The Analgesic Evaluation Of Novel Natural Products From The Australian Plant Barringtonia Acutangula
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$174,500.00
Summary
This project aims to evaluate the analgesic activity of several novel natural products that have been isolated from the Australian plant Barringtonia acutangula. An Australian Aboriginal tribe have been known to use B. acutangula aqueous bark extracts for its analgesic properties. Griffith University researchers have confirmed this biological activity in the crude aqueous bark extract. A large scale extraction and isolation process will obtain the novel compounds in sufficient quantities that wi ....This project aims to evaluate the analgesic activity of several novel natural products that have been isolated from the Australian plant Barringtonia acutangula. An Australian Aboriginal tribe have been known to use B. acutangula aqueous bark extracts for its analgesic properties. Griffith University researchers have confirmed this biological activity in the crude aqueous bark extract. A large scale extraction and isolation process will obtain the novel compounds in sufficient quantities that will allow for their pharmacological evaluation as potential analgesic drugs.Read moreRead less
Development Of A Novel Orally Active Peptide For The Treatment Of Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$402,145.00
Summary
Chronic pain from damage to the nervous system is difficult to treat. A new type of drug has recently been developed from sea snail venom to treat chronic pain but is given by injection, which limits its use. Our research has developed a stable molecule that has analgesic activity when ingested. This proposal focuses on further testing to fully establish this molecule's therapeutic potential. This information can then attract a commercial partner to bring the new drug into general use.
Cranio-Cervical Dynamometry In The Rehabilitation Of Neck Pain
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,632.00
Summary
Research has demonstrated that exercising particular neck muscles in a specific manner is effective in reducing painful neck symptoms. A device has been developed to quantify the performance of specific neck muscles, permitting more precise rehabilitative exercise, tailored to an individual’s abilities and needs. The effectiveness of this device in the rehabilitation of chronic neck pain will be tested in a clinical trial against other commonly used forms of neck exercise.
The Next Generation Of Biomaterials; In Vivo Assessment Of Lumbar Spinal Fusion Biodegradable Interbody Cages
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$85,932.00
Summary
Back pain represents one of the major health and economic problems facing the western world. Surgery is an inevitable outcome for many sufferers and involves the implantation of metallic rods screws, plates or cages. Biodegradable implants have theoretical advantages, but until now no material has existed that can sustain he rigours of implantation into a load bearing site. We have developed such a material which will lead to improvements in the treatment of many orthopaedic conditions.
Neuropathic Pain Drugs Based On The Endogenous Opioid Peptide Endomorphin 1.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$209,470.00
Summary
We have developed a new pain drug based on the natural pain killing opioid peptide, Endomorhin 1. The new drug exhibits activity similar to morphine and gabapentin against neuropathic pain in animals but seems to act through a different mechanism. We will complete our preclinical investigation of this compound by assessing its side effect profile and tolerence inducing properties in animals. We will also continue our development of an orally active analogue of this important peptide.
Development Of Anti-CXCR2 Monoclonal Antibodies For Tumour Therapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$174,867.00
Summary
New therapies to treat cancers and inflammatory diseases are urgently required. Our aim is to develop a new treatment for cancer and inflammation, by blocking the chemokine receptor CXCR2 which is central to angiogenesis (blood vessel growth) and inflammation. We have produced a highly effective monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibitor of CXCR2, that is suitable for preclinical and clinical development. The project aims to examine the efficacy of this mAb in mouse tumour models and inflammation.
The Development Of Store Operated Calcium Channel Monoclonal Antibody Inhibitors As A Therapeutic Option For Breast Cancer Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$230,753.00
Summary
Despite recent advances in the treatment of breast cancer, a significant proportion of women with this disease receive little benefit from currently available treatments and die from breast cancer. Hence, new therapies for the breast cancers with the poorest prognosis are needed. This grant exploits our earlier finding that a specific calcium channel is a likely therapeutic target for breast cancer. Funding from this grant will be used to develop an inhibitory monoclonal antibody to this target.
The majority of deaths from cancer are due to metastasis, which is the formation of secondary tumours at sites remote from the primary tumour. Metastasis involves conversion of some tumour cells to an invasive, migratory form in a process that is controlled by small genetic regulators known as microRNAs. In this project we will conduct experiments aimed to provide a proof of principle demonstration in mice that microRNAs can be used to block the formation of metastases.
Development Of Modified IGF-binding Proteins As Novel Anti-cancer Chemotherapeutics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$77,375.00
Summary
We propose to enhance the effectiveness of current anti-cancer treatments by co-administering a protein to sequester growth factors that promote the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. We aim to achieve improved destruction of breast and colorectal cancers but with reduced adverse side effects. Our in vitro data show the effectiveness of this novel co-therapeutic which is a modified form of a natural carrier protein for these growth factors. This application seeks funding to enable proof ....We propose to enhance the effectiveness of current anti-cancer treatments by co-administering a protein to sequester growth factors that promote the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. We aim to achieve improved destruction of breast and colorectal cancers but with reduced adverse side effects. Our in vitro data show the effectiveness of this novel co-therapeutic which is a modified form of a natural carrier protein for these growth factors. This application seeks funding to enable proof of concept in vivo in order to attract commercial funding for clinical trials.Read moreRead less
Improved Formulations Of Anti-cancer Agents 5-Fluorouracil And Oxaliplatin Using Excipient Technology
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$202,973.00
Summary
Chemotherapy plays a key role in cancer treatment, however, problems persist with severe adverse toxic effects. Combinations of anti-cancer agents give better results, but these agents still have major negative effects, for example, on veins and peripheral nerves and they must be given separately. We have developed a novel, all-in-one formulation of Oxaliplatin with 5-Fluorouracil and Leucovorin, with the potential for fewer toxic effects and improved patient care.