IMPROVING STROKE OUTCOMES: NEW TARGETS AND THERAPIES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$7,212,064.00
Summary
Previously we established a unique collaboration of researchers from the basic and clinical sciences.. The main aim of this ' vertically integrated ' model was to develop new therapies to improve stroke outcomes. We developed a system to identify ' off-the-shelf ' compounds which protect the brain after stroke onset. This involves data assimilation (meta-analysis) in a unique way, an approach which has attracted attention internationally. We are also completing an important clinical trial using ....Previously we established a unique collaboration of researchers from the basic and clinical sciences.. The main aim of this ' vertically integrated ' model was to develop new therapies to improve stroke outcomes. We developed a system to identify ' off-the-shelf ' compounds which protect the brain after stroke onset. This involves data assimilation (meta-analysis) in a unique way, an approach which has attracted attention internationally. We are also completing an important clinical trial using the clot dissolving agent tPA to extend the time during which the drug may be effective beyond the three-hours currently used. In the next phase of our program we plan to expand the basic science component to identify parts of brain cells (axons and dendrites) which may yield important information about new drugs to protect the brain. We will use our novel summary data technique to test drugs in animal models more appropriate to the human stroke paradigm than have been used in the past In clinical studies we will follow our theme of identifying new targets for therapy using sophisticated PET and MRI imaging techniques, both in patients who are at great risk of stroke recurrence after a minor warning stroke and those with stroke caused by bleeding within the brain. These studies will provide information about predictors of recurrent and worsening stroke which may be modified by new therapies. The final stage in identifying new therapies is the Phase III clinical trial. We will complete one of these in which the most appropriate drug preventing further strokes in a major new stroke subtype will be identified. Toward the end of the program, we will commence phase 3 studies of drugs we have selected as being most likely to protect the brain based on our animal experiments. The main benefit of this unique collaborative research model is to efficiently identify new therapies to reduce the burden of stroke, currently the second most common cause of death globally.Read moreRead less
To Investigate How The Aggregation Of Proteins During Neuronal Injury Promotes Neurotoxic Plasmin Formation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$586,428.00
Summary
tPA is an enzyme given to patients to remove stroke-causing blood clots but can have harmful effects in the brain. tPA needs a cofactor to function optimally. In the blood, this cofactor is fibrin. However the cofactor that allows tPA to function in the brain is unknown. This project explores a novel cofactor for tPA in the injured brain. We will attempt to block this harmful cofactor in the brain while still allowing tPA to remove clots thereby improving stroke outcome.
Stem Cell Treatment For Neonatal Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$954,195.00
Summary
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy occurs when the fetus receives inadequate oxygen in labour and many babies die or have brain damage. Stem cell therapy might save these babies from brain damage but there are many unknowns, such as which stem cells to use and how many. Through our skills in stem cells and measuring the rescued brain following injury, we will determine the necessary details for the most effective stem cell therapy to be ready to immediately test the treatment in a RCT in babies.
Understanding The Human Hand In Grasping And How This Changes After Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,855.00
Summary
The hand allows remarkable feats of dexterity. But, paralysis of the hand severely limits daily activities and is common after stroke. We will determine key mechanisms that control the hand at the level of the brain and spinal cord. We will assess some limits that develop in the muscle itself. Stroke patients will be tested so that we can better understand the brain�s control of the hand and use this to enhance recovery of hand performance in those with impaired function.
AVERT: A Large, International, Randomised Controlled Trial Testing Efficacy And Cost Effectiveness Of Early And Frequent Mobilisation After Stroke
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,020,623.00
Summary
AVERT is a large, international clinical trial that tests whether introducing early and frequent exercise helps reduce the unacceptably high burden of death and disability associated with stroke. We are also testing if the intervention is cost effective. This trial will provide reliable evidence to guide clinical practice. If positive, broad implementation in both developed and developing countries is likely, thus helping to reduce the global burden of stroke related death and disability.
Stroke affects 1 in 6 Australians and often leads to lifelong disability. This Fellowship will support A/Prof Bernhardt to: 1) complete the world first, international clinical trial of very early rehabilitation for people with stroke (AVERT), which has the potential to reduce the global disability burden of this disease; 2) in a new acute exercise laboratory, complete studies that help refine existing early exercise interventions and 3) test new models of rehabilitation care that take advantage ....Stroke affects 1 in 6 Australians and often leads to lifelong disability. This Fellowship will support A/Prof Bernhardt to: 1) complete the world first, international clinical trial of very early rehabilitation for people with stroke (AVERT), which has the potential to reduce the global disability burden of this disease; 2) in a new acute exercise laboratory, complete studies that help refine existing early exercise interventions and 3) test new models of rehabilitation care that take advantage of advanced e-health capability.Read moreRead less
ROLE AND MECHANISM OF NADPH OXIDASE IN ISCHEMIC STROKE AND NEUROTRAUMA
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$619,015.00
Summary
Stroke is a leading cause of death. Despite many clinical trials there is only 1 approved drug for acute treatment but with a narrow time window t. Similarly, there is no therapy for traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients often suffer from nuerological diasblity or die. This study tests whether free radicals either in nerve cells or blood vessels are the cause of brain damage and can be targeted for new therapies.