National recognition for cardiovascular research translation
A team of Infensa Bioscience researchers, led by Head of Biology Nathan Palpant, has received a national award for their work developing a “transformative, first-in-class” treatment for heart attack and stroke, inspired by a molecule discovered in the venom of an Australian funnel-web spider.
The HEART-REHAB team won the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) 2024 Translation Award, which recognises the outstanding achievements of researchers who have translated discoveries from the laboratory or unmet clinical needs into interventions that have real-life impact for patients.
Infensa was founded to commercialise and optimise the discovery of a peptide in venom of the K’gari funnel-web that minimises irreversible damage from heart attacks, strokes and heart transplants by targeting a receptor that is a key driver of tissue death.
“It’s an honour to receive this Award knowing it reflects nearly ten years of research and the collective effort of many collaborators who have made it feasible,” Professor Palpant said.
“It’s humbling to be selected as the Winner, and I’m excited to be part of an effort to translate a fundamental research discovery into clinical testing for an area of unmet clinical need.”
The team also includes Professor Glenn King, Chief Scientific Officer; and Dr Natalie Saez, Lead Scientist; who both hold appointments at The University of Queensland’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience; and Professor Peter MacDonald, Co-founder; and Professor Bob Graham AO, Co-founder and Director; both of whom hold appointments at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, St Vincent’s Hospital, and the University of New South Wales.
Rob Tassie, ACvA CEO, congratulated all researchers, saying ACvA was proud to recognise and celebrate the groundbreaking research and innovative solutions in the sector that are improving health outcomes for all Australians – “a vital part of sustaining our reputation for world-class research”.
L-R: L-R: Professor Julie Redfern AM, Chair, ACvA Scientific Advisory Committee; Professor Jason Kovacic, ACvA President; Professor Nathan Palpant; Dr Natalie Saez; Professor Glenn King; Rob Tassie, ACvA CEO.