Innovations in eye health are among 17 ground-breaking medical projects that have received Federal Government funding today.
The Government is investing more than AU$14.7 million in these projects through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), comprising $8.9 million through the BioMedTech Horizons (BMTH) program and more than $5.8 million through the Biomedical Translation Bridge (BTB) program.
Macuject… is developing artificial intelligence-based clinical decision support software for intravitreal management of age-related macular degeneration
BMTH Program Funding
The BMTH program is a $45 million Government initiative that aims to move technologies to proof-of-concept and commercial development. As part of the second funding round of the BMTH program $8.9 million will be invested in nine projects that include:
- Macuject Pty Ltd, Victoria, which is developing artificial intelligence-based clinical decision support software for intravitreal management of age-related macular degeneration.
- PolyActiva Pty Ltd, Victoria, which is developing sustained release ocular implants for delivery of steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to the eye for the prevention and treatment of macular oedema.
- Enlighten Imaging Pty Ltd, Victoria, is developing a novel hyperspectral retinal imaging platform for next generation artificial intelligence diagnostics.
Industry is backing the BMTH projects by providing $10.6 million in matching contributions.
BTB Program Funding
The BTB program is a $22.3 million initiative that will fund up to $1 million in matched funding to nurture the translation of new therapies, technologies and medical devices through to proof of concept.
Eight projects will share in more than $5.8 million in the first funding round of the BTB program, including a project being undertaken at the Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory, where a team is developing rapid and objective eye and brain testing for better management of ophthalmic and neurological diseases.
Industry is providing an additional $14.6 million in support of the BTB projects.