The following grant was awarded for commencement in 2010
NHMRC Program Grant - $6.3 million/ 5 years
Prof. Richard J. Lewis, Prof Paul F. Alewood, Prof, David J. Adams, Prof. MacDonald J. Chrisite
Venom peptide modulators of pain pathways
Project Summary
The goal of the proposed Program is to improve treatments for pain, especially persistent pain,
which remains a poorly managed global health burden. Our pre-eminent team integrates a unique
set of complementary research skills in using peptides derived from venomous invertebrates to
dissect the pharmacology of pain pathways in persistent pain states, and develop these novel
peptides to the point where they can be considered for pre-clinical development in collaboration
with commercial partners.
The following grants were awarded and commenced in 2008
NHMRC Project Grant - $593,250 / 3 years
Dr Lachlan D. Rash, Prof Glenn King (IMB) and Prof Paul F. Alewood
Examining the role of ASIC channels in pain through the development of subtype-specific
ASIC channel modulators.
Project Summary
This multidisciplinary research project will examine the hypotheses that: (1) Modifications of venom-derived ASIC channel ligands will result in a panel of mutant toxins with varied subtype selectivity; (2) some of these peptide toxins will prove to be invaluable research tools, either as selective inhibitors or activators of ASIC channels; (3) ASIC channels play a key role in modulating pain sensation; (4) peptide toxins that modulate ASIC channel activity might be useful therapeutic agents. ASICs sense changes in acidity in the body. They are found throughout the body and may underlie nerve damage in stroke and some types of pain, such as in ischemia (angina pain) and inflammation. ASICs also have many as yet unknown functions in the eye, muscle and bone. A lack of selective tools to study ASICs is a major barrier to a complete understanding of what they do and if we can target for the treatment of pain and stroke.
ARC discovery - $545,000 / 3 years
Prof GF King (IMB), Prof PF Alewood; Dr N Audsley (UK)
Orally active spider toxins: a novel paradigm for control of insect pests
Project Summary
Many insects and other arthropods are serious pests of Australian crops, livestock, and pets. Australian farmers spend about $300 million per annum on insecticides and acaricides, while Australian consumers spend more than $100 million annually on insecticides for use around the home and garden, and on pets. Viruses disseminated by arthropods are also responsible for diseases such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Ross River fever. Unfortunately, many of these arthropod pests have developed resistance to chemical insecticides. This aim of this research program is to develop a new generation of environmentally friendly natural products that can be used to control arthropod pests on pets, farms, and around the home and garden.
ARC Linkage - $440,000 / 3years
Prof GF King (IMB), Prof PF Alewood
Collaborating/Partner Organisation(s) Venomix Inc.
Development of environmentally friendly insecticides for the Australian livestock industry
Project Summary
Many insects and other arthropods are serious pests of Australian livestock. Australian farmers spend about $300 million per annum on insecticides and acaricides, while Australian consumers spend more than $100 million annually on insecticides for use on pets and around the home and garden. Unfortunately, many of these arthropod pests have developed resistance to chemical insecticides. This aim of this research program is to develop a new generation of environmentally friendly natural products that can be used to control arthropod pests on farms and around the home and garden.
NHMRC Development Grant - $376,000 / 2 years
Dr Geoff Head (Baker Institute) and Prof. Paul F Alewood
Natriuretic-like peptides for congestive heart failure
Project Summary
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Australia, affecting over half a million Australians and 23 million people globally. CHF also represents an increasing burden on the health system, with hospitalisation costs alone exceeding $1billion per year. Current therapies are inadequate, providing only marginal benefits in their ability to ameliorate symptoms and prolong life. Despite this, there has been little improvement in the management and treatment of CHF over the past two decades and only a handful of new therapies have been developed. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are normally released by a failing heart to reduce the symptoms of CHF: increased blood volume, reduced cardiac contractility and lower cardiac output. NPs do not develop tolerance as is the case with nitrate dilators. Intravenous administration of human B type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was approved for acute CHF, the first new treatment since 1997. However, BNP is not orally active and also has a short biological half life, thus needing to be given by continuous infusion. We have identified a group of novel NPs, isolated from venom of the inland Australian taipan snake, with potential for the treatment of CHF. The goal of this work is to develop an orally active natriuretic peptide with a favourable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties for the chronic treatment of CHF.