Novel Membrane-targeted Antibiotics Against Drug-resistant Gram-positive Bacterial Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,351,496.00
Summary
This project aims to develop a best in class antibiotic, Vancapticin, with superior efficacy, broader spectra of action and improved therapeutic index than existing therapies for Gram-positive (G+ve) bacterial infections. The research team has identified lead candidates that offer equivalent &/or superior potency, efficacy & pharmacokinetic profiles compared to several clinical comparators. NHMRC Development funding is required to select a candidate for an Investigative New Drug application.
Potent Antibiotics Against Drug-resistant Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$531,410.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant killer and caused 1.7 million deaths in 2009. The disease affects all countries, including Australia, in which the incidence in the indigenous population is 14 times higher than that in the non-indigenous population. We will develop a new anti-TB drug that can replace or enhance the current drugs that are not effective against drug resistant TB.
Lipopeptide Antibiotics For XDR Gram-negative Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$994,897.00
Summary
The polymyxins are a drug class considered to be a last-resort treatment option for multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extremely drug resistant (XDR) Gram-negative infections. Unfortunately resistance is rapidly developing against these antibiotics, leaving no effective therapies and resulting in patient death. This project aims to develop an antibiotic with superior spectra of action and improved safety profiles compared to the polymyxins, with activity against polymyxin-resistant bacteria.
Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 Inhibitors To Sensitise Cancers To Chemotherapy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$840,166.00
Summary
Multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) is often present at high levels in cancer cells, where it pumps chemotherapy drugs back out, causing drug resistance. Inhibitors that block MRP1 would increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy. We have developed MRP1 inhibitors with promising activity in cancer cells and mouse tumours and will now develop these inhibitors for clinical application and commercialisation.
Bismuth Compounds And Materials As Antibacterial Agents
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$476,535.00
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance has been identified by the World Health Organisation as one of the greatest threats we face globally. The amount of effective antibacterial agents is rapidly diminishing. The threat of antimicrobial resistance is greatest in hospitals and health-care facilities. Our project aims to produce a new range of bismuth based antibacterial materials, which will be used in devices, coatings and surfaces in the clinic, to combat the rise of infections caused by resistant bacteria.
Development Of Follistatin As Novel Cancer Therapeutic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$494,324.00
Summary
In this project, we aim to rapidly commercialise our discovery that Follistatin, an endogenous hormone, can dramatically improve the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in lung cancer.
Proteasome Inhibitors As Reversers Of Resistance To Artemisinin-based Antimalarials
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,534.00
Summary
Current antimalarial control is highly dependent on Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACTs), which makes recent reports of decreased clinical efficacy of artemisinins extremely concerning. This project will develop proteasome inhibitors to synergise the activity of artemisinins - effectively reversing resistance. We will confirm that the selected compounds have good bioavailability, low cytotoxicity in human cell lines and efficacy in mouse models of malaria.
Development Of Antimalarial Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$573,676.00
Summary
Human histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes clinically validated as targets for cancer chemotherapy. Different HDAC enzymes are important for survival of infectious organisms, such as protozoan Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria. This project will develop promising drug leads that kill the parasites without damaging human cells through preclinical studies in mice towards a future clinical trial for the treatment of malaria in humans.
Development Of Small Molecules For The Treament Of Colon Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$684,379.00
Summary
Colon cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in Australia and in the developed world. Despite improvements in prevention and therapies, there remains a considerable need for efficacious therapeutic options. We have identified a lead compound inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. We will progress this series further toward clinical trials and aim to provide patients with a new orally available molecule with potent activity against colon cancer.
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.