A Fully Implantable Self Powered Extra Aortic Counterpulsation Device? For Translational Development In Hypertensive Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$901,586.00
Summary
The development of a low cost self-powered cardiac aortic assist device to improve blood flow to the heart and rest of the body. The device is placed on the external surface of the large blood vessel (aorta) leaving the heart and provides gentle counterpulsation to improve blood flow. This aortic cardiac assist device is a therapeutic treatment for early stage heart failure.
Development Of Endovascular Stents With Proactive Biocompatibility
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,470.00
Summary
Metallic cardiovascular implants, such as stents, used in the treatment of heart disease are not compatible with blood. They cause inflammation at the site of implantation and increase the risk of blood clots forming. We have developed a unique method of binding bioactive protein layers to the surface of metal alloys, and shown a significant improvement in their compatibility. Stents coated using our technology stand to dramatically improve the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Biocompatible Synthetic Conduits To Treat Vascular Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,818.00
Summary
Clinically available synthetic conduits used in vascular repair and bypass are fundamentally incompatible with the vasculature. They cause inflammation at the site of implantation and increase the risk of blood clots forming. We have developed a unique method of binding bioactive protein layers to the surface of all polymeric materials and have shown a significant improvement in their compatibility. Grafts coated using our technology stand to dramatically improve the treatment of vascular diseas ....Clinically available synthetic conduits used in vascular repair and bypass are fundamentally incompatible with the vasculature. They cause inflammation at the site of implantation and increase the risk of blood clots forming. We have developed a unique method of binding bioactive protein layers to the surface of all polymeric materials and have shown a significant improvement in their compatibility. Grafts coated using our technology stand to dramatically improve the treatment of vascular disease.Read moreRead less
A portable device that can measure glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the home will be developed. HbA1c is an important biomarker of the average blood glucose levels over the preceding three months and hence guides a diabetic regarding their blood glucose treatment regime. A 1% decrease in HbA1c levels is associated with a dramatic decrease in chronic health complications from diabetes. The HbA1c meter that will be developed will be able to operate with existing glucose meter technologies.
The Neonav ECG Tip Location System: Better & Safer Care For Paediatric Intensive Care Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$879,010.00
Summary
Babies and children can be critically ill. When they need intensive care, thin, flexible tubes (catheters) are placed in their blood vessels to deliver fluids and medications. Despite best efforts, catheters may not reach or move from the correct location inside the patient and the procedures may need to be repeated. Our solution is an innovative medical device that tracks where the catheter is during and after the procedure; this makes care safer and less stressful for the babies and children.
Peptide Therapeutics For The Treatment Of Autoimmune Diseases: Stability, Delivery And Disposition
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,467.00
Summary
Autoimmune diseases affect around 120 million people worldwide. This project will progress the development of a peptide that suppresses disease-causing autoantigen-specific immune responses without affecting protective responses. Different routes of delivery for this peptide will be evaluated, as well as slow-release formulations that will extend its in vivo lifetime. The outcome will be a patient-friendly form of this therapeutic lead that can be taken forward to preclinical evaluation.
A vitamin-sized capsule, containing gas sensors, is to be fully developed for assessing the state of health and diagnosing the diseases relevant to gastrointestinal tract. The capsule travels along the tract, transmitting information about the gas species generated by the microorganisms of the gut, which is closely associated with the health of the human under surveillance. The information will be invaluable for diagnostics and adjusting the diet to mitigate and cure the diseases of the guts.
Enhanced Deep Brain Stimulation Electrodes For Improved Efficacy In Parkinson’s Disease Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$809,940.00
Summary
We are developing an advanced Deep Brain Stimulation system to improve the treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Current devices benefit only half of the patients, due to imprecision in directing the electrical current to the ideal brain targets. Our system aims to deliver the current more selectively. Our implant will contain more and smaller electrodes. We will also use a state-of-the-art stimulator, implantable on the head, with capabilities far beyond the current technology.
Evaluation Of The Safety Of Lead Compounds For Allergic Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$310,568.00
Summary
Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases in developed countries and is typically treated with corticosteroids which provide symptomatic relief and coarse non-specific treatment of the underlying disease. We are pursuing innovative therapies by targeting a different enzyme, HPGD2S, involved in the inflammatory mechanisms of asthma. We have developed potent, anti-inflammatory drug candidates and aim to profile the safety of these compounds before entering clinical studies.
Fighting Blindness With A Minimally Invasive Retinal Stimulator
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$998,194.00
Summary
Retinal degenerative conditions are the leading cause of blindness in developed nations, with over 200 million people afflicted worldwide. Our group has pioneered a minimally-invasive therapeutic stimulator that can arrest retinal degeneration without blocking vision. We are now ready to perform the prerequisite translational studies to develop and test a human-grade device. The ultimate goal is to be the first to develop a commercial therapeutic stimulator that protects against vision loss.