ASHRA Grants awarded to groundbreaking projects within UNSW
The CVMM Theme is pleased to announce the recipients of the ASHRA (Australian Stroke and Heart Research Accelerator) Grant.
The CVMM Theme is pleased to announce the recipients of the ASHRA (Australian Stroke and Heart Research Accelerator) Grant.
The CVMM Theme is pleased to announce the recipients of the ASHRA (Australian Stroke and Heart Research Accelerator) Grant.
Four grants, each worth $100,000, have been awarded to groundbreaking projects within UNSW.
Funded by the MTPConnect-Supported Targeted Translational Research Acceleration initiative from 2021, the ASHRA Grant supports projects with significant impact and strong potential for commercialisation and translation. This grant aims to revolutionise cardiovascular research, focusing on real-world impact and entrepreneurial innovation.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Tool
Led by: A/Prof Susann Beier (Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering), Prof Arcot Sowmya (School of Computer Science and Engineering), and A/Prof James Otton (School of Clinical Medicine) from UNSW
This project is developing a new tool to better detect heart attack risks. By leveraging standard medical images, AI, and big data, this tool offers more accurate, personalised risk assessments. In a pilot study with 350 patients, it identified high-risk individuals who would have been missed otherwise. The team is now refining their methods, working on a clinical prototype, and seeking funding for larger trials and commercialisation.
Led by: Prof Kim Delbaere (NeuRA), Dr Sze-Yuan Ooi (SESLHD), Prof David Peiris (TGIGH), and Prof Peter MacDonald (VCCRI).
This project aims to improve access to stroke rehabilitation for older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The team is developing a culturally adapted module within the StandingTall-Rehab program, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of these communities, including modifications for stroke survivors with aphasia. Through collaboration with stakeholders, the team is integrating behaviour change techniques, conducting pilot tests, and developing training materials to ensure the program is both accessible and effective while maintaining high fidelity.
Led by: Dr Charles Cox and Dr Zijing Zhou (VCCRI).
This project is tackling obesity with innovative peptide-based therapeutics. Researchers have discovered a way to target PIEZO ion channels, crucial in weight gain and satiety, using peptide-based therapeutics. Their research, published in Science, identified a protein that regulates these channels, leading to peptides that can boost or inhibit their activity. These peptides might reduce fat cell formation and simulate fullness, offering a new approach to weight management and CVD prevention. The team is conducting experiments to determine effective peptide concentrations, test stability and half-life, and assess their impact on weight gain in obese mice. They are also looking to partner with commercial entities to develop and commercialise these therapeutics.
Led by: A/Prof Mayooran Namasivayam (VCCRI).
The final project addresses aortic stenosis (AS), the most common valvular heart condition in developed countries. The VCCRI has developed a software tool that uses computer vision to analyse aortic valve imaging from routine echocardiographic data, aiming to improve AS classification. Next steps include national validation trials with data from Victorian Heart Hospital and Royal Hobart Hospital. They are also developing a user interface to allow clinicians to use this software at the bedside for real-time decision support. After national validation, the software will undergo user interface testing at multiple hospitals and clinics.
Congratulations to all! These innovative projects, supported by the ASHRA Grant, are set to make a significant impact on cardiovascular health, improving patient outcomes and advancing medical research.