Development Of Oral Natruiretic Peptides For Congestive Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$511,037.00
Summary
Congestive heart failure is fatal disease and a major disease burden for the community affecting nearly half a million Australians. Current therapies are inadequate. We seek to develop a new peptide therapy based on snake venom version of the human B type natriuretic peptide which has to be given by injection. We will produce an orally active, stable and effective treatment using a program of discovery involving testing in animals and cells.
Characterisation Of A Novel Direct Electrochemical Chip As A Biosensor And Tool For Studying Redox-sensitive Proteins
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$144,500.00
Summary
Biosensors use biomolecules to detect a chemical event. They are becoming important for the rapid and reliable measurement of the concentrations of molecules in fluids. In human medicine they will be of great use to general practitioners and patients for instantaneous read outs of concentrations of many different biological molecules. How well a biosensor responds depends on the method in which the biomolecule is immobilised to a surface and the signal detected. We have made a significant advanc ....Biosensors use biomolecules to detect a chemical event. They are becoming important for the rapid and reliable measurement of the concentrations of molecules in fluids. In human medicine they will be of great use to general practitioners and patients for instantaneous read outs of concentrations of many different biological molecules. How well a biosensor responds depends on the method in which the biomolecule is immobilised to a surface and the signal detected. We have made a significant advance in biosensing capabilities using a recombinant protein (thioredoxin) and demonstrated the improvement that is possible by (i) immobilising the protein in a highly oriented way and (ii) using a sensitive electrical signal to monitor the response. Here we will undertake more comprehensive testing by extending the number of proteins to include the 4 major classes of redox-sensitive biomolecules (proteins) in the body. This will enable us to establish the broad application of our methods and substantially improve our ability to commercialize our discoveries.Read moreRead less
A Novel Method For The Early Detection Of Cardiovascular Disease Through The Direct Measurement Of Tissue Wall Elasticit
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,000.00
Summary
Changes in the structure and function of blood vessels are an early stage in the development of arterial disease. A simple means of assessing this damage will allow for early detection of arterial disease and will provide a tool for monitoring outcomes of treatment and preventive medicine. We have developed a novel method for measuring vessel wall displacement throughout the cardiac cycle. This study aims to provide proof of principle data through the validation of these measurements against the ....Changes in the structure and function of blood vessels are an early stage in the development of arterial disease. A simple means of assessing this damage will allow for early detection of arterial disease and will provide a tool for monitoring outcomes of treatment and preventive medicine. We have developed a novel method for measuring vessel wall displacement throughout the cardiac cycle. This study aims to provide proof of principle data through the validation of these measurements against the physical properties of the vessel and application of the technique to a clinical setting.Read moreRead less
Development Of A New High Throughput Screen For Drug Binding To HERG K+ Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$351,320.00
Summary
Inadvertent drug block of hERG, a potassium channel in the heart, can cause cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Screening for hERG toxicity has become a major hurdle for development of new drugs. We will use a mutant hERG protein that has enhanced drug binding to develop a high throughput test for hERG toxicity. Identification of dangerous drugs early in the drug discovery process will save the pharmaceutical industry millions of dollars in the costs of brining new drugs to market.
Performance And Safety Testing Of The BioQ Cardiac Assist System In A Chronic Ovine Heart Failure Animal Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$142,800.00
Summary
This proposal will test a novel cardiac assist system in safety and performance studies using a chronic sheep heart failure model. This device has been tested in cardiovascular simulators and in an acute animal model showing attractive proof-of-concept data. Specifically, the device increased left coronary artery blood flow and reduced aortic pulse and mean pressures using our novel self-powered fully implantable stand alone device, a potential therapy treatment for heart failure.
Development Of Oral Natriuretic-like Peptides For Chronic Treatment Of Congestive Heart Failure
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$389,533.00
Summary
Congestive heart failure is fatal disease and a major disease burdon for the community affecting nearly half a million Australians.. Current therapies are inadequate and very limited in prolonging life. We seek to develop a new peptide therepy based on the effectivness of human B type natriuetic peptide which has to be given by injection. Our aim is to produce an orally active and effective treatment based on peptides discovered in snake venom. The program involves testing in animals and cells
Toxicological And Pre-clinical Assessment Of The Anti-cancer Compound Bp4eT
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$198,900.00
Summary
Cancer cells have a high iron requirement for DNA synthesis and many clinical trials showed Fe chelators are effective anti-cancer drugs. Their potential to act as anti-tumour agents has been confirmed by the entrance of Triapine into widespread NCI clinical trials. In this NHMRC Development Grant, we will perform toxicological studies to enable clinical trials of our most promising novel iron chelator to commence.
Development Of A Computer-based Retinal Imaging Program For Identification Of People At Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$254,714.00
Summary
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and imposes an enormous financial and healthcare burden on the Australian community. This project will develop and deliver a novel clinical prediction tool, incorporating retinal vascular imaging and assessment, to improve identification of asymptomatic people who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease at an early stage, allowing implementation of preventative strategies and medical interventions to effectively prevent CV disease.
Evaluation Of Factor Va From The Venom Of The Australian Brown Snake As A Topical And Systemic Anti-bleeding Agent
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$113,742.00
Summary
Anti-bleeding agents are important pharmaceuticals for use in truama, surgery and several medical conditions to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusion. Some Australian snakes contain in their venom a powerful blood clotting agent. This agent mimics the human clotting machinery. In this project, we plan to test purified components of snake venom for an ability to clot human blood. We will undertake laboratory test-tube experiments as well as using an animal model after ethical appro ....Anti-bleeding agents are important pharmaceuticals for use in truama, surgery and several medical conditions to reduce blood loss and the need for blood transfusion. Some Australian snakes contain in their venom a powerful blood clotting agent. This agent mimics the human clotting machinery. In this project, we plan to test purified components of snake venom for an ability to clot human blood. We will undertake laboratory test-tube experiments as well as using an animal model after ethical approval. This project seeks to capture some of the genetic blueprint of an Australian snake, for human benefit by developing a new therapeutic agent based on a venom component. If the experiments are successful, the next stage will be further testing of efficacy and toxicity before seeking approval for clinical trials. The research is supported by the Australian pharmaceutical company QRx Pharma Pty Ltd who will work with Uniquest Pty Ltd to protect intellectual property generated in the project.Read moreRead less