Two Curtin University researchers have been awarded Future Health Research and Innovation grants by the State Government.

Curtin Medical School lecturer Dr Armin Mooranian received a grant to develop gel-based antioxidants to help people affected by hearing loss within the elderly population.

According to Curtin University, Dr Mooranian’s formulation delivers a drug to treat hearing loss directly into the inner ear by combining it with permeation enhancers in a gel.

Director of the Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute Associate Professor Ryu Takechi also received a grant to develop treatment for Alzheimers Disease by targeting blood vessels in the brain.

The Innovation Fellowships program helps West Australian innovators develop products to address unmet medial needs within the state community.

Almost $1.5 million of grants was awarded to ten West Australian innovators through the Innovation Fellowships 2022-23 program.

Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated Dr Mooranian and Associate Professor Takechi on being recognised for their innovative work.

“These important health research projects are wonderful examples of how high-quality research can benefit the wider community,” Professor Hayne says.

“Alzheimer’s disease and hearing loss are both growing health challenges in the WA community and these outstanding Curtin research projects have significant implications for people living with these conditions.”

Grants were also awarded to researchers based at VeinTech Pty Ltd, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Edith Cowan University, South Metropolitan Health Service and the University of Notre Dame.

The program is funded by the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund.