IMB Lab Head Professor Paul Alewood has received the 2014 Xiaoyu Hu Memorial Award by the Chinese Peptide Society in recognition for his exceptional contributions to basic research in peptide science.
Professor Alewood is internationally renowned for his research developing therapeutic peptides derived from the toxins of Australia's venomous creatures.
He has co-discovered several peptides with potential for treating chronic pain, two of which have reached Phase II clinical trials.
As Chair of the Australian Peptide Association, he is passionate about promoting Australia as a hub for peptide research, and said he was honoured to receive this prestigious award from his peers.
“This award recognises the many years my colleagues and I have invested in discovering and synthesising selective peptides from venomous animals and developing them into therapeutic candidates to treat a range of diseases.
“In science, you rely a great deal on your team, so in many ways, I share this award with my dedicated collaborators here at IMB and around the world,” Professor Alewood said.
The award commemorates Professor Xiaoyu Hu, a pioneer of peptide science in China, and was presented to Professor Alewood for his outstanding research into developing toxins into therapeutics.
Most recently, Professor Alewood and his team have received media attention for creating a bioactive version of the ‘love-drug’ hormone peptide (oxytocin) for the potential treatment of abdominal pain.
The award was announced at the recent 13th Chinese International Peptide Symposium, held in Datong, China, from 30 June to 4 July.
To read more about Professor Alewood’s projects, or to donate to his research, please visit his webpage (www.imb.uq.edu.au/paul-alewood )
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Media contact: Gemma Ward on 07 3346 2134 or communications@imb.uq.edu.au
