Associate Professor Andrew White has been awarded the 2024 Glaucoma Australia Quinlivan research grant.
The announcement was made by Glaucoma Australia Patron, the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn.
A media release said that A/Prof White, from the Centre for Vision Research at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research in NSW, would use the grant to focus on the development of Irbesartan as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment and management of glaucoma.
A/Prof White said that, over the next five years, “our research vision focuses on revolutionising the management of open-angle glaucoma through precision medicine”.
“This drug has been on the market since 1998,” he said. “It’s a really good anti-inflammatory which has the potential to protect important retinal eye cells from dying. That could go a long way towards preserving sight in a lot of glaucoma cases.
“We’ve got a lot of fairly effective treatments that revolve around reducing pressure in the eye. But for about one in five people with glaucoma, they don’t work.
“This research is about the 20% of people who can get worse with the current glaucoma treatments and progress to lifelong blindness.”
The Governor-General said: “Sight is precious, and an Australia free from glaucoma blindness is an important goal.
“Glaucoma Australia’s support of innovative research is a hand of hope to everyone affected by glaucoma.
“Andrew has made his mark as a passionate advocate for the glaucoma community. He has devoted decades of research to identifying safer and more effective treatments for glaucoma – and improving outcomes for glaucoma patients. His work is an act of care and commitment that represents the very best of our nation.”
The release said the research would address a critical need in glaucoma treatment, focusing not just on reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) but also on neuroprotection for retinal ganglion cells (RGC), for which no pharmacological therapies currently exist.
This dual approach could significantly enhance treatment outcomes for glaucoma patients, particularly those unresponsive to current IOP-lowering therapies alone.
Glaucoma Australia CEO Mr Adam Check said: “Associate Professor White has long been a passionate advocate for the glaucoma community underpinned by his empathetic and innovative pursuit to advance glaucoma treatments for patients. As a staunch champion for the services delivered by Glaucoma Australia, it is a privilege to award this grant, on behalf of the glaucoma community. I congratulate him wholeheartedly”.
The Glaucoma Australia ‘Quinlivan’ research grants are awarded following rigorous evaluation, based largely on the National Health and Medical Research Council process, along with peer review, to ensure that the successful applicants meet the highest standards. Submissions are reviewed by the Glaucoma Australia Independent Research Panel consisting of internationally recognised experts in glaucoma research including the fields of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Pharmacy.
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