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Research

Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Edaravone Quantification

Edaravone is used to treat motor neurone disease (MND) by slowing disease progression and prolonging survival time. Currently, it is available as an IV infusion (Radicava®, Jersey City, NJ, USA) and an oral liquid suspension (Radicava ORS®, Jersey City, NJ, USA). Development of novel edaravone formulations is still an active field of research that requires a validated stability-indicating assay capable of providing specific, precise, and accurate quantification of edaravone content. 

Research

Severe adverse reactions to benzathine penicillin G in rheumatic heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Fear of severe adverse reaction (SAR) and reluctance of health care providers to administer intramuscular injections are major contributing factors to poor adherence of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) in the management of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). However, data on the risk of SARs following BPG injections for RHD are relatively limited and inconclusive. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the incidence of SARs associated with BPG injections used for secondary prophylaxis of RHD. 

Research

Factors influencing adult and adolescent completion of treatment for late syphilis: a mixed methods systematic review

To identify factors influencing the completion of a three-dose course of weekly intramuscular benzathine penicillin G injections by adults and adolescents with syphilis of unknown duration or late syphilis.

Research

Population pharmacokinetics of penicillin G: insights into increased clearance at low concentrations to guide development of improved long-acting formulations for syphilis

Although benzylpenicillin (penicillin G) is listed by the World Health Organization as an Essential Medicine, dose optimization is a persistent challenge, especially for long-acting intramuscular formulations. Maintaining sustained antibiotic exposure at target concentrations is crucial for secondary chemoprophylaxis of rheumatic heart disease and treatment of syphilis. 

Research

Controlled Human Infection for Penicillin Against Streptococcus pyogenes – a double blinded randomised trail (The CHIPS trial)

In Australia, RHD-related death and disability is the leading driver of cardiovascular inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Research

Penicillin Levels for Rheumatic Heart Disease Study – Remote Cohort

Asha Jonathan Bowen Carapetis AM BA MBBS DCH FRACP PhD GAICD FAHMS OAM AM MBBS FRACP FAFPHM PhD FAHMS Head, Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention Executive

Penicillin Team

The Penicillin Team are working to accelerate research and clinical trials to improve penicillin formulation and treatment methods, to end RHD.

Research

Acceptability of sonicated versus unsonicated reconstituted (powdered) benzathine penicillin G for rheumatic fever prophylaxis

Powdered benzathine penicillin G (BPG) crystals vary widely in size and shape and are larger and less uniform than crystals found in pre-mixed suspensions of BPG like Bicillin ® L-A.

Research

Could late-latent syphilis be treated with a single subcutaneous infusion of long-acting penicillin?

Syphilis is an important global health threat and little has changed in its treatment since the mid-20th century. For late-latent or syphilis infection of unknown duration, the standard treatment of multiple intramuscular injections of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) are associated with significant pain and distress to clients and caregivers, negatively impacting on treatment completion.

Research

Microevolution and Its Impact on Hypervirulence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Vaccine Escape in Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitidis is commensal of the human pharynx and occasionally invades the host, causing the life-threatening illness invasive meningococcal disease. The meningococcus is a highly diverse and adaptable organism thanks to natural competence, a propensity for recombination, and a highly repetitive genome.