Monash team behind new antibiotic discovery win Vice-Chancellor’s award
The Monash research team behind the discovery of QPX9003, a novel antibiotic targeting antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs’ have been awarded with the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research Engagement and Impact.
Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute’s (BDI) Professor Jian Li, Associate Professor Tony Velkov, Dr Kade Roberts and Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences’ (MIPS) Professor Roger Nation and Professor Philip Thompson were recognised for their world-leading research and powerful connections forged with government, industry and community.
Professor Margaret Gardner AC welcomed guests to the annual Vice-Chancellor’s Education and Research Awards, recognising those who have demonstrated the very best in education and research across the Monash community. The nominees represented a diverse group from a range of disciplines, campuses and faculties.
Professor Li, Associate Professor Velkov, Dr Roberts, Professor Nation and Professor Thompson, in collaboration with Qpexbio, pioneered the Monash antibiotic development program focusing on antimicrobial systems pharmacology and the discovery of novel antibiotics to combat Gram-negative ‘superbugs’. The team has established arguably the most comprehensive antimicrobial discovery platform in academia globally, with teams from medicinal chemistry to evaluations in animals, resulting in a successful international industry collaboration with the US company Qpex Biopharma, $12 million US NIH funding, and a major licensing deal for Monash University.
Read more about this Monash research team’s work:
- From concept to clinic: How Monash researchers developed a novel antibiotic candidate to tackle deadly bacterial ‘superbugs’
- Antibiotic discovered at Monash shows promising results in clinical trials
- Antibiotic resistance: A hidden crisis | RNZ News
To view the full list of Vice-Chancellor’s Education and Research award winners, visit the Monash website.
About the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences The Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences is a dynamic, innovative and ambitious research institute, comprising over 400 scientists engaged in research in drug discovery, design, delivery and use. As part of the top ranked Pharmacy Faculty in the Asia Pacific, MIPS’ therapeutic strengths lie in neuroscience and mental health, cardiovascular and metabolic health and global health. The team at MIPS are committed to research translation and have made major contributions to collaborative drug discovery programs that have progressed more than 30 novel drug candidates into clinical development.
About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the newly established Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Spanning six discovery programs across Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Development and Stem Cells, Infection and Immunity, Metabolism, Diabetes and Obesity, and Neuroscience, Monash BDI is one of the largest biomedical research institutes in Australia. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.