Australian Rotary Health Supports life-saving research

Leading experts in cardiovascular medicine at the University of Newcastle have made a significant discovery that may unlock the secrets of heart disease with support from Australian Rotary Health.

Professor Andrew Boyle and postdoctoral researcher and alumna, Dr Lucy Murtha, have made a world-first discovery. They have found two molecules that are potential targets for new therapies to prevent and/or reverse heart scarring following a heart attack. This discovery could lead to rapid translation into clinical use by identifying new applications for already approved drugs.

A fatal consequence of heart disease is the formation of scar tissue, which causes the heart to become stiff and immobile, reducing its capacity to beat properly. Once it develops, scar tissue is there to stay and we currently have no effective therapies to prevent, reduce or reverse it.

Dr Murtha’s experimental studies have explored the molecular mechanisms of two new proteins to understand how crucial they are to the formation of scar tissue after a heart attack.

The next phase of research will use computational chemistry and virtual screening to sift through approximately 7,500 drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration to identify which existing drugs could block the function of these molecules before testing their effectiveness.

Identifying new uses for already approved drugs drastically reduces the time and cost for drug development – potentially saving decades of time, billions of dollars and millions of lives in the process.

We have all the expertise in place in the Hunter to start these clinical trials rapidly if we find a new drug using this methodology, paving the way for life-changing treatments for the millions of people living with heart disease. ”

_{-Dr Lucy Murtha 
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Medicine and Public Health
PhD, 2015; BBiomedSc(Hons), 2010; BBiomedSc, 2009} 

Australian Rotary Health champion’s heartfelt mission

Margaret Ryan turned personal adversity into a powerful mission – raising an incredible $56,192 for Australian Rotary Health to fund cardiovascular disease research.

Margaret’s passion for the cause was deeply personal, with her husband Bob Ryan living with serious heart health concerns. During Bob’s tenure as Governor of Rotary District 9650, she was determined to use the opportunity to further the work of Professor Boyle, his colleagues and their pioneering research – the very people she credits with saving Bob’s life.

Travelling across the district in 2017-18, Margaret’s fundraising efforts inspired hundreds of people across 56 Rotary Clubs to rally behind her mission.

Sadly, our area of Hunter New England is one of the worst in NSW for heart disease. When we visited Rotary Clubs across the district to talk about the issue, everybody could relate to Bob’s story and wanted to do something to help fund cardiovascular research through Australian Rotary Health.

Clubs raised funds through all kinds of events. It truly was a community effort. I'm so pleased we can support this important research to help more families living with heart disease in the future.”

_{-Margaret Ryan}

Thank you for your support in driving critical research forward

Support for our research is helping to improve the quality and length of life for millions of people who suffer from heart attacks and heart failure every year.

• Heart disease is the single leading cause of death worldwide.
• 4.2 million Australians live with heart disease.
• Heart disease affects 1 in 4 people over the age of 75.
• The rate of cardiovascular disease in the Hunter New England Region is high, with 2020 data showing 21.5 people per 10,000 are admitted to hospital for heart attacks, well above the state average of 14.5 people.

If you would like to find a project to support that aligns with your values, please contact Kade on 02 4921 8612,  email philanthropy@newcastle.edu.au or go to newcastle.edu.au/donate