SVI Researchers join MedChem Pilot Program

Congratulations to Dr. Kim Loh, A/Prof. Jonathan Oakhill, Dr. Christopher Meoli on their selection into the Inaugural MedChem Australia Projects initiative. Their research project focus is on ‘Developing a new protein kinase inhibitor for metabolic disease’.

MedChem is Australia’s first national initiative dedicated to breaking down capability barriers by providing subsidised medicinal chemistry expertise to promising drug discovery programs.

Kim said that being chosen as an inaugural participant of this program would be game changing for his project.

“I am grateful to the selection committee for supporting my project. Metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes are significant health concerns worldwide,” Kim said.

“Recently, our laboratory showed that a new protein kinase plays an important role in the development of obesity and diabetes. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of this protein kinase promotes weight loss and improves whole-body glycaemic control. The aim of this project is to design and develop a new inhibitor that selectively blocks this protein kinase.”

MedChem Australia Portfolio Projects will be backed by game-changing support in medicinal chemistry and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) at an 80 per cent subsidy. Pilot Projects will receive mentorship, advice and other support, with the aim to progress toward being ‘Portfolio Project’ ready. 

The projects seek to develop new therapeutic interventions for different cancers, heart disease, a paediatric genetic disorder, hearing loss, and obesity.