There are 140 million contact lens wearers worldwide. Use of contact lenses is associated with ocular inflammation (approximately 2-7% per year). We have developed novel antimicrobial coatings for contact lenses which we have shown in laboratory and animal models can reduce the ability of microbes to adhere to lenses and reduce associated inflammation. This Development project will enable us to generate proof-of-principle in a clinical cohort using existing contact lenses that have been coated u ....There are 140 million contact lens wearers worldwide. Use of contact lenses is associated with ocular inflammation (approximately 2-7% per year). We have developed novel antimicrobial coatings for contact lenses which we have shown in laboratory and animal models can reduce the ability of microbes to adhere to lenses and reduce associated inflammation. This Development project will enable us to generate proof-of-principle in a clinical cohort using existing contact lenses that have been coated using our patented processes.Read moreRead less
Development Of An Ocular Adhesive Film With Local Drug Delivery To Prevent Infection And Inflammation In Corneal Wounds.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,915.00
Summary
Corneal wounds and surgery are often accompanied by topical treatments to prevent infection and inflammation. The project will provide an innovative solution with a versatile, easy-to-use device that seals wounds without stitches while delivering the necessary drugs directly to the wound site. This versatile technology will prevent infection and inflammation, provide relief and encourage wound healing. It will be a world's first that will save treatment costs, reduce pain and save sight.
Engineered Antibody Fragments For The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Eye Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$196,886.00
Summary
We plan to investigate the use of genetically-engineered antibody fragments in the diagnosis and treatment of clinically-important human eye diseases. The work will be carried out in experimental models, but the goal is to develop a new class of drugs that will be widely applicable in human inflammatory eye disease and eye infections. Antibodies are natural proteins, found in blood and body secretions, that protect humans from infections. However, they can be made in the laboratory and monoclona ....We plan to investigate the use of genetically-engineered antibody fragments in the diagnosis and treatment of clinically-important human eye diseases. The work will be carried out in experimental models, but the goal is to develop a new class of drugs that will be widely applicable in human inflammatory eye disease and eye infections. Antibodies are natural proteins, found in blood and body secretions, that protect humans from infections. However, they can be made in the laboratory and monoclonal antibodies in particular - those with a single defined specificity - have found widespread use in many medical applications. For the past 15 years, monoclonal antibodies have been used therapeutically, that is, they have been administered to humans to treat some diseases. Antibodies are big proteins that have multiple functions. Their very size and the multiplicity of their actions prevent their use in some therapeutic situations. In recent years, advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology have developed to the extent that small fragments of monoclonal antibodies can be produced in the laboratory with relative ease. Such fragments should have very substantial advantages over intact antibodies in the diagnosis and treatment of human eye disease. Engineered antibody fragments hold enormous potential for ophthalmic use, especially if they can be administered topically as eye-drops. In this project, we aim to determine whether antibody fragments can be used in the diagnosis and the treatment of four potentially blinding conditions: acute anterior uveitis and corneal graft rejection, which are inflammatory eye diseases, and herpetic keratitis and Acanthamoeba keratitis, which are eye infections.Read moreRead less
Application Of Novel Sutureless Technology For Eye Surgery
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$342,623.00
Summary
Corneal disease and trauma are major causes of blindness. Corneal trauma requires surgical repair and vision lost from disease may be restored with corneal transplantation. In both cases sutures are used and can have significant complications. Application of a new surgical adhesive for cost-effective, quick and easy corneal surgery with enhanced wound healing is an innovative solution to a major problem in public health with manifold implications in the field of eye surgery
Characterisation Of The Host Response In A Mouse Model Of Staphylococcus Aureus Keratitis.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$248,850.00
Summary
Staphylococcus is the most common cause of bacterial eye infections (microbial keratitis) . This ocular infection is associated with severe pain, redness, discharge and frequently results in the loss of vision or blindness. Predisposing factors for this disease include contact lens wear and immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV, diabetes or aged populations. S. aureus keratitis is difficult to treat using conventional antibiotics as although bacteria may be eliminated, vision loss ....Staphylococcus is the most common cause of bacterial eye infections (microbial keratitis) . This ocular infection is associated with severe pain, redness, discharge and frequently results in the loss of vision or blindness. Predisposing factors for this disease include contact lens wear and immunocompromised individuals such as those with HIV, diabetes or aged populations. S. aureus keratitis is difficult to treat using conventional antibiotics as although bacteria may be eliminated, vision loss may still result from scarring. S. aureus also causes a wide range of hospital associated infections such as pneumonia, endocarditis, bacteremia, wound infections, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. In recent times strains of S. aureus have emerged which are multi-drug resistant including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). These may only be treated with the drug Vancomycin. However, vancomycin resistant S. aureus have been reported in both Japan and the USA. Now, the search for new treatments for this bacterium is of vital importance. This project will utilise the novel S.aureus mouse model for keratitis, which we have developed in our laboratories. Our model will enable us to investigate the host responses to bacterial infection. Existing models in the rabbit do not allow such detailed studies due to the lack of existing molecular probes and antibodies. Insights into potential adjunct therapies will also be gained. This research could lead to the development of novel therapeutic measures aimed at manipulating the host response to reduce scarring and consequent blindness. This information may also be important for the development of prophylactic treatments for those patients at high risk, such as diabetics and immunocompromised individuals of developing this disease.Read moreRead less
THE ROLE OF MONOCYTIC LINEAGE CELLS IN MODELS OF CORNEAL DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$311,567.00
Summary
Vision relies on sharp, focused undistorted images passing through the cornea, the clear 'window' at the front of the eye. Corneal disease causes over 5 million cases of blindness worldwide. In patients who damage the delicate covering of the cornea, due to trauma or contact lens wear, there is an increased risk of infection that may lead to blindness. This project will study the ways in which immune cells in the cornea detect invasion by potential pathogens.
Nanostructured Porous Silicon For Ophthalmic Implants
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,657.00
Summary
Blindness exerts major physical, emotional and economic constraints upon the sufferer. Our goal is to develop novel nanostructured porous silicon-based implants to improve outcomes for patients prone to recurrent episodes of inflammation in the eye, or with visual loss following ocular trauma or infection. Treatments are available, but are not always effective. Porous silicon is a non-toxic, non-inflammatory, biodegradable material that can be loaded with drugs or cells for transfer to the eye.