Kolling Institute News

Kolling Institute News

Kolling researchers lead world first trial

Funding for key national projects

Long term impacts of minor crashes

Discovery into reality

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MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

event. The seminars will have a focus on networking, collaboration and career pathways, and will provide a forum for researchers to discuss collaborative opportunities and offer peer support. The series will feature national and international speakers, as well as early and mid-career researchers. The implementation of our research strategy has been discussed in the many conversations I have had around the Kolling. It is safe

The neuroscience and pain priority research area, for instance, will bring together academics, clinicians and community members to focus on the complex issue of opioid prescription. A combined research approach, involving representatives from pharmacology, ageing, pain, neurosciences, and the community, will reduce this significant health challenge. Importantly, planning is underway for three research showcases over the coming months to direct the spotlight to our priority research areas of musculoskeletal, neuroscience and pain, and cardiovascular and renal research. The showcases will focus on the strengths and diversity across the three areas, and will provide an excellent opportunity to broaden awareness of our expertise and research activity in these areas. One initiative to flow from the research strategy is a new collection of seminars. The Kolling Research Seminar Series will commence on June 1, with physiotherapists Dr Sally Wootton and A/Professor Zoe Mckeough to present at our first

I have stepped into the role of Acting Executive Director during an exciting time for the Kolling immediately after the launch of our five-year research strategy. It is both an honour and a privilege to be acting in the position. I have welcomed the opportunity to meet with the priority research area and research enabler groups and to learn more about their plans for their respective groups. Our strategic committees have thrown their support behind the new strategy, and are working to establish measurable objectives, timelines and benchmarks for future reporting. It has been encouraging to see the considerable efforts and commitment to expanding our research success in a united fashion. A key part of the new strategy will see the development of new collaborations, both within the Kolling and with external partners, and I’m pleased to see some new partnerships are already emerging and becoming established. This

to say that these ‘early-days’ conversations have given me a

sense of confidence that our Kolling community is committed to actioning the research strategy. I believe effective, consistent, and cohesive language around the successful implementation of the strategy will not only prove positive, but will exceed all of our expectations of what a culture of success looks and feels like. Lastly, I am reminded of an African proverb…“If you want to go fast. Go alone. If you want to go far. Go together.”

will have a significant impact on our ability to enhance our multidisciplinary research capabilities.

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KOLLINGNEWS | MAY 2021

First large-scale trial of stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis Kolling researcher Professor David Hunter will lead one of the world’s largest clinical trials into the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for those with knee osteoarthritis. More than 400 participants will be recruited for the study which will see trial sites established at Royal North Shore Hospital and the Menzies Institute in Hobart. Professor Hunter, the Florance and Cope Chair of Rheumatology at the University of Sydney, said the two- year study represents the first of its type to test stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis. “We will evaluate whether stem cell injections can improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease in people with mild to

moderate knee osteoarthritis,” he said. “Participants will receive three injections over a 12 month period, with researchers to assess levels of pain, physical activity and quality of life throughout the trial.” All participants will receive the same stem cell product, developed from cells from a single young healthy person. The study follows some small trials which have indicated stem cell therapy may reduce inflammation, and help the body repair cartilage. Professor Hunter said there is tremendous community interest and many stem cell products available, but to date, there has been no good, rigorous evidence to suggest these products are effective in this context. “It’s really important that we have high-quality trials like this one to produce the evidence that we need around efficacy and safety,” he said. “Osteoarthritis is steadily increasing in prevalence due to our ageing population and the high numbers of

people above a healthy weight.

“It’s important that we can offer those managing the condition a range of treatment options, on top of the existing conservative approach of weight loss and exercise.” The trial has been welcomed by 61 year old Tom Buttel who has experienced knee osteoarthritis for most of his life after a rugby injury in his teens. “Osteoarthritis has had a big impact on my life, causing considerable pain and limiting quite a few daily tasks,” he said. “I have found, however, that by maintaining my weight and adhering to a personally-tailored exercise program, I’ve been in a much better position to manage my condition. “I’m very excited by the trial and encouraged that it may be an important step towards a safe and effective treatment for people with osteoarthritis.”

Further information about the SCUlpTOR study is available at: tinyurl.com/sculptor-trial

Professor David Hunter and Tom Buttel who has lived with osteoarthritis for most of his life

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WWW.KOLLINGINSTITUTE.ORG.AU

Professor Gemma Figtree with Dr Steve Vernon

Our researchers secure highly competitive national funding Two of our leading researchers will drive key Australian projects following a funding announcement from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). of coronary artery disease - the most common form of heart disease which can lead to heart attacks. measure the effectiveness of this new test using genetic markers to predict heart health,” she said.

“If it proves effective, we anticipate the new early warning test will directly inform clinical guidelines and government policy. “It will help us identify those at risk of coronary artery disease so they can receive preventative treatment, similar to that received by those with the traditional risk factors. “We anticipate this approach will reduce heart attacks and prevent deaths.

She said our current assessment is based on the well-documented risk factors of smoking, hypertension, diabetes and high blood cholesterol. However, between 15 and 30 per cent of people who experience a heart attack don’t have these traditional risk factors, so a new early detection test, called a polygenic risk score has been developed. “As part of our research, we will be providing some robust >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16

www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

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