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Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences news

ARC grants success

June 2005

Monash University received 11 ARC grants in round two which was announced in late June.  The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences had two successful grant applications.  Kay Stewart and Colin Chapman were also successful in obtaining a grant in collaboration with LaTrobe University. 

  • Professor Peter Scammells and Dr. Chinh Thien Bui from partnering organisation, Iliad Chemicals, received $225,000 over four years for a project titled ‘Development of a Diversity-Oriented Synthesis Platform.’
    Genomic, proteomic and other studies of the molecular basis of disease are providing a constant stream of biomolecular targets for drug discovery. Identifying suitable drugs candidates to affect these targets centres around procuring a suitable library of compounds for screening. This application addresses some of the key issues related to the development of appropriate compound libraries for such screening programs.
  • Dr Ossama El-Kabbani in collaboration with Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho Co. Ltd received $80,000 over three years to investigate the ‘Structure-based discovery of dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors.’
    Diabetes afflicts approximately 151 million people worldwide, with an estimated increase to 221 million by 2010. To date, no therapy for the treatment of diabetes complications is widely accepted. The enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV has shown promising results as a target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Structural studies of dipeptidyl peptidase IV in complex with inhibitor will be conducted to elucidate the details of the enzyme-inhibitor interaction. The results will be used to identify the molecular basis of potency and selectivity of dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors and may lead to the discovery of pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of diabetes sufferers.
  • Dr Kay Stewart and Professor Colin Chapman along with academics from LaTrobe University and partner organisations Schering Pharmaceuticals and Sexual Health and Family Planning of Australia, received $120,000 over four years for their project, ‘A study of the provision of the emergency contraceptive pill over-the-counter in Australia.’
    Australian abortion rates, especially among young women, are a major concern. The emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) is an effective method for the prevention of unwanted and unplanned pregnancy, with the potential to reduce abortions. The study aims to provide evidence of whether the rescheduling of ECP in Australia so that pharmacists as well as doctors can dispense it, has improved its accessibility and use by women at risk of abortion. It will also assess whether pharmacists feel confident, well-trained and supported to provide it and whether abortion rates have reduced. The study will provide policymakers with the evidence to assess whether this important initiative is effective and what is needed to improve its effectiveness.