Using New Retinal Imaging Technologies To Improve Treatment And Classification Of Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$227,644.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in Australia. This project aims to use new ways of imaging changes in the back of the eye to try to improve the treatment and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.
The Influence Of Aqueous And Plasma Cytokines In Treatment Outcomes For Diabetic Macular Oedema
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,384.00
Summary
Diabetic macular oedema (DME) is the commonest cause of central visual loss in diabetics and has been linked to increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the eye. DME is treated with anti-VEGF injections, but these need to be repeated, with some patients failing to respond. We plan to see if levels of VEGF and other inflammatory markers will predict treatment response, so those unlikely to respond can be spared futile treatment and receive alternative treatment earlier.
Regulation Of Bone Marrow Progenitor Cells For Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$442,930.00
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in the working population of developed countries. Current treatments cannot restore the retinal vascular damage in DR. This project intends to combat DR by repairing the damaged retinal vasculature through short- and long-term regulations of the function of bone marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells. Success in this project would potentially have a major impact on all diabetic vascular complications.
Investigating The Mechanisms Underpinning The Dynamic Vessel Response In People With Diabetic Retinopathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$18,808.00
Summary
Endothelial dysfunction has been well-hypothesised as one of the key players in the pathogenesis of DR. However, there is strong evidence suggesting a neurovascular coupling mechanism in the retinal circulation during flicker. It is therefore unclear whether reduced flicker light induced vasodilation observed in diabetes and DR is associated with endothelial dysfunction, an impairment of neurovascular coupling or both. This project aims to address this important knowledge gap.
Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-B As A Biologic For Treating Eye Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$464,295.00
Summary
We plan to show that an engineered antibody fragment against vascular endothelial growth factor-B is an effective therapeutic drug for two eye diseases, corneal neovascularization and age-related macular degeneration. The innovative aspects of this approach are that it may be safer, and have a different spectrum of activity, than existing ophthalmic anti-angiogenic agents. Furthermore, it may be effective for corneal disease when administered as an eye-drop.