Non-Haemolytic Friulimicins For The Treatment Of Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$552,572.00
Summary
We are developing a new antibiotic, called friulimicin, to combat the ïsuperbugsÍ that cause serious infections in hospitals and the community. We will optimize the drug to target MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) VRE (vancomycin resistant enterococci) and DRSP (drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae). We will also investigate how the drug can be used for treatment of lung infections such as pneumonia, where the antibiotic can work much better than existing drugs against resist ....We are developing a new antibiotic, called friulimicin, to combat the ïsuperbugsÍ that cause serious infections in hospitals and the community. We will optimize the drug to target MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) VRE (vancomycin resistant enterococci) and DRSP (drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae). We will also investigate how the drug can be used for treatment of lung infections such as pneumonia, where the antibiotic can work much better than existing drugs against resistant bacteria.Read moreRead less
The Development Of Novel Antibacterials Targeting Clostridium Difficile Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,546.00
Summary
Clostridium difficile is a bacterium associated with infections in the gut which may result in mild to severe diarrhoea and inflammation of the colon. These infections are an increasing problem for hospitalised patients in the US, the EU and Australia. We have been very successful in the past at developing new drugs to treat external infections caused by resistant strains of bacteria, for example, golden Staph. We now aim to develop our drugs to treat C. difficile infections in the gut.
Novel TB Drug Candidates Via The Inhibition Of Lipid I Biosynthesis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$780,743.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is an enormous global health problem with a continuing impact in Australia. TB is now the leading killer of any infectious disease (1.8 million people per year) and the rapid emergence of drug resistant TB infections threatens to prevent efforts to control the disease. This project seeks to develop novel TB drug candidates that operate by preventing the construction of the cell wall by the bacterial agent that causes the disease.
Lipopeptide Antibiotics For XDR Gram-negative Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$994,897.00
Summary
The polymyxins are a drug class considered to be a last-resort treatment option for multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extremely drug resistant (XDR) Gram-negative infections. Unfortunately resistance is rapidly developing against these antibiotics, leaving no effective therapies and resulting in patient death. This project aims to develop an antibiotic with superior spectra of action and improved safety profiles compared to the polymyxins, with activity against polymyxin-resistant bacteria.
Polymyxin-like Lipopeptide Antibiotics Of The Future
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$335,323.00
Summary
Polymyxins are now being clinically used as the ‘last-line’ therapy for infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative ‘superbugs’. For the first time our novel approach will interface chemistry and biology of the polymyxins with the purpose of creating a new generation of safer and more efficacious polymyxin antibiotics.
Membrane-active Antibiotics Against Multi-drug Resistant Gram Negative Bacteria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$942,299.00
Summary
We are now threatened by bacteria that are resistant to ALL antibiotics. However, there is a new paradigm: antibiotics inspired by nature that attack the membrane of bacteria. This project will re-engineer peptides from lugworms, horseshoe crabs, scorpions and spiders that are part of nature’s ancient defence against bacteria, to identify new antibiotics to combat infections in humans.
From Lead Compounds To Potential Therapeutics: Drugs To Treat Clostridium Difficile Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$523,460.00
Summary
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) attacks the gut resulting in diarrhoea and inflammation of the colon. It is classified as the number one antibiotic-resistant bacterial threat in the USA where there are 500,000 cases of CDI and 30,000 deaths. CDI is an increasing problem for hospitalized patients in the US, the EU and Australia. Our recent NHMRC funded project established drug leads against CDI and we now require continued studies to develop our drug leads towards marketable therapeutics.
Development Of Antimalarial Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,676.00
Summary
Human histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes clinically validated as targets for cancer chemotherapy. Different HDAC enzymes are important for survival of infectious organisms, such as protozoan Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria. This project will develop promising drug leads that kill the parasites without damaging human cells through preclinical studies in mice towards a future clinical trial for the treatment of malaria in humans.
Development Of Small Molecules For The Treament Of Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,379.00
Summary
Colon cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in Australia and in the developed world. Despite improvements in prevention and therapies, there remains a considerable need for efficacious therapeutic options. We have identified a lead compound inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. We will progress this series further toward clinical trials and aim to provide patients with a new orally available molecule with potent activity against colon cancer.
Developing Inhibitors Of An Essential Histidine Kinase In Staphylococcus Aureus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$578,352.00
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus (Golden staph) has been termed a "superbug" because of its persistent ability to acquire resistance to a wide range of antibiotics. Once considered primarily a hospital-acquired pathogen, many patients are now being infected with antibiotic-resistant Golden staph outside of hospitals. The primary aim of this research program is to develop new antibiotics to treat antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and related pathogens.