On 18 June 2024, the Foundation Board was pleased to present this year’s Weary Dunlop grants in what was a very competitive field of applications. The 2024 grant recipients are:
Dr Manisha H. Shah
Research Fellow, Genetic Engineering Unit, Centre for Eye Research Australia
A Non-invasive, eye-drop based novel gene therapy to prevent blindness in neovascular eye disease age-related macular degeneration.
This project focuses on neovascular AMD, leading cause of legal blindness in aging veterans and their families worldwide. Our objective is to pioneer the development of the first-ever less-invasive, switchable gene therapy which patients can self- administer to treat AMD. We expect that this sustainable treatment approach will improve vision impairment in veterans.
Dr Sheila Patel – DIABETES GRANT
Senior Research Fellow, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health
Improving the identification and treatment of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) or an enlarged heart can cause heart failure, heart attacks and death. Patients with diabetes are at very high risk of developing LVH. This project will explore whether a novel genetic marker can identify those at highest risk of LVH. This approach may allow us to offer the best treatment strategy for those at risk to prevent progression to heart failure, heart attack, and death.
Dr Mark Louis Vidallon
Research Officer, Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne
Combating cardiovascular diseases using innovative mRNA-based therapies.
Cardiovascular diseases result in 1 in 3 deaths, affecting everyone, including our veterans. Our proposal aims to employ innovative mRNA-based agents and advanced nanobiotechnologies for earlier and better therapies. These novel therapeutics promising side-effect-free preventive, recovery, and management solutions for a spectrum of cardiovascular diseases that affect our veterans.
Dr Gink Yang
Research Fellow, Corneal Unit, Centre for Eye Research Australia
A first-line defence against corneal scarring
Our project aims to develop a first aid eye drop to prevent corneal scarring, a blinding eye disease, from trauma or infections to the front of the eye. We aim to develop the eye drop using a non-toxic protein-based formulation for the immediate treatment of injured service personnel and veterans.
Associate Professor Rachel Davey
Principal Research Fellow, Molecular Endocrinology and Musculoskeletal Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health
Leveraging testosterone’s fat-reducing effects to discover novel pathways for the treatment of obesity.
Obesity affects over 60% Australians increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Testosterone decreases fat but due to negative side effects cannot be used to treat obesity. We aim to discover precisely how testosterone decreases fat to assist in developing new, effective drugs that could help combat obesity.
Dr Annabelle Warren
Endocrinologist, Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health & PhD candidate, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Health
Solutions for low sodium: A randomised trial of Tolvaptan versus Urea for second-line therapy of hyponatraemia (TVU Trial)
Low blood sodium level (‘hyponatraemia’) is a common electrolyte abnormality that can cause confusion or seizures, with many causes – including military training exercises. This trial will compare two different treatments for hyponatraemia in hospital patients to discover the best approach and will lead to new Australian guidelines for safe treatment.
Dr Rahul Khanna – MENTAL HEALTH GRANT
Psychiatrist & Clinical Director, Transforming Trauma Victoria, Phoenix Australia, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne
A digital diagnostics paradigm for posttraumatic stress disorder.
PTSD is a common and disabling condition that affects many veterans. This project combines years of practice experience in treating veterans with PTSD with advanced in artificial intelligence to improve the speed and quality of diagnoses. Ultimately, it will improve the way treatments are researched and clinically chosen.
Robert Winther
Chair, Weary Dunlop Foundation
BACK (L-R) Prof Zajac, Dr Annabelle Warren, Dr Mark Louis Vidallon, Assoc Prof Rachel Davey, Dr Rahul Kanna, Robert Winther
FRONT (L-R) Dr Manisha H Shah, Dr Gink Yang, Dr Sheila Patel