VENOM RESEARCH AIMS

> To seek venoms and toxins with novel activities that may have potential for new drug discovery or as investigational tools to aid in basic and applied medical research.

> To develop new, and improve existing, antivenoms and antitoxins in association with existing and emerging biotechnology and
pharmaceutical companies.

> To undertake basic research into venoms of importance to Australia and the region in the context of establishing and maintaining a National Reference Collection of venom toxins.

Directed by clinician-scientist Dr Ken Winkel (pictured below collecting snakes in Papua New Guinea), the Australian Venom Research Unit [AVRU] is an interdisciplinary research unit within the University of Melbourne’s Department of Pharmacology, combining pharmacology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, public health and clinical medical expertise.

Although focused on bites and stings of medical importance to the Indo-Pacific (with past and present projects involving Japan, Malaysia, PNG, Singapore and Vietnam), we have an active drug discovery program based on unique access to a diverse range of terrestrial and marine venoms.

Snake venoms in particular are one of the most sophisticated integrated weapons systems in the natural world. As such, they are a largely untapped source of novel molecules with potentially useful bioactivities.

The AVRU specialises in studying this rich biodiversity and is actively involved in drug design and development utilising this tremendous natural pharmacopoeia. This project is headed by Deputy Director Dr Bryan Grieg Fry (pictured top collecting in the Florida Everglades).

We welcome expressions of interest in support of our drug discovery program.

Australian Venom Research Unit
Department of Pharmacology,
The University of Melbourne
www.avru.org