Targeting Complement C5a Receptor 2 As A Disease-modifying Treatment For Motor Neuron Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,329.00
Summary
Motor neuron disease (MND) is a devasting terminal condition that has no effective treatment. We have identified a novel drug which inhibits an immune protein that can potentially treat MND. In this project we will test this drug in rodent models of MND, and validate its effectiveness in relevant MND immune cells. Ultimately, this project will identify a new potential drug for MND.
Peritoneal Metastases From Colorectal Carcinoma: Exploring The Potential Of Immunotherapy As A Treatment Adjunct
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$89,197.00
Summary
Twenty percent of patients with bowel cancer have disease involving the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. These patients do poorly. The majority are inoperable, and chemotherapy has poor response in these patients. Therefore, there is a dire need to explore new treatments. Newer drugs that stimulate the immune cells to fight cancer have shown promise in other cancers. We aim to assess the potential of this treatment in peritoneal disease, with the aim of improving patient outcomes.
Determining The Molecular Basis Of Therapy Resistance Conferred By Genetic Lesions In The Tumour Protein TP53 In Haematological Malignancies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$885,183.00
Summary
Blood cancers that have genetic lesions in a tumour suppressor protein called TP53 respond poorly to therapy. Curing these patients is extremely challenging and new therapeutic strategies are desperately needed. Here, we aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance caused by loss of TP53 function and rationally design new therapies that may be curative. To do this, our team of leading scientists and clinicians will study patient samples and pre-clinical models of blood cancer.
Formulation Of A Pan-species, Multi-stage Vaccine For The Malaria Eradication Agenda
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$777,611.00
Summary
GNT 1093311 entitled 'Formulation of a pan-species, multi-stage vaccine for the malaria eradication agenda' seeks to undertake the preclinical development of a saccharide conjugate vaccine directed towards all major species and stages of malaria. The objectives are: (i) to undertake the synthesis of the vaccine construct; (ii) to compare immunogenicity, formulation and efficacy of various vaccine constructs with a view to down-selecting the optimal combination to take to human clinical trial.
Harnessing Anticalin Technology As A Multi-targeted Treament Approach For Vision Loss
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$627,273.00
Summary
Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide and is caused by two factors called VEGF and Ang2, which damage blood vessels. Current treatments only block VEGF and many patients do not respond and suffer irreversible damage to sight. We have used ground-breaking anticalin technology to make a new drug (PRS-AUS1) that blocks both VEGF and Ang2. Studies will be performed in animal models and move to patients where we expect improved outcomes compared to current treatments.
Towards Clinical Translation Of A Cell-based Therapy For Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,100,689.00
Summary
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a hidden burden affecting 50% of all women. POP is the herniation of the uterus, bladder and/or bowel into the vagina causing incontinence and sexual dysfunction. POP results from injury to pelvic tissues during childbirth. Reconstructive surgery used to treat POP often fails. We aim to develop an innovative cell-based therapy using a woman’s own mesenchymal stem cells combined with novel scaffold materials that will regenerate the damaged pelvic tissues.
Kidney failure contributes to 11% of all deaths in Australia and is projected to affect as many as 30,000 Australians by 2020, at a cumulative cost of $12 billion. Kidney transplantation is a far more effective treatment for this condition than dialysis, but there will always be a shortfall of human donors. Using pigs as donors offers a potential solution. The aim of this project is to genetically modify donor pigs so that their kidneys will not be rejected by human recipients.
Host Cell Signalling During HTLV-1 Infection: Novel Insights And Interventions
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$62,335.00
Summary
Human T-leukemia virus 1 (HTLV-1) establishes a life-long infection and causes cancer and immune dysfunction. This study aims to find a cure for HTLV-1 by inducing the specific death of infected cells using novel therapeutic drugs that target host cell death pathways. Dead infected cells are then naturally cleared from the system along with the viral infection. The impact of HTLV-1 infection on tuberculosis severity will also be examined.
Investigating Novel Antibody Drug Conjugates For Treating Lung Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$663,447.00
Summary
Chemotherapy is first-line treatment for advanced lung cancer patients. Most patients inevitably develop chemotherapy resistance. To increase chemotherapy effectiveness, we are developing a new antibody-based approach to target cancer cells that die because of chemotherapy. The antibody is armed with a very potent drug released specifically at the cancer to cause death of surrounding, chemotherapy-resistant cells. Killing these cells may reduce rebound cancer growth and cause an immune reaction.
Exploring The Immune Landscape Of Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma And The Therapeutic Utility Of Immunotherapies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$48,791.00
Summary
Anal cancer has been on the rise without improvements in patient treatment or survival over the last three decades. Immunotherapy which uses a patient's immune system to combat cancer has demonstrated great success in the treatment of several tumours, and consequently demands investigation for patients with anal cancer. This project is focussed on examining the immune system's role in anal cancer, and whether immunotherapies can be used to improved treatment response and patient survival.