Biothermosetting Bone Filler: An Injectable Osteoconductive Repair Material
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$601,698.00
Summary
Bone injury is a common and profoundly debilitating issue, and is responsible for extended partial or complete loss of mobility and associated economic impact during slow healing. There is strong demand for technology that reduces the time taken for bone repair. There is still a paucity of clinically effective biocompatible materials for treatment. We have developed a novel approach for a thermoresponsive hydrogel with unique properties suitable for rapid bone filling and regeneration.
Novel Silk Devices For Reconstructive Surgery And Repair Of Tympanic Membrane Perforations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$469,738.00
Summary
This project will use new silk fibroin materials to develop prototype devices for repair of ruptured ear drums. This will contribute to significant improvement in the quality of life of nearly 2.5 million people in Australia who are affected by hearing loss and further strengthen Australia's leading position in this area.
We have discovered a single tumour factor which causes cancer cachexia, a wasting condition that is one of the worst complications of malignancy, for which there is no current effective treatment. We have developed antibodies which effectively block this condition in preclinical models and have produced human/humanised version of this. This application is to characterise these human antibodies to allow us proceed to clinical trials.
Application Of Sutureless Technology 'SurgiLux' For Dura Mater Repair: A Proof Of Concept Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$213,125.00
Summary
A unique technology that combines biomaterials and lasers to effectively close and seal wounds could replace sutures in delicate surgery close to the brain. Wound closure in the cranium is still reliant upon sutures or 'stitches' and these have complications; a major one being leakage of cerebro spinal fluid (CSF). The application of 'SurgiLux' technology will both close and seal these wounds quickly and easily, with significant health and economic benefits.
Manufacture And Testing Of Next Generation Orthopaedic Implants Harnessing Periosteum's Regenerative Power
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$508,314.00
Summary
Tissue defects, e.g. due to trauma or tumor removal, are too large to heal without reconstructive surgery. Complications associated with defect repair may diminish the patient's quality of life and productivity, posing significant medical and psychosocial costs. Here we propose a plan to define technical specifications for next generation, "smart" orthopaedic implants that deliver cells and the signals they need to build new tissue using nature's paradigms.
Monoclonal antibodies, such as the cancer therapeutic Pembrolizumab, have revolutionised the treatment of cancer and many inflammatory conditions. With over $100 billion in sales in 2018, they also underpin a growing biotech industry. We have developed a highly specific, high affinity therapeutic antibody candidate, and demonstrated efficacy in animal models of malignancy. This project will advance and develop this monoclonal, allowing us to initiate clinical studies in patients.
Anticalins: Inhalable Biologicals For Severe Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$577,933.00
Summary
This grant aims to develop a new class of medicines called 'anticalins'. Anticalins behave like a successful class of medicines called monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). MAbs are too fragile and large to be inhaled to treat lung disease but anticalins are small and robust. We will be developing an anticalin (PRS-060) which blocks damaging immune reactions in severe asthma. By inhaling PRS-060 we hope to make a new and clinically useful medicine for a common form of poorly-controlled severe asthma.
Preclinical Validation Of First In Man Endovascular Brain Machine Interface Device
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$870,000.00
Summary
The stentrode technology has been given significant public attention, following publication in the fourth highest impact factor journal 'Nature Biotechnology' and a public statement of endorsement by the President of the United States in 2016. The program now seeks to conduct a preclinical validation program to satisfy the FDA in its requirements to provide Investigational Device Exemption (IDE).
Sortase Peptide Technology: Enzymatic Site-specific Bioconjugation To Improve Antibody Drug Conjugate Production And Performance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$402,046.00
Summary
Cancer is characterised by uncontrolled cell growth, leading to invasion and destruction of adjacent tissues. It is a major cause of death in Australia. Targeted drug delivery is an attractive therapeutic strategy that has the potential to lower systemic drug concentrations and reduce side effects. We are developing more efficient cancer drugs.
Black Out Advisory System - Development Of An Implantable Sub-scalp Seizure Monitor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$868,402.00
Summary
Blackouts may result from seizures or heart problems, and incorrect diagnosis exposes patients to risk and limits activities. Diagnosis is difficult because these events are infrequent. Implantable monitors are useful in diagnosing cardiac abnormalities, but prolonged seizure monitoring has not been feasible. This system will use a minimally invasive implant inserted under the scalp enabling distinction of epileptic from non-epileptic causes. The implant also has the capability to improve patien ....Blackouts may result from seizures or heart problems, and incorrect diagnosis exposes patients to risk and limits activities. Diagnosis is difficult because these events are infrequent. Implantable monitors are useful in diagnosing cardiac abnormalities, but prolonged seizure monitoring has not been feasible. This system will use a minimally invasive implant inserted under the scalp enabling distinction of epileptic from non-epileptic causes. The implant also has the capability to improve patient safety through remote monitoring.Read moreRead less