One of our impressive researchers has taken out a prestigious national award to broaden treatment options for diabetes.
Despite tough competition, Cameron Evans from the Cardiovascular Discovery Group has been awarded the 2024 Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovation (ACADI) PhD grant.
The funding means Cameron will be able to progress his research investigating the use of a new medication for diabetic foot ulcers and peripheral arterial disease.
Mirabegron is currently used to treat overactive bladder syndrome, but this research will help determine if it could be a suitable option for diabetic foot ulcers and vascular disease, where dysfunctional blood vessels reduce oxygen and nutrients in the tissue, and cause chronic wounds.
“Our use of Mirabegron works by improving blood flow to the lower limbs and increasing levels of nitric oxide, one of the body’s natural antioxidants,” Cameron said.
“This will help blood vessels and diabetic tissue function normally and heal ulcers.
“Current treatments include a cocktail of medications or vascular surgery which are invasive, costly and risky.
“So we hope our research will confirm if Mirabegron will reduce amputation, improve quality of life and increase life expectancy.”
Diabetes is continuing to escalate globally, with around 650 million people likely to have the disease by 2040.
“It’s anticipated, one in five of those with diabetes is likely to develop an ulcer, so we could potentially be helping more than 130 million people with our research.
“I am tremendously grateful for the ACADI PhD grant, which will greatly boost our project.
“Working weekends and researching five days is a tough slog, so receiving this grant is an incredible help.
“It’s a weight off my shoulders, and will give me dedicated time to progress our valuable investigations.”