Exploring The Pluridimensionality Of Drug Efficacy.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$326,184.00
Summary
Dysfunction of cell surface receptors is the underlying cause of many pathological conditions. Using cell based screening methods we aim to investigate the mechanisms underlying drug action, to understand how drugs acting at common targets promote distinct biological responses. This will aid the development of new therapeutics based on the ability to predict specific drug effects.
An Investigation Of The Involvement Of Clotting Factors In Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Progression Within A Mouse Model
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$189,401.00
Summary
Early stage weakening of the main abdominal artery is present in ~100,000 Australians and currently has no accepted therapy. Development of drug therapies which limit progression of the weakening process is urgently needed. In this study involvement of the clotting cascade in artery weakening will be investigated. The study have been planned in order to identify new strategies which can be developed as treatments for artery weakening in patients.
Applying Active Hospital-based Case Ascertainment To Assess Vaccine Effectiveness And Safety
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$258,741.00
Summary
Australia makes a considerable investment in vaccination, and the public are entitled to expect that vaccines are both safe and effective. The growing complexity of the vaccine schedule requires the development of new and flexible systems to monitor vaccine performance. This project aims to do this using surveillance nurses embedded in children's hospitals to actively find cases of diseases which are potentially vaccine-preventable as well as those which might have occurred as a side effect of v ....Australia makes a considerable investment in vaccination, and the public are entitled to expect that vaccines are both safe and effective. The growing complexity of the vaccine schedule requires the development of new and flexible systems to monitor vaccine performance. This project aims to do this using surveillance nurses embedded in children's hospitals to actively find cases of diseases which are potentially vaccine-preventable as well as those which might have occurred as a side effect of vaccination.Read moreRead less
Dissecting The Mechanisms Of Vaccine Immunogenicity And Induction Of Protective Immunity Against Influenza Virus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,145.00
Summary
Influenza pandemics have historically led to worldwide morbidity and mortality. Vaccination remains to be the only plausible strategy to limit widespread mortality as a result of an influenza pandemic. The parts of the immune system important in protecting individuals from influenza virus are poorly understood. This research aims to understand the important correlates of protective immunity in order to improve vaccine design.
Discovering Molecular Signatures Of Human T Follicular Helper Cells And Antibody Producing B Cells To Improve Vaccine Efficacy And Transplation Outcomes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
A key way the body can fight off infections is to produce antibodies, a process that requires the coordinated efforts of multiple types of specialised immune cells. A more detailed understanding the factors that govern robust antibody responses is critically needed and will be investigated in this project in the context of vaccination and transplant rejection.
Towards Global Control Of Scabies: Advances In Diagnosis, Treatment And Community Control
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,891.00
Summary
The scabies mite causes severe itch and rash and leads to infections, kidney and heart disease. Scabies affects up to 50% of children in Indigenous communities. We now know most scabies can be prevented, so we urgently need to find the most effective strategies. My research will develop new tests to help doctors to accurately diagnose scabies. I will test new medicines to treat scabies and strategies to prevent scabies and its complications in children, families and entire populations.
Improving Outcomes In Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Through Individualised Treatment Of Physiological Abnormalities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$340,891.00
Summary
The most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea, continuous positive airway pressure, is only accepted by ~50% of patients. Individualised treatment options are urgently needed. In order to predict who will benefit from the common alternative therapies, my research will show how, upper airway surgery improves obstructive sleep apnoea at an individual level and develop tools that will help clinicians select patients for these therapies.
Population-based Data Linkage And Modelling Studies To Evaluate And Inform Australia’s Immunisation Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,860.00
Summary
Despite the overall success of immunisation programs, outbreaks of preventable diseases continue and Indigenous children still suffer a higher burden of illness. We will study a cohort of infants in New South Wales and data about their illnesses and vaccinations to provide accurate measures program performance. The findings will aid development of strategies to target high risk children, and more realistic models about future outcomes, so that the benefits of immunisation are optimised.
Pharmaceutical Opioid Analgesic (POA) Dependence And Treatment Responses
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,628.00
Summary
Dependence on opioid based pain medication is a rapidly growing health concern in Australia. In the United States more people die each year from misusing pain medication than from using illicit drugs like heroin. Dr Suzanne Nielsen, an emerging expert in pharmaceutical misuse, will undertake essential research to understand the dependence to opioid pain medication in Australia and to develop appropriate treatment responses.