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International collaboration advances potential new treatment for sepsis

Griffith University researchers have contributed to the development of a promising new treatment for sepsis, a life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide each year. The carbohydrate-based drug candidate, STC3141, was co-developed by Distinguished Professor Mark von Itzstein AO and his team from Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics in partnership with Professor Christopher Parish and researchers from The Australian National University. In 2025, a Phase II clinical trial involving 180 patients in China by the technology’s licensee, Grand Pharma, successfully met its key endpoints, demonstrating the drug's potential to reduce sepsis and reverse organ damage caused by the condition.

This project demonstrates active collaboration with national and international health and research partners to improve health outcomes. Through partnerships spanning Australian research institutions, the pharmaceutical sector, and international clinical trial networks, the project is advancing a much-needed treatment for a major global health challenge where no specific anti-sepsis therapy currently exists.

Project Partners/Collaborators:

• The Australian National University ( ANU ) (research co-development partner)
• Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited (Grand Pharma),
• Chinese clinical trial network and participating hospitals (Phase II clinical trial sites)

World-first phase 1B clinical trial with human challenge for vaccine to prevent Strep A and Rheumatic Heart Disease

Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics is leading a world-first Phase 1B dose-ranging clinical trial with human challenge test the efficacy of a vaccine targeting Strep A and rheumatic heart disease. This groundbreaking initiative, supported by a $5 million philanthropic donation from the International Leducq Foundation, involves vaccinating volunteers and then exposing them to a controlled dose of Strep A to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness. A Phase 1 trial has recently been successfully completed in Canada. Following the Phase 1B trial, the clinical evaluation will expand to Phase II studies involving hundreds of participants.

This project is an active collaboration with global health institutions—including the University of Alberta and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute—to improve human health and well-being. The vaccine has the potential to significantly reduce mortality from Strep A, which disproportionately affects Indigenous populations and low-income communities worldwide.

Project Partners/Collaborators:

• International Leducq Foundation (philanthropic funding partner),
• University of Alberta, Canada (clinical trial site)
• Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), Melbourne (co-lead on human infection trial)

Project Timeline:

• Start Date: November 2023 (commencement of human clinical trials in Canada)
• Projected Finish Date: Phase II trials are schedule for 2027 following the Phase 1B dose ranging trial

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Flo Axiom spin-out advances affordable manufacturing of life-saving medicines

Griffith University and venture capital firm, Proto Axiom, has established Flo Axiom, a new biotechnology spin-out company focused on developing innovative manufacturing technologies that could make life-saving medicines more affordable and accessible. Based on research led by Professor Bernd Rehm and Dr Stefanie Buchholz from Griffith's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, the company is developing advanced purification materials that improve the efficiency of producing biological medicines, including cancer treatments, vaccines, and immune therapies. By reducing manufacturing costs and accelerating production, the technology has the potential to increase access to critical treatments for conditions such as breast cancer, lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and infectious diseases.

The project supports the translation of biomedical research into practical healthcare solutions that can enhance access to medicines globally, particularly where production costs have traditionally limited availability, demonstrating active collaboration between Griffith University, industry partners, government funding bodies, and commercialisation organisations to improve health outcomes.

Project Partners/Collaborators:

• Australian Research Council (ARC) (research funding partner)
• Australian Economic Accelerator (AEA) Program (research translation and commercialisation funding partner)
• Proto Axiom (investor)

Project Timeline

• Project Start Date: Flo Axiom commenced in March 2025, with research and development activities supported through the LuminaX accelerator program, ARC and AEA funding
• Milestone Date: May 2026, establishment and launch of Flo Axiom spin-out company
• Projected Finish Date: Ongoing, with continued technology development, commercialisation, and industry deployment

Advancing malaria vaccine research through global partnerships and innovation

Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics is at the forefront of malaria vaccine innovation.

