Development Of An In Vivo Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic Model For Evaluation Of Antimalarial Drug Therapy Combinations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$120,604.00
Summary
The World Health Organization currently estimates that there are 300-500 million cases of malaria annually, with 1.5-2.7 million deaths. These are staggering data, given that almost 20 antimalarial drugs are now in regular clinical use. Multi-drug resistance is present in most tropical countries where malaria is endemic and there has been a rapid escalation in cases of malaria in developed countries over recent decades (imported by travellers). Clearly, there is a need to ensure that current and ....The World Health Organization currently estimates that there are 300-500 million cases of malaria annually, with 1.5-2.7 million deaths. These are staggering data, given that almost 20 antimalarial drugs are now in regular clinical use. Multi-drug resistance is present in most tropical countries where malaria is endemic and there has been a rapid escalation in cases of malaria in developed countries over recent decades (imported by travellers). Clearly, there is a need to ensure that current and new treatment and prevention strategies are rational and effective. This project is based on the premise that improvements can be made in the in vitro testing process of antimalarial drugs. The experiments will be conducted using mice and a form of malaria that is specific to mice but closely resembles human malaria. In the first stage, the relationship between the amount of a new antimalarial drug (dihydroartemisinin) in the body and the effectiveness of the dose will be tested. These experiments will be repeated using conventional antimalarial drugs such as mefloquine. Information from these studies will subsequently be used to evaluate combinations of antimalarials. The results will be used as the basis of extensive, collaborative clinical studies in South-East Asia that are beyond the scope of this project. The methods used for this research will be important for future testing of new antimalarial drugs or combinations of drugs for the treatment and prophylaxis of malaria.Read moreRead less
Molecular Cascades Determining Asexual-sexual Development In Echinococcus Granulosus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$312,576.00
Summary
Hydatid disease is a zoonosis caused by the dog tapeworm Echinococcus with millions of people-animals infected. After decades of study, effective treatment remains a major challenge. We will use a combination of recently developed techniques to isolate specific genes associated with Echinococcus differentiation. Understanding how these genes are controlled will increase our sparse knowledge of the developmental biology of this important parasite and provide new clues for more effective therapies
Australia-Europe Malaria Research Cooperation - OzEMalaR
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$859,731.00
Summary
EVIMalaR is a European Virtual Institute for Malaria Research that combines 42 of the European Union’s leading malaria research groups plus 4 Africans, 1 Indian institution, and 1 Australian. EVIMalaR faculty will combine expertise to produce a Network of Excellence that enhances and harmonises experimental approaches through shared technological platforms, exchange visits, shared PhD students, shared resources such as databases, reagent banks and protocols across pathology, infection, immunolog ....EVIMalaR is a European Virtual Institute for Malaria Research that combines 42 of the European Union’s leading malaria research groups plus 4 Africans, 1 Indian institution, and 1 Australian. EVIMalaR faculty will combine expertise to produce a Network of Excellence that enhances and harmonises experimental approaches through shared technological platforms, exchange visits, shared PhD students, shared resources such as databases, reagent banks and protocols across pathology, infection, immunology and biochemistry. Malaria is a global problem with no single solution. A large, but sometimes disjointed, research community is addressing the problem, but more collaboration is vital. OzEMalaR will link 34 Australian labs with 47 European, African and Indian malaria researchers. Funding will enable exchange of modern technologies by supporting early career researchers (PhD and postdocs) from Australia to work and be trained in top European labs. European trainees will work and be trained by Australian malariologists using reciprocal EU supportRead moreRead less
Fatty Acid Biosynthesis In The Malaria Chloroplast As A Drug Target
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$131,035.00
Summary
Malarial parasites contain a chloroplast similar to that of plants. We recently found genetic evidence suggesting the malaria chloroplast makes fats in the same way as plant chloroplasts. Additionally, we have found that drugs and herbicides that block plant chloroplast fat production stop growth of malaria cultures. Parasitologists had assumed that malaria was unable to make fats and would scavenge them from its human host so we have probably discovered a new metabolic pathway in these parasite ....Malarial parasites contain a chloroplast similar to that of plants. We recently found genetic evidence suggesting the malaria chloroplast makes fats in the same way as plant chloroplasts. Additionally, we have found that drugs and herbicides that block plant chloroplast fat production stop growth of malaria cultures. Parasitologists had assumed that malaria was unable to make fats and would scavenge them from its human host so we have probably discovered a new metabolic pathway in these parasites. We now propose to prove that the drugs work by blocking essential, chloroplast-based fat production in parasites. This could lead to novel treatment of malaria and related parasites.Read moreRead less
Regulation Of Actin Polymerization During Malaria Parasite Invasion Of The Human Erythrocyte
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,147.00
Summary
Malaria parasites depend on successful invasion of red blood cells for their survival. Invasion is powered by a molecular motor based on two key proteins: actin and myosin. Non-specific drugs that inhibit parasite actin block invasion, demonstrating how important its regulation is to parasite success. This project will study several newly identified malaria actin-regulators, aiming to identify new drug targets that will block malaria actin function, stop motility and as such prevent disease.