Flinders University Secures MRFF Funding to Address Long-COVID Challenges
As the world gradually moves on from the COVID-19 pandemic, its lingering effects continue to impact many individuals, particularly those suffering from Long COVID. In response to this persistent challenge, Flinders University has recently been awarded more than $3 million in funding through the federal government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to support two significant projects aimed at mitigating the repercussions of this condition.
Medically referred to as Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), Long COVID is estimated by the World Health Organization to affect approximately 6% of those infected with the virus. The consequences are still being felt across Australia’s healthcare and aged care sectors, years after initial infections occurred.
One of the key initiatives, led by Professor Kate Laver from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, has secured a funding amount of $2,106,718.10. This project aims to test a flexible and effective care model specifically designed for older Australians who are vulnerable to Long COVID.
"The impact of COVID-19 on our aged care sector has been profound, and we continue to grapple with its aftermath," states Professor Laver. "Research indicates that elderly individuals, particularly those who are frail, have a longer recovery time from COVID-19 compared to the general population and are at an increased risk of developing Long COVID. This not only affects their independence but also diminishes their quality of life."
Through collaborative efforts with aged care organizations, this study intends to evaluate a scalable model of care for PASC that includes enhancing the skills of the workforce. It will also assess the effectiveness, adaptability, and long-term sustainability of this program, ultimately aiming to enhance health outcomes for older Australians.
The second initiative, spearheaded by Matthew Flinders Professor of Systems Immunology David Lynn from the College of Medicine and Public Health, has been allocated $995,343.92. This project focuses on unraveling the underlying causes of Long COVID.
"Globally, PASC affects around 65 million individuals, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, illness, and cognitive difficulties, which underscores the urgent need for deeper insight into its causation to foster better treatment options," explains Professor Lynn, who is also the Director of the Computational and Systems Biology Program at SAHMRI and the Scientific Director of the SA Genomics Centre.
"While several studies have identified various immunological and neurological changes linked to PASC, we still lack clarity on which of these factors are directly responsible for Long COVID. Recent investigations into metformin—a widely used medication for type 2 diabetes—have shown promising results, indicating it can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing Long COVID. Our research will delve into the potential changes metformin may trigger in patients suffering from Long COVID, thereby enhancing our understanding of its root causes."
These groundbreaking projects fall under the MRFF's Emerging Priorities and Consumer Driven Research Initiative - 2024 Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 Grant Opportunity.
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