A Randomised Open-label Study Comparing The Safety And Efficacy Of Two Alternative Treatment Options In The Management Of HIV-1 Infected Participants Who Have Virologically Failed A Standard First-line Combination ART Regimen
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,676.00
Summary
For the past decade there has been an unprecedented international effort to provide access to care for all HIV-infected people as a basic human right. Most of these people are treated with a simple combination of drugs that are well proven to control HIV. However, what to do when this first drug combination stops working is unknown. This study aims to fill that knowledge gap so that patients failing the first drug combination can be offered a second combination with a maximal chance of success.
An In Depth Analysis Of Clinical And Virological Outcomes Of 2 Strategies For The Antiretroviral Salvage Of First-line Regimen Virological Failure For HIV-1 Infection Tested In An Australian-led Randomised, International, Multi-centre Clinical Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$421,747.00
Summary
The recently completed Australian-led SECOND-LINE trial is the first high quality study to provide reliable evidence for policy recommendations for the composition of anti-HIV drug cocktails after standard initial treatment has failed. This award will support the researcher in further refining our understanding of how to manage second-line therapy including proposals to test the use of low-cost technologies for application in resource-limited settings where the majority of people with HIV live.
Application Of Mathematical Modelling And Development Of Decision Support Tools For Mosquito-borne Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$380,558.00
Summary
Mosquito-borne disease affects millions of people in Australia and overseas. Reducing the prevalence of these diseases requires an understanding of their transmission, drug resistance and role of external factors such as climate. This project will use newly developed mathematical and statistical tools to investigate transmission of malaria, and improve the reporting of Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses and dengue. Project outcomes will assist the development of evidence based policy.
Strenthening The Contribution Of Australian General Practice To The Control Of Pandemic Influenza
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$110,257.00
Summary
Most primary and preventive care in Australia occurs in general practice. Australian general practice will therefore have a critical role to play in control efforts during an influenza pandemic, and also in sustaining other primary health care activities. After an initial surge in attendances, there may be a decline in attendance, as Australians become more reluctant to congregate in a place where they may become ill. This study seeks to complement the Australian Pandemic Influenza Management Pl ....Most primary and preventive care in Australia occurs in general practice. Australian general practice will therefore have a critical role to play in control efforts during an influenza pandemic, and also in sustaining other primary health care activities. After an initial surge in attendances, there may be a decline in attendance, as Australians become more reluctant to congregate in a place where they may become ill. This study seeks to complement the Australian Pandemic Influenza Management Plan by developing a range of action plans for use by general practitioners and public health authorities to support essential primary health care functions through a pandemic, and maximize general practice's contribution to control efforts. A range of methods will be used, including systematic review of existing literature, economic modeling of the Medicare costs and savings of different models of health care, interviews with key informants who have helped develop disaster response plans for general practice, or who are in positions of leadership. The project will culminate in the development of a simulation exercise to be used as a self-assessment tool for general practitioners, and a summit of general practice stakeholders who will help to finalise agreed action plans for the general practice response to pandemic influenza.Read moreRead less
Self Adjuvanting CTL-Based Influenza Vaccines For Human Use
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$214,842.00
Summary
This project will generate novel vaccines that elicit cell-mediated immunity against influenza infection. The vaccines are totally synthetic and therefore not constrained by the limitations in manufacturing which currently confront egg-grown vaccines. These vaccines induce very strong immune responses because they target dendritic cells which are pivotal for induction of all immune responses. This targeting capability is due to a simple lipid molecule incorporated into the vaccine which is recog ....This project will generate novel vaccines that elicit cell-mediated immunity against influenza infection. The vaccines are totally synthetic and therefore not constrained by the limitations in manufacturing which currently confront egg-grown vaccines. These vaccines induce very strong immune responses because they target dendritic cells which are pivotal for induction of all immune responses. This targeting capability is due to a simple lipid molecule incorporated into the vaccine which is recognised by specific receptors on the surface of dendritic cells and also causes their maturation, a step which is essential for recognition by the immune system of potential pathogens. The technology to design and assemble these new vaccines is already.Read moreRead less
The MetaFIND (Metagenomics For INfectious Diseases) Project: Developing Clinical Metagenomics To Improve The Healthcare Of Patients With Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$303,014.00
Summary
The MetaFIND (Metagenomics For INfectious Diseases) project is a combined laboratory and clinical study that aims to develop and investigate the use of cutting-edge genome sequencing technology to improve the healthcare of patients with severe infections. It involves developing and optimising a method to determine the cause of an infection by analysing all the DNA present in a clinical sample – a promising “one-stop-shop” test to help improve diagnosis and subsequent treatment of infections.
Enhancing The Cascade Of HIV Care To Maximise The Prevention Benefits Of Antiretroviral Therapy For Populations Living With HIV
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$344,644.00
Summary
Antiretroviral drugs are effective at preventing death and illness for populations with HIV and preventing HIV transmission. I will undertake a series of studies to measure the impact of current antiretroviral treatment to prevent both illness and new infections in Australia. I will also undertake a series of studies to increase HIV testing, diagnose HIV earlier, and improve people’s linkage and retention HIV in care and evaluate the impact of these interventions on HIV transmission.
Randomised Trial To Determine The Safety And Efficacy Of Early Versus Deferred Treatment Of Adult HIV Infection
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$417,254.00
Summary
The purpose of this randomised study is to determine whether the use of combination antiviral drugs during early stages of HIV disease is superior to later use in adults with HIV infection. Superiority is defined in terms of reducing the number of serious diseases and deaths that are associated with HIV infection.
Australian Partnership (for) Preparedness Research On InfectiouS (disease) Emergencies (APPRISE)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$4,996,416.00
Summary
We have assembled national experts in clinical, laboratory and public health research to ensure Australia is equipped for a coordinated, effective and evidence based response to infectious diseases. This multidisciplinary team will create and share new knowledge to detect, prevent and manage emerging infection threats. We will train a robust cross-sectoral work force and develop sustainable research capacity integrated within the health system to ensure national and regional health security.