Exploiting The Pharmacokinetic And Pharmacodynamic Properties Of Bile Acid Receptor Agonists To Treat Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$653,952.00
Summary
We have generated preliminary data suggesting that chemicals made by the liver, called bile acids, act on fat cells to release a hormone called adiponectin. In liver disease adiponectin has favorable effects, including reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis (scarring). By using drugs that mimic the action of bile acids we expect that adiponectin production by fat cells can be increased, creating a new way to treat patients with chronic liver diseases.
Novel Inhalation Formulation Of Bacteriophages Against ‘superbugs’ Causing Respiratory Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$563,621.00
Summary
Emergence of superbugs has led to life-threatening respiratory infections that are resistant to most antibiotics. There is an urgent need for alternative treatments not relying on antibiotics. Bacteriophages (or ‘bacteria eaters’) are natural predators of bacteria and are unaffected by antibiotic resistance. This multi-disciplinary project will develop novel therapeutics using inhaled bacteriophages against bacterial infections in the lungs.
A Study Of Artemisinin Combination Therapy Given At Delivery To Prevent Postpartum Malaria And To Young Infants To Treat Uncomplicated Malaria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$788,850.00
Summary
The proposed studies will investigate the preventive value of a course of combination antimalarial treatment at delivery in pregnant women in malarial areas. The transfer of this treatment into breast milk and to the suckling infant will be investigated since this may protect the infant against malaria but also cause drug-related side-effects. These data will be used, with a study of combination treatment in infants with malaria, to optimise dose regimens in this vulnerable group.
Rescuing The Last-line Therapy Colistin Against Gram-negative ‘superbugs’: Increasing The Therapeutic Index By Attenuation Of Nephrotoxicity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$498,631.00
Summary
Antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative ‘superbugs’ is presenting a significant global medical challenge. Colistin (polymyxin E) is increasingly used as the last treatment option even though the current use is suboptimal. Simply increasing the daily dose is not an option due to kidney toxicity. This project focuses on a new approach using antioxidants to ameliorate the potential for colistin-induced kidney toxicity, thereby allowing higher doses to achieve adequate bacterial kill in patients.
A Randomised, Placebo-controlled Trial Of Oxpentifylline Versus Placebo In The Treatment Of Erythropoietin-resistant Anaemia In Chronic Kidney Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$345,189.00
Summary
Anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to poor health outcomes, increased death rates and high health care costs. Drugs that stimulate red blood cell production are routinely used to treat CKD patients with anaemia, however some patients do not respond to these drugs. The HERO trial is a clinical trial designed to test the safety, effectiveness and cost benefits of a drug Oxypentifylline, in treating CKD patients with anaemia that is unresponsive to red blood cell stimulating treatmen ....Anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to poor health outcomes, increased death rates and high health care costs. Drugs that stimulate red blood cell production are routinely used to treat CKD patients with anaemia, however some patients do not respond to these drugs. The HERO trial is a clinical trial designed to test the safety, effectiveness and cost benefits of a drug Oxypentifylline, in treating CKD patients with anaemia that is unresponsive to red blood cell stimulating treatments.Read moreRead less
New Treatments For Malaria Targeting Both The Sexual And Asexual Stages Of The Causative Parasite, Plasmodium Falciparum
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$731,155.00
Summary
We have discovered a potent antimalarial compound class. In this research plan we will improve their metabolic stability such that we can progress them as potential oral cures for malaria. We will also elucidate their mechanism of action and this will aid therapeutic development.
Optimising Inhaled Polymyxins As A Vital Therapy For Pulmonary Infections: A Novel Biochemical, Molecular Imaging And Systems Pharmacology Approach
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$728,044.00
Summary
Lung infection is a leading cause of death in Australia and globally. Many bacterial pathogens are resistant to almost all current antibiotics. A class of ‘old’ antibiotics, polymyxins, are the last option for bacterial ‘superbugs’. Unfortunately, the current use of polymyxins is suboptimal and can cause severe kidney toxicity. This multi-disciplinary project will apply cutting-edge techniques to optimise inhaled polymyxin therapy for treatment of life-threatening pulmonary infections.
Physiologically-based Pharmacokinetics And Pharmacodynamics Of Therapeutic Stem Cells For Liver Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$848,710.00
Summary
This project focuses on the challenging area of effective and optimal dosing cell-based therapy for liver diseases. We will investigate the fate and therapeutic effects of natural, modified and artificial therapeutic cells in the body and in liver regions using a physiologically-based kinetic model. Our key goal is advance cell therapy by providing a better understanding and dosing guidelines.
Optimisation Of Antimicrobial Therapy For Severe Bacterial Infections In Neonates And Young Children In Papua New Guinea
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$943,865.00
Summary
This study aims to provide important information on the way young Papua New Guinean children with serious bacterial infections handle antibiotics, including newer agents that may be required if bacterial resistance is confirmed or increases. The data will be used to optimise treatment, thus reducing mortality and potential adverse drug effects, in PNG nad other tropical countries, and may have implications for the developed world as well.
Intensive Care patients more often than not, develop kidney failure requiring dialysis. Unfortunately there is little information available to inform clinicians of appropriate doses for antibiotics in these patients, putting them at an increased risk of death from ineffective treatment. Our project aims to develop dosing guidelines for the many types of dialysis used globally to achieve concentrations in the blood that optimise antibiotic effects in these most critically ill patients.