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Optimizing The Management Of Osteoarthritis Through Research And Innovation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,889,164.00
Summary
I will test new treatments aimed at slowing disease progression and reducing pain in osteoarthritis (OA) by targeting specific disease pathways (metabolic factors and inflammation). I will undertake work examining the causes of hip OA where little is known. All required methodologies and resources to undertake this work are available and the trials underpinned by strong scientific rationale. This research program has high potential for translation and for reducing the burden and cost of OA.
The Efficacy Of Adjunctive Garcinia Mangostana Linn. Pericarp For Bipolar Depression: A 24-week Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,227,272.00
Summary
Bipolar disorder, especially during episodes of depression, can be highly debilitating. There is scientific evidence now directing research towards new targets to produce new therapies for bipolar depression. The current study aims to utilise an entirely new agent made from the husk of the mangosteen fruit (mangosteen pericarp). Mangosteen pericarp has properties that we believe will assist in reducing symptoms for those with bipolar depression, when taken in addition to usual treatment.
More Effective Therapeutic Targeting Of High Risk Childhood Cancer: Neuroblastoma As A Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$6,601,220.00
Summary
Cancer is the commonest cause of death from disease in Australian children. Childhood neuroblastoma is a particularly aggressive cancer, for which new treatment approaches are urgently needed. The team aims to discover better safer therapies for children with this cancer, conducting clinical trials using new drugs and novel drug combinations. We will also investigate novel ways of targeting neuroblastoma cells and identify therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma-initiating cells.
Integrated Exploration Of Novel Therapies For Depression
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,728.00
Summary
There is a clear need for new therapies for psychiatric illnesses, particularly depression. Current antidepressant therapy is useful but leaves many with a shortfall to functional recovery. My research program investigates new therapies for depression, in the context of the biological understanding of depression.
Optimising Targeted Polyamine Depletion For Treatment Of Childhood Neuroblastoma And Brain Tumours
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$928,152.00
Summary
Paediatric neuroblastoma and brain tumours, which often have dismal outcomes despite intensive therapy, have high levels of polyamines, which are essential for cell growth. We have shown that depleting polyamines, combined with chemotherapy, represents a highly promising therapy for neuroblastoma. We will make this exciting new treatment approach even more effective by comparing three ways of enhancing polyamine depletion, as a precursor to future neuroblastoma and brain tumour clinical trials.
Orygen Virtual World Project: Bringing To Life A New Age Of Digitally Enhanced Youth Mental Health Services
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$396,423.00
Summary
Providing mental health care to young people is essential as we know that most mental health problems begin before the age of 25. Harnessing technologies to connect young people to youth mental health (YMH) services remotely has enormous potential to improve access and engagement. The project aims to design a unique virtual world or 'clinic' with the help of young people with lived experience and then test three types of therapy to see if they are liked by young people and feasible to deliver.
Novel Therapies, Risk Pathways And Prevention Of Mood Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,413.00
Summary
Concordant with the NHMRC priorities, this fellowship will principally focus on the development of novel therapies for mood disorders. We have pilot data that the amino acid, N acetyl cysteine reduces symptoms in unipolar and bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We will further delineate the spectrum of efficacy, mechanisms of action and tolerability profile of this and related agents. We also will study risk factors and pathways for the development of depression, to develop public health strateg ....Concordant with the NHMRC priorities, this fellowship will principally focus on the development of novel therapies for mood disorders. We have pilot data that the amino acid, N acetyl cysteine reduces symptoms in unipolar and bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We will further delineate the spectrum of efficacy, mechanisms of action and tolerability profile of this and related agents. We also will study risk factors and pathways for the development of depression, to develop public health strategies.Read moreRead less
Renal Denervation To Improve Outcomes In Patients With End-stage Renal Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,028,558.00
Summary
End stage renal disease is associated with excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Activation of sympathetic nerves plays an important role in this scenario. We have pioneered a novel catheter-based approach using radiofrequency-energy to disrupt these nerves and we now aim to assess the mechanisms and consequences of applying this novel technology in patients with end-stage renal disease.
Over half of all cancers contain mutations in a gene called TP53, also known as the “guardian of the genome”. Mutation of TP53 provides tumour cells with a growth advantage, and leads to resistance to chemotherapy and poor outcomes for patients. We have identified a potential “Achilles heel” in cancers with TP53 mutations. In this project we will establish a new paradigm for treating tumours with TP53 mutations that will be applicable to a large number of patients across all types of cancer.
Neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases are difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. They affect the elderly and children, usually at very early age, and often lead to premature death or chronic debilitation – they are usually incurable and 30-80% of patients remain undiagnosed. This program will identify new disease genes, establish routine diagnostics using cutting edge tools, identify novel and validate known biomarkers and develop novel treatment strategies.