Published Tuesday, 08 May, 2007 at 05:00 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO HELP FIND BETTER TREATMENTS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE
BOSTON: Vital research into the treatment of renal disease received a $1million boost from the Queensland Government today.
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie announced the Innovation Project Funds grant to the University of Queensland to develop cell-based regenerative therapies for chronic kidney disease at BIO 2007 in Boston.
When all other partner funding is included, the project involves an overall investment of $2.8 million.
“Chronic kidney disease costs Australia $1.8 billion a year,” Mr Beattie said.
“The aim of this project is to enable the in-situ repair of damaged kidneys. While not likely to replace kidney transplants, the results would be superior to dialysis in containing kidney disfunctionality.”
Mr Beattie said with the incidence of renal disease in Australia increasing at eight per cent a year, the project had the potential to develop a more viable remedy to kidney disease than would be possible through existing treatments.
“Because of the shortage of kidney donors and restrictions associated with dialysis there is a real need for more advanced therapeutic approaches,” Mr Beattie said.
“This important project will also complement current capabilities and investments in renal and stem cell research at the University of Queensland. The Australian Stem Cell Centre node at the University has a research program on characterisation of adult renal stem cells.”
The Innovation Projects Fund is part of the Queensland Government’s $200 million Smart State Innovation Funding Program, which aims to build world-class research facilities, attract top-quality scientists to Queensland and stimulate cutting-edge research projects.
“The Queensland Government has invested more than $3 billion in innovation, science and research since 1998. I think this demonstrates our deep and ongoing commitment to maintaining Queensland’s reputation as the Smart State,” Mr Beattie said.
Mr Beattie and Minister for State Development John Mickel are leading a Queensland biotechnology delegation to BIO 2007, the world’s largest biotechnology conference and exhibition.
BIO 2007 runs from 6-9 May and attracts about 20,000 international delegates and the Queensland Government is continuing its significant investment in Queensland branding and positioning to facilitate leads, networking, new business and research collaboration opportunities.
Media Contacts: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Contact: Professor Melissa Little, Institute of Molecular Bioscience, tel. 3346 2054, mob. 0427 770 386, email: m.little@imb.uq.edu.au
Queensland Premier Peter Beattie announced the Innovation Project Funds grant to the University of Queensland to develop cell-based regenerative therapies for chronic kidney disease at BIO 2007 in Boston.
When all other partner funding is included, the project involves an overall investment of $2.8 million.
“Chronic kidney disease costs Australia $1.8 billion a year,” Mr Beattie said.
“The aim of this project is to enable the in-situ repair of damaged kidneys. While not likely to replace kidney transplants, the results would be superior to dialysis in containing kidney disfunctionality.”
Mr Beattie said with the incidence of renal disease in Australia increasing at eight per cent a year, the project had the potential to develop a more viable remedy to kidney disease than would be possible through existing treatments.
“Because of the shortage of kidney donors and restrictions associated with dialysis there is a real need for more advanced therapeutic approaches,” Mr Beattie said.
“This important project will also complement current capabilities and investments in renal and stem cell research at the University of Queensland. The Australian Stem Cell Centre node at the University has a research program on characterisation of adult renal stem cells.”
The Innovation Projects Fund is part of the Queensland Government’s $200 million Smart State Innovation Funding Program, which aims to build world-class research facilities, attract top-quality scientists to Queensland and stimulate cutting-edge research projects.
“The Queensland Government has invested more than $3 billion in innovation, science and research since 1998. I think this demonstrates our deep and ongoing commitment to maintaining Queensland’s reputation as the Smart State,” Mr Beattie said.
Mr Beattie and Minister for State Development John Mickel are leading a Queensland biotechnology delegation to BIO 2007, the world’s largest biotechnology conference and exhibition.
BIO 2007 runs from 6-9 May and attracts about 20,000 international delegates and the Queensland Government is continuing its significant investment in Queensland branding and positioning to facilitate leads, networking, new business and research collaboration opportunities.
Media Contacts: Premier’s Office 3224 4500
Contact: Professor Melissa Little, Institute of Molecular Bioscience, tel. 3346 2054, mob. 0427 770 386, email: m.little@imb.uq.edu.au