Improving the function of GABA-A receptors is a key property of several classes of clinically important drugs including benzodiazepines and many anticonvulsants. However, the binding sites and molecular mechanisms of these drugs remain poorly understood. Using compounds similar to those in green tea, we will determine the molecular mechanism of these drugs. This understanding will lead to the development of better drugs for treatment of anxiety, depression, epilepsy, insomnia & schizophrenia.
The Pharmacology And Toxicity Of Synthetic Cannabinoids
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$744,808.00
Summary
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have been recently linked to many deaths and hospitalizations but there is limited data available that addresses these issues. We have identified SCs which display unprecedented cannabinoid receptor function, unusual selectivity, and SCs with high activity at cannabinoid receptors. This project will define the role of CB receptors in the actions of SCs, and provide an evidence-based rationale for treating SC overdoses.
This project aims to develop a novel class of drugs with the potential to overcome the stability problems previously associated with protein-based drugs. We will develop novel molecules for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease. This project has the potential to lead to major economic and social benefits to Australia via royalty returns from drug sales and reduced costs for health care for patients with these diseases.
The Inhibition Of Biotin Protein Ligase As A New Source Of Antibiotics
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$750,167.00
Summary
We have become so accustomed to treating bacterial infections with antibiotics that it is hard to imagine life without them. However, the emergence of drug-resistance is creating a global health care crisis. Recently, there has not been enough attention paid to replacing old antibiotics with new products to combat drug resistance. Our team is addressing this challenge. We have discovered a new class of antibiotic that is unlike any other drug in clinical use.
Discovery Of Single Agents To Treat Chagas Disease And Human African Trypanosomiasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,189.00
Summary
In this project we aim to discover new drugs to treat Chagas disease and human African trypanosomiasis. These debilitating parasitic diseases are neglected by pharmaceutical companies and afflict millions of impoverished people worldwide. We aim to be able to treat both diseases with a single agent
Pharmacology Of Potential Anti-Tumour Agents: Iron And Copper Chelators Of The ApT, BpT And DpT Classes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$647,137.00
Summary
Cancer cells take up more of the essential nutrients copper and iron than normal cells. Increased metabolism of these metals is linked to tumour growth progression. Our laboratory has developed compounds that bind these metals in tumours. Our studies suggest our novel compounds display a novel tumour targeting strategy which may explain their ability to also overcome drug resistance. This unique mechanism of action is crucial to understand for the development of novel anti-cancer agents.
Oxytocin Receptor Agonists For Treatment Of Social Anxiety
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,844.00
Summary
At any one time, about 3% of the population suffers from crippling social anxiety disorder, characterized by excessive fear of exposure to situations that involve potential scrutiny by others. Current medications for treating social anxiety are of limited use. This project will develop new drug like molecules that could provide breakthroughs in the effective treatment of social anxiety.
A New Class Of Inhibitors For The Treatment Of Tuberculosis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$720,691.00
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, with 1.3 million deaths annually. Some strains of the TB bacterium are resistant to all available drugs. We have identified novel chemical structures that display potent and specific activity against pathogenic mycobacteria. In this proposal we will develop optimised derivatives with more potent activity against mycobacteria, assess their stability and toxicity and determine their mode of action.
Antibiotic resistance is a looming public health crisis. New antibiotics with new mechanisms of action are desperately needed. The long-term goal of this research is to develop new drugs that disarm bacteria to overcome the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Evaluation Of Novel Pyrrolo/Iminoquinone Antimalarial Compounds
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$614,250.00
Summary
The development of new antimalarial drugs is an unmet global health priority. In this project we will investigate novel compounds that have been found to display promising in vitro antimalarial activity. We will modify these compounds to make them more drug-like, and assess their efficacy in vivo using malaria animal models. These studies have the potential to identify compounds that may result in a new therapy for malaria, the worlds' most significant tropical infectious disease.