$18.7 million for ground-breaking stem cell research projects

The Morrison Government is providing $18.7 million to 10 leading research institutions around Australia, to address illnesses facing many Australians and their families, including heart disease, COVID-19, epilepsy and childhood cancer.

 

The funding will be distributed among 17 projects to further work towards new treatments, diagnostic tools and therapies centred around stem cell use.

 

The projects funded through the 2020 Stem Cell Mission grant opportunities will address diseases including COVID-19, Crohn’s disease, heart failure, neuroblastoma, Friedreich’s ataxia, Epilepsy, kidney disease, and digestive disease.

 

The University of Sydney will receive around $6.3 million for three projects, including work to develop a clinical trial for the use of stem cell grown heart muscle in patients with ‘no option’ end-stage heart failure.

 

The economic cost of heart failure in Australia each year is estimated to be around $1 billion, and with half of all patients dying within one year, the toll on Australians and their families is enormous.

 

The University of Adelaide will receive more than $441,000 for their research to prevent premature fusion of cranial sutures in babies.

 

This condition, called craniosynostosis, can result in skull and facial defects and increased pressure on very young brains, which can lead to neurological problems.

 

The researchers will try to identify a non-surgical approach to ensure the best opportunity for normal brain and craniofacial development.

 

Stem cell therapy is a proven treatment for blood disorders such as leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Stem cells have the potential to treat many types of incurable diseases, bringing hope for treatments and cure where previously there was none.

 

The Stem Cell Mission is a priority of the Morrison Government’s $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and will provide $150 million towards research over 9 years.

 

The Mission supports world-leading translational stem cell research, developing and delivering innovative, safe and effective stem cell medicines to improve health outcomes.

 

The MRFF is a long-term, sustainable investment in Australian health and medical research helping to improve lives, build the economy and contribute to the sustainability of the health system.

 

Further information about the MRFF is available at www.health.gov.au/mrff