Funding injection of $5.2 million for new diabetes and cardiovascular disease research through MTPConnect
23 September 2021
MTPConnect and the Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon. Greg Hunt MP, today announced $5.2 million of funding for seven diabetes and cardiovascular disease research projects through the Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) initiative.
The TTRA, a Medical Research Future Fund initiative delivered by MTPConnect, is supporting new research approaches to improve the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and their related complications.
MTPConnect Managing Director and CEO, Dr Dan Grant, said this initial funding is a substantial and targeted boost for the translation and commercialisation of Australian research into diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
“These seven highly promising research projects selected in Victoria, NSW and Queensland have the potential to transform diabetes and cardiovascular disease outcomes and reduce the burden of disease on individuals, families and the community,” Dr Grant said.
“The $5.2 million allocated to these projects has attracted an additional $9.1 million in matching contributions – injecting a total of $14.3 million into the sector to tackle leading causes of death and disability in Australia.
“Australian’s are set to benefit from research and translation of telehealth aided mental health support, a novel therapeutic for treatment of diabetes-induced kidney disease, a new injectable therapy to treat Peripheral Arterial Disease, a new antithrombotic therapy to treat clots and reduce stroke, a new medical device to detect unstable plaques to prevent heart attacks, a diagnostic software tool to assess plaque vulnerability, and a software program to improve management of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease in general practice.”
TTRA Research Projects Round 1 Funding Awarded to:
- Deakin University’s Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, VIC, $748,384 award Low Intensity mental health Support via a Telehealth Enabled Network (LISTEN) for adults with diabetes and CVD: Effectiveness and scalability
- Heart Research Institute and University of Sydney, NSW, $750,000 award Development of novel safe adjunctive antithrombotic therapies for the improved treatment of acute ischaemic stroke
- Inosi Therapeutics Pty Ltd, VIC, $704,230 award Lead optimisation of novel inhibitors of IRAP for the treatment of fibrosis in diabetes-induced renal and cardiovascular disease
- Nirtek Pty Ltd, VIC, $750,000 award NIRAF Guidewire for Detection of Unstable Coronary Plaques to Prevent Heart Attack and Death
- Queensland University of Technology, QLD, $745,623 award Towards a diagnostic tool for atheroma assessment to better manage vulnerable patients
- University of Melbourne, VIC, $749,981 award Future Health Today and TorchRecruit: Changing the course of chronic disease
- University of Sydney, NSW, $739,128 award Local Regulation of Inflammation for the Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease
“A number of research priorities, identified following deep consultation with the sector, put the focus on the complexities for those living with both diseases. We want to see clinical impact targeting those who need it most,” Dr Grant said.
“A distinguishing feature of the TTRA program is the emphasis on translation with our program partners – ANDHealth, Medical Device Partnering Program and UniQuest – providing mentoring and commercialisation advice to applicants and those receiving funding.”
MTPConnect will shortly be opening the next funding round – with up to $6 million available through Round 2 – for TTRA Research Projects. Details can be found on the MTPConnect website at www.mtpconnect.org.au/programs/TTRA/ResearchProjects.