Synergising nanoemulsion and lipid biomimetic design for advanced delivery. This project aims to identify the critical design characteristics of lipid formulations of lipid-modified probes or drugs (lipid biomimetics) that together promote integration into lipid absorption pathways and target the lymphatic system that drains the small intestine. This has significant potential since the intestinal lymphatic system is a key immune tissue, the site of immune response to autoantigens and antigens de ....Synergising nanoemulsion and lipid biomimetic design for advanced delivery. This project aims to identify the critical design characteristics of lipid formulations of lipid-modified probes or drugs (lipid biomimetics) that together promote integration into lipid absorption pathways and target the lymphatic system that drains the small intestine. This has significant potential since the intestinal lymphatic system is a key immune tissue, the site of immune response to autoantigens and antigens derived from food and the microbiome. The project will deliver a design roadmap of the required characteristics for lymphatic targeting, and in particular, will identify novel lipid nanoemulsions that work synergistically with lipid biomimetics to enhance lymphatic imaging and delivery applications.Read moreRead less
Biomedical Investigations Of Pharmacology And Pathology For Disease Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$863,413.00
Summary
I am an NHMRC SPRF & Director of the Molecular Pharmacology & Pathology Program consisting of 34 researchers. The breadth of our studies is diverse & continues to expand. Excitingly, we have recently obtained commercialisation support to develop our anti-tumour drug, DpC. My vision for the next 5 yrs is to direct development of these agents together with investigations of basic mechanism. These studies will be done with a team of outstanding researchers I am mentoring and an established group of ....I am an NHMRC SPRF & Director of the Molecular Pharmacology & Pathology Program consisting of 34 researchers. The breadth of our studies is diverse & continues to expand. Excitingly, we have recently obtained commercialisation support to develop our anti-tumour drug, DpC. My vision for the next 5 yrs is to direct development of these agents together with investigations of basic mechanism. These studies will be done with a team of outstanding researchers I am mentoring and an established group of experienced collaborators.Read moreRead less
Understanding production and application of alpha emitting radionuclides. This project aims to develop new materials to improve the efficiency of production of radionuclides, as well as tools to improve our understanding of isotope decay products to to improve efficiency of delivery. High performance polymers will be evaluated to establish optimal design properties for enhanced radionuclide collection from novel generators of isotopic lead (Pb-212), and new methods will be developed to improve u ....Understanding production and application of alpha emitting radionuclides. This project aims to develop new materials to improve the efficiency of production of radionuclides, as well as tools to improve our understanding of isotope decay products to to improve efficiency of delivery. High performance polymers will be evaluated to establish optimal design properties for enhanced radionuclide collection from novel generators of isotopic lead (Pb-212), and new methods will be developed to improve understanding of isotope product stability. Anticipated outcomes will provide greater production and utility of radioisotopes in radiopharmaceuticals, while building strong ties with partner AdvanCell Isotopes. This could improve manufacture of radionuclides, expanding capability and applications in radiopharmaceuticals.Read moreRead less
Understanding and controlling neuropeptide GPCR-transducer coupling. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are physiologically essential, yet the spatiotemporal complexity of receptor function has limited our understanding of their function and success in drug development. Using a multi-disciplinary approach integrating GPCR signalling, trafficking and drug delivery, this research program aims to understand, and control, the molecular mechanisms that enable a single receptor to respond to differen ....Understanding and controlling neuropeptide GPCR-transducer coupling. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are physiologically essential, yet the spatiotemporal complexity of receptor function has limited our understanding of their function and success in drug development. Using a multi-disciplinary approach integrating GPCR signalling, trafficking and drug delivery, this research program aims to understand, and control, the molecular mechanisms that enable a single receptor to respond to different ligands to promote unique cellular processes. The anticipated outcomes include an enhanced capacity for understanding fundamental biology, and stronger national and international collaborations. It will provide significant benefits including expanded basic knowledge and advancement of drug delivery technology.Read moreRead less
A Pharmacological Targeting Approach Implementing Albumin As A Carrier Of A Novel Chemotherapeutic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$560,659.00
Summary
New drugs for cancer therapy are essential to develop that overcome resistance to standard chemotherapeutics. We have developed potent anti-cancer chelators that bind to the abundant plasma protein, albumin. Our studies showed increased tumour cell uptake of the chelator, Dp44mT, mediated by albumin. We will elucidate the mechanisms of their albumin-mediated uptake, with the aim to implement albumin nanoparticles as carriers of novel chelators to selectively target tumours.
A Pharmacological Targeting Approach Implementing Albumin As A Carrier Of A Novel Chemotherapeutic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$428,065.00
Summary
Novel agents that bind essential metals have emerged as a potential avenue for cancer therapy. My laboratory has developed potent anti-cancer agents, such as Dp44mT, that bind to the plasma protein, albumin. Notably, the uptake of Dp44mT into tumour cells was increased in the presence of albumin. My research will examine the mechanisms in the albumin-mediated increase in Dp44mT uptake into tumour cells, with the goal to develop albumin nanoparticles to selectively deliver our agents to tumours.
A Novel Tumour-targeting Nanoliposome Drug Delivery System For The Treatment Of Malignant Gliomas
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$445,097.00
Summary
Most patients with malignant brain tumours die within a year after diagnosis due to the difficulty in effectively delivering drugs to the tumour cells. We aim to develop a safe and novel drug delivery system to effectively deliver anticancer drugs and novel anticancer agents to brain tumour cells that remain in normal brain after surgery. The success of this project will bring us a step forward in our efforts to significantly improve the survival rate and quality of life of such patients.
Many products are applied to the skin to prevent skin cancer or to treat skin diseases. This project seeks to better understand how we can make such products more affective, safer and appropriate for conditions such as psoriasis. One major component of the grant is concerned with the evaluation of nanotechnology products applied to the skin.
Recognition Of Macromolecular Complexes By Cell Surface Receptors: A Novel Mechanism Of Lipid And Drug Absorption
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$398,156.00
Summary
A clear understanding of the mechanisms by which orally ingested materials are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is critical in areas such as nutrition, drug development and toxicology. The current project aims to evaluate the role of specific receptor types in the intestine in the absorption of both dietary lipids and drug molecules, with a view to providing a means to better regulate lipid absorption and to more effectively facilitate the design of improved drug delivery systems.