In December 2024, the Queensland Governor visited the Institute to recognise the achievements of the Malaria Vaccine Project team. This team has been developing the PlasProtecT vaccine in partnership with Rotary District 9640. It offers broad protection against multiple malaria strains and is poised to enter Phase 1 clinical trials in 2026. The vaccine targets the blood-stage of the parasite, responsible for the disease’s pathology and mortality, and has been endorsed by global experts as a promising solution to reduce malaria-related deaths, and thus promote human health and wellbeing.

The Institute is at the forefront of groundbreaking health and medical research, combating one of the world’s deadliest diseases.

Project Partners/Collaborators:

• Red Cross Lifeblood
• Sanaria Inc.
• Statens Serum Institut
• Monash University
• Burnet Institute
• Ehime University
• Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute (ADFMIDI)
• Rotary District 9640

Project Timeline:

• Start Date: Ongoing since 2015 (PlasProtecT vaccine development);
• Projected Finish Date: Ongoing. Phase 1 clinical trials for PlasProtecT are scheduled to begin in 2026

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World-First clinical trial to treat chronic spinal cord injury

Griffith University has launched a world-first Phase 1 human clinical trial to treat chronic spinal cord injury using a revolutionary cell transplantation therapy. Led by Professor James St John at the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, the trial involves harvesting olfactory ensheathing cells from the patient’s nose to create a microscopic “nerve bridge” that is implanted at the injury site. This innovative approach is supported by intensive rehabilitation before and after transplantation to stimulate nerve regeneration and assess functional recovery. This project demonstrates active collaboration with state and national and philanthropic health institutions to improve health and well-being outcomes for people living with spinal cord injury. The trial represents a major step forward in regenerative medicine and offers hope for restoring independence and quality of life to individuals affected by paralysis.

Project Partners/Collaborators:

• Gold Coast University Hospital, Queensland Health (clinical trial site)
• Motor Accident Insurance Commission (major funder)
• Clem Jones Foundation (Queensland)
• Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
• Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF)
• Queensland Government
• Nicola and Andrew Forrest
• Brazil Family Foundation
• Terry and Rhonda White

Project Timeline:

• Start Date: October 2025 (commencement of Phase 1 clinical trial)
• Projected Finish Date: Ongoing (extensive trial activity includes a year of rehabilitation and follow-up after nerve bridge implantation)

Find out more Spinal cord injury nerve bridge transplantation trial

Landmark international partnership to develop gonorrhoea vaccine

Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics has entered a landmark co-development agreement with Swiss-based LimmaTech Biologics AG to create a world-first vaccine for gonorrhoea. This collaboration leverages Griffith’s discovery of promising gonococcal vaccine antigens and LimmaTech’s advanced platform technologies to address the urgent global health threat posed by antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhoea. The disease affects over 105 million people annually and is particularly harmful to women and Indigenous populations, with no current vaccine available. The project also contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation, a priority for the WHO , CDC , and Australian Microbial Strategy.

Project Partners/Collaborators:

• LimmaTech Biologics AG (Swiss-based biopharmaceutical company and co-development partner)

Project Timeline:

• Start Date: October 2022 (signing of co-development agreement and licence option)
• Projected Finish Date: Ongoing (vaccine development and commercialisation phases underway)

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Saliva-based diagnostic test for liver disease accelerated toward market

Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics is pioneering a revolutionary saliva-based diagnostic test for liver fibrosis, led by Professor Chamindie Punyadeera. This non-invasive technology uses salivary biomarkers to detect liver fibrosis, a condition that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. The project received a major boost when Professor Punyadeera was selected for the prestigious LuminaX HealthTech Accelerator Program, which supports digital health innovation and fast-tracks promising technologies toward market readiness. This initiative demonstrates active collaboration with local health innovation networks to improve diagnostic access and outcomes. The test offers a safer, more accessible alternative to liver biopsies, particularly benefiting older populations and those in rural or underserved communities.

