UNSW researchers have been awarded over $13 million from the Medical Research Future Fund to advance cardiac research and improve patient outcomes.
UNSW medical researchers from The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The George Institute for Global Health have secured significant funding from the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to support four projects.
These grants will enable research teams to explore innovative solutions to improve the diagnosis, treatment and management of cardiovascular conditions, particularly in high-risk groups.
UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Enterprise, Professor Bronwyn Fox, congratulated the academics who received grants.
"At UNSW, we're dedicated to undertaking research that has the greatest positive impact on society. I'm thrilled that so many of our talented researchers are being supported to develop their ideas," Prof. Fox said.
"From a project that will improve sudden cardiac arrest in young people, to another aimed at improving the health of stroke survivors who are at high risk of having more heart problems, we are honoured to lead projects that will have an impact on cardiac care."
Associate Professor Jodie Ingles
A/Prof. Ingles from The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Medicine & Health has received over $5 million to lead a national team seeking to improve outcomes following sudden cardiac arrest in young people (aged up to 50 years).
With survival rates less than 10 per cent and significant genetic factors involved, the initiative addresses the need for coordinated care in Australia. The aim is to develop treatment roadmaps and a virtual centre to streamline diagnosis, management and support for families struggling to navigate the healthcare system after these life-altering events.
"Our goal is to ensure that every family affected by young sudden cardiac arrest receives the best possible support and follow-up, ultimately improving their quality of life," A/Prof. Ingles said.
Professor Joseph Powell
Prof. Powell from The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Medicine & Health has received $5 million for a project to personalise therapy choices for those affected by cardiovascular disease.
"Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death nationally and globally, responsible for 26 per cent of all deaths in Australia and costing the economy more than $5 billion each year. Sadly, for many people, a heart attack is the first sign of underlying disease," Prof. Powell said.
Prof. Powell, along with a diverse team of clinicians, stem cell biologists and a large clinical cohort of at-risk patients, has developed a cutting-edge method to better understand cardiovascular disease and inform therapy choices.
Using stem cells from patients, his team will assess the genetic, cellular and molecular factors that lead to sudden cardiac death after a heart attack and determine how drugs can best target them.
"By building the stem cell drug screening platform POPSTEM, we aim to personalise therapy choices for the many Australians affected by cardiovascular disease each year," Prof. Powell said.
Dr Sonali Gnanenthiran
Dr Gnanenthiran, a cardiologist from The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW Medicine & Health, has received $2.5 million for the 'LOTUS Trial' - a trial aimed at improving the health of stroke survivors who are at high risk of having more heart problems.
"High blood pressure and high cholesterol are two of the most treatable stroke risk factors, however only 1 in 10 stroke survivors manages to control both well," Dr Gnanenthiran said.
"We hope to involve stroke survivors in managing these risk factors and encourage doctors to take action by using a new care model. This model starts low-dose combination treatment for both high blood pressure and high cholesterol earlier and simplifies dose adjustments through nurse-led telehealth."
The novel low dose triple combination treatment in this study has now been submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration after a successful international Phase III development program.
The project will assess the ability of the new model to achieve blood pressure and cholesterol targets, as well as assessing how acceptable and cost effective it is.
"These results could transform the management of stroke survivors, particularly in expanding access in vulnerable and remote populations," Dr Gnanenthiran said.
Professor Jerry Greenfield
Prof. Greenfield from The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Medicine & Health has received $916,000 for a project exploring whether the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide, which improves blood sugar levels and reduces cardiovascular risks in type 2 diabetes, extend to people with type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Those with type 1 diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in this group.
"This trial could transform the therapeutic landscape for type 1 diabetes management by offering a new way to mitigate the heightened risk of heart disease found in these patients," Prof. Greenfield said.
