Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa has announced its first funded research projects, investing in work that will:
- Support development of a faster, more accessible test for gonorrhoea.
- Reduce antimicrobial resistance by guiding use in primary care.
- Improve understanding of what respiratory viruses are currently circulating in the community, including those coming from overseas.
- Lead to better treatments for patients hospitalised with severe influenza.
Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa is New Zealand’s national infectious diseases research platform, funded by the Government to strengthen the country’s resilience to persistent infectious diseases and future pandemic threats.
Director Steve Barnes says this first funding round is an important step in turning national research investment into practical outcomes for individuals, communities and the health system.
“These projects demonstrate how research can deliver practical benefits for New Zealanders. They support research that reflects real-world needs, such as the evidence health professionals require in their daily work, and new knowledge to improve outcomes for communities dealing with common and persistent diseases. Each project has the potential to reduce harm and strengthen New Zealanders against infectious diseases. This is exactly the kind of research Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa was established to support.”
All projects are funded for a period of one year. The newly funded projects are new phases of successful research that were supported through Te Niwha, the first phase of national investment to strengthen infectious disease and pandemic preparedness.
Funded projects
More details for each at Horizons research projects
Rapid nanobody-based diagnostics for gonorrhoea
Led by Dr Jo Hicks, University of Waikato. ($292,397)
This research project will identify nanobodies (small and stable antibodies) that could be used to develop a test to identify gonorrhoea in clinics or community settings. Gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection where many cases are asymptomatic, increasing the risk of untreated disease, infertility, and ongoing transmission. The research project will progress the science required for a test capable of quickly detecting symptomatic and asymptomatic infections in a range of community settings to reduce treatment delays, improve testing access and support more targeted antibiotic use.
Tupu Whakaritorito: antimicrobial stewardship and equity in primary care
Led by Dr Karen Wright, University of Auckland. ($300,000)
Most antibiotics are prescribed in primary care settings such as GP clinics, making it a critical environment for tackling the serious issue of antimicrobial resistance. A new research project will build on work funded by Te Niwha, which developed Te Whata Kura national antibiotic guidelines for use in hospital and community settings.
Researchers will develop two innovations to support quality antibiotic prescribing and health equity: a practical approach to guide the development of safe antibiotic and other clinical guidelines, and an innovative and engaging way to share antibiotic prescribing information in primary care.
Community pharmacy surveillance for influenza-like illness
Led by Dr Alex Semprini, MRINZ. ($299,998)
A newly funded MRINZ-led project will test international visitors and New Zealanders not enrolled with a general practice for respiratory viruses such as influenza, using pharmacies in up to 15 locations from Northland to Queenstown to strengthen national surveillance.
The project, done in collaboration with PHF Science, focuses on groups that can be missed by GP or hospital-based monitoring systems. It builds on a Te Niwha funded study showing community pharmacies can safely and effectively support gold-standard community respiratory virus surveillance.
REMAP-CAP: Improving outcomes for severe seasonal influenza
Led by Dr Tom Hills, MRINZ. ($299,157)
REMAP-CAP is an international clinical trial platform that evaluates multiple treatments for severe respiratory diseases such as influenza and pneumonia in hospitals, enabling useful findings to reach patients faster. Building on funding from Te Niwha, New Zealand's previous national infectious diseases research investment, MRINZ researchers – who lead the REMAP-CAP study in Aotearoa New Zealand – are testing promising treatments for severe influenza that may improve recovery, including medicines that reduce harmful inflammation and antiviral medication treatment.
About Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa
Infectious Diseases Research Aotearoa is New Zealand’s national infectious diseases research platform, hosted by PHF Science and funded by the New Zealand Government. It brings together researchers, clinicians, public health agencies and communities to generate the evidence needed to prevent infectious diseases, respond to emerging threats, and improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders.
