The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Novartis Australia for expediting medical research to drive healthcare projects.
The partnership will integrate patient education and digital tools for enhancing outcomes. It is supported by the University of Newcastle collaboration.
The MoU combines HMRI and the University of Newcastle's research expertise with Novartis' medical solutions leadership.
It aims to develop projects that contribute to the advancement of medical science and patient care improvement.
Novartis Australia and New Zealand country president Matt Zeller stated: “Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in Australia, and we must be willing to work together, across the ecosystem, to try new things and see what can actually reduce the burden on communities, patients and their families.
“The collaboration will enable us to develop and test new models of care and new approaches to data and patient management that could then be scaled beyond the Hunter.”
A project, which will focus on lipid management and cardiovascular health, will be led by Professor Aaron Sverdlov, director of heart failure at the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Local Health District, and professor Doan Ngo from the University of Newcastle alongside experts in cardiovascular disease.
Aaron Sverdlov is also a member of the Heart and Stroke Research Program of HMRI.
A steering committee, comprising specialists from HMRI and Novartis, will be established to identify and prioritise research initiatives under the collaboration.
This committee will ensure that each project is scientifically rigorous, strategically focused and feasible.
HMRI chief research partnerships officer Todd Williams stated: “The Novartis investment not only transforms the health and wellbeing of our communities but also provides industry with a meaningful way to invest and see a tangible return while doing good for the one million people across the Hunter New England region.”
