- New research project aims to develop treatments for people with traumatic brain injury.
- Cutting-edge cell-based therapies could repair brain damage and offer a brighter future for thousands of Queenslanders.
- Project backed by $5.5 million investment from NIISQ.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering new hope for Queenslanders living with traumatic brain injuries.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering new hope for tens of thousands of Queenslanders living with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) by funding a groundbreaking research project that aims to develop potentially life-changing treatments.
The Cure TBI project will focus on developing and testing cell-based therapies that lead to better outcomes for patients and repair the damage to the brain following a traumatic injury.
It is estimated 11,000 Queenslanders suffer a TBI each year – with falls, transport accidents and assaults being the main causes – which can result in cognitive, physical and emotional difficulties.
The Crisafulli Government is backing the Cure TBI project with $5.5 million in funding over three years through the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (NIISQ).
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said traumatic brain injuries have a significant and lasting impact on individuals, families and the community, and commended the Cure TBI project team on their cutting-edge work.
"Traumatic brain injuries can have a devastating effect on so many lives, which is why the Crisafulli Government is backing research into treatments to deliver better health outcomes for patients," Minister Bates said.
"This investment by NIISQ in the Cure TBI project aims to change lives, improve recovery, and deliver better long-term prospects for people who have suffered a brain injury.
"To have such a vital project being spearheaded by Queenslanders speaks volumes and builds on our State's reputation as a leader in the scientific and medical research community."
The Cure TBI project will be led by neuroscientist Professor James St John, Head of Griffith University's Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research.
"Our team is working to develop a range of cell-based therapies that could potentially repair or prevent further damage to injured brain tissue and support recovery," Professor St John said.
"By combining laboratory research, advanced testing models and early planning for clinical delivery, our aim is to fast track the most promising treatments toward future clinical trials.
"Importantly, people with lived experience of traumatic brain injury will be involved throughout the project to help guide the research."
NIISQ Agency Acting Chief Executive Officer Gaenor Walker said the project built on successful research into spinal cord injury.
"The Griffith University team has a strong track record of translating laboratory research into therapies that are now commencing human clinical trials," Ms Walker said.
"This project applies that same expertise to traumatic brain injury, while also working closely with consumers and clinicians to ensure the research focuses on what matters most to people living with TBI."
The project will also investigate biomarkers to help identify which types of brain injuries are most likely to respond to specific therapies, supporting more personalised treatment approaches in the future.