Project Partners/Collaborators:

• LuminaX HealthTech Accelerator Program (delivered by Cohort Innovation Space)
• Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP) (innovation ecosystem supporting health research and technology)
• Griffith Enterprise (technology transfer and industry engagement)

Project Timeline:

• Start Date: January 2024 (development and validation phase)
• Milestone Date: June 2025 ( Finalist and Awardee in LuminaX Accelerator)
• Projected Finish Date: Ongoing (market readiness and commercialisation in progress)

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Zebrafish research improves early diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy in newborns

Researchers from Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics have developed a world-first zebrafish-based testing method that helps clinicians rapidly determine whether a newborn's genetic mutation is likely to cause spinal muscular atrophy ( SMA ), one of the leading genetic causes of infant mortality worldwide. Led by Dr Jean Giacomotto, the research enables scientists to assess previously unknown genetic variants within days, providing critical information to support urgent treatment decisions for newborns identified through genomic screening programs.

This initiative contributes to improved health outcomes through collaboration between biomedical researchers, clinicians, and genomic screening programs. The research helps clinicians avoid unnecessary treatment while ensuring that babies who require intervention can receive life-saving therapies before irreversible neurological damage occurs. The innovative approach also reduces uncertainty and distress for families and supports the growing global use of genomic medicine in newborn healthcare.

Project Partners/Collaborators:

• Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine and Health, UNSW Medicine
• Department of Pediatric Neurology, Centre for Neuromuscular Disorders, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen
• Department of Neurology, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
• Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital of Cologne
• Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne
• Center for Rare Diseases, University Hospital of Cologne,
• School of Environment and Science, Griffith University
• Thompson Institute, National PTSD Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast
• Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland

Project Timeline

• Project Start Date: January 2025
• Milestone Date: January 2026, publication of findings in EMBO Molecular Medicine and selection as the journal's front cover feature
• Projected Finish Date: Ongoing, with continued application and expansion of the technology to support clinical genetic testing and variant interpretation

Breakthrough discovery in malaria parasite invasion mechanism

Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, in collaboration with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), has made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum invades human red blood cells. The study, published in Cell Reports, identified the sugar molecule sialic acid as a critical binding target for the parasite’s CyRPA protein, revealing a key mechanism in the parasite’s adaptation to humans. This discovery opens new avenues for blood-stage malaria vaccine development and antimalarial drug design. This research demonstrates an important collaboration with a global health institution to improve health and well-being outcomes, contributing to the fight against malaria—a disease that caused over 600,000 deaths in 2022—by advancing knowledge essential for developing effective vaccines and treatments.

Project Partners/Collaborators:

• Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) (co-lead research partner)

Project Timeline:

• Start Date: Early 2023 (research collaboration and study initiation)
• Finish Date: April 2024 (publication of findings)

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Cure TBI project advances cell-based therapies for traumatic brain injury

Griffith University's Cure TBI project has received $5.5 million in funding from the Queensland Government to develop new cell-based therapies for people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Led by Professor James St John from the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research within Griffith's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, the project builds on successful spinal cord injury therapies developed through Griffith's Spinal Injury Project. Researchers will develop and evaluate a range of cell-based therapeutic products designed to address both the initial injury and the secondary degeneration that often causes ongoing neurological damage and long-term disability following TBI.

This initiative demonstrates active collaboration between university researchers, government agencies, and clinical translation partners to improve health outcomes for individuals affected by traumatic brain injury. By leveraging expertise gained through spinal cord injury research and advancing therapies towards future clinical trials, the project aims to improve recovery, reduce long-term disability, and enhance quality of life for people living with brain injuries.

Project Partners/Collaborators:

• Queensland Government (funding partner)
• National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ) (project funding partner)

Project Timeline:

• Project Start Date: May 2025
• Milestone Date: May 2026, receipt of $5.5 million funding from the Queensland Government and NIISQ
• Projected Finish Date: Ongoing, with development of therapeutic products and progression towards future clinical trials