The Federal Government has announced new funding of $3 million for eight projects to enable scientists to conduct critical research into the Hendra virus, following a fresh outbreak in Queensland.

 

Federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek said the research is aimed at getting a better understanding of the virus, the development of management procedures and improved patient treatments.

 

Three grants totalling $1.6M will examine immunological responses to exposure to the Hendra virus, creating knowledge about how host organisms react to the virus.

Five grants totalling $1.4M will support research into possible diagnostic markers, vaccines and antiviral drug targets.

 

Ms Plibersek said the funding as part of an overall $12 million collaborative effort between the Commonwealth, NSW and Queensland governments.

 

The announcement follows a recent Urgent Call for Research by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The council identified areas for research and subjected the grant applicants to rigorous review with eight of the best proposals having immediate access to funding.  

“The call for research has been highly effective in recruiting the best research proposals to increase the body of knowledge about human health issues related to Hendra virus,” NHMRC Chief Executive Officer Professor Warwick Anderson said.