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Development of a sustained release implant of benzathine penicillin G for secondