The Abell's group presentations

Speaker: Dion Turner

Title: Reactive Oxygen Species-Activated Drugs for Tissue-Targeted Treatment of Pain

Abstract: The delivery or activation of a drug molecule only at the site of disease is the pinnacle of medicinal chemistry. Such drugs are less likely to cause adverse effects and can result in greater efficacy compared to the active drug given systemically. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are overproduced at localised sites in ailments collectively known as diseases of oxidative stress, of which chronic neuropathic pain is one of the most common. Current treatments for neuropathic pain include opioids, anti-depressants and anti-convulsants, all of which lack efficacy, have serious side effects and have addiction or withdrawal risks. Application of our ROS-activated technology to a drug which activates Nrf2, a transcription factor for the major antioxidant pathway in cells, has resulted in a potential treatment for neuropathic pain with demonstrated efficacy, tissue-targeting, and promising side-effect profile in mouse models of multiple neuropathic pain disorders.

Bio: Dion Turner is a final year chemistry PhD student working under the supervision of Prof. Andrew Abell and Dr. Thomas Avery. He obtained a B.Sc. (Adv.) from The University of Adelaide in 2017 and subsequently completed an M.Phil. in 2020. Dion was awarded a Dean's Commendation for Master by Research Thesis Excellence for his thesis titled “Probing a Promiscuous Binding Pocket of the Proteasome”. During his PhD, Dion has been working on drug candidates which are activated via chemical reaction with reactive oxygen species, thereby localising the effect of the drug to sites of oxidative stress. This work spurred an interest in research translation and commercialisation, leading him to pitch his project to investor panels, VC firms and other sources of private investment.

Speaker: John Kalyvas

Title: Smart Antimicrobial Wound Dressings – Light-Controlled Release and Activation of Photoswitchable Antimicrobial Peptides

Abstract: Multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains are a major cause of concern for public health. As the most common source of life-threatening S. aureus blood stream infections are skin infections, effective treatments for skin lesions are crucial. Gramicidin S is a cyclic antimicrobial peptide that exhibits antibacterial potency against S. aureus. However, its clinical use is limited by its significant cytotoxicity towards human red blood cells. A light responsive antimicrobial peptide delivery and activation system targeting staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria has been designed and synthesised. The proposed topical wound dressing allows concurrent delivery and photoactivation of a photoswitchable gramicidin S analogue on UV irradiation. The liberated analogue exhibits selective antimicrobial activity toward S. aureus, while essentially non-toxic against sheep erythrocytes. The system offers a viable strategy to manage the poor toxicity profile of Gramicidin S. This controlled drug delivery and activation system has the potential to prevent the development of S. aureus antibiotic resistance, as antimicrobial activity can be ‘switched off’ within seconds.

Bio:  John completed a Bachelor of Science in 2021. He is currently completing a Master of Philosophy in Medicinal Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Andrew Abell & Dr. John Horsley. His current research involves the development of targeted drug delivery systems using light to improve existing therapeutic agents.

Speaker: Jarred Scaffidi-Muta

Title: The Development of Radiopharmaceuticals Utilising Lead 212 for Targeted Alpha Therapy.

Abstract: Despite significant advances in treatments over recent years, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Current therapies still possess numerous limitations which necessitate the development of additional treatments. Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) is emerging as a safe and effective alternative to conventional radiotherapies, particularly against cancers that are metastatic and/or treatment resistant. TAT utilises radionuclides which produce high energy, but short range, alpha radiation to kill cancerous cells. By attaching the alpha emitter to a targeting vector, such as a peptide or antibody, this radiation can be selectively delivered to tumours whilst leaving surrounding healthy tissue unharmed. This presentation will discuss research concerning the development of these so-called radiopharmaceuticals utilising lead 212, an alpha emitting radionuclide whose properties make it ideal for use in TAT. 

Bio: Jarred obtained a Bachelor of Science in 2021 and is currently completing a Master of Philosophy in the field of Medicinal Chemistry under the supervision of Prof. Andrew Abell and Dr. William Tieu. His current research concerning the development of radiopharmaceuticals is in partnership with AdvanCell Isotopes, who are involved with the production and utilisation of therapeutic radionuclides.