfolio, and extending national and international collaborations in materials, geological and earth sciences.Read moreRead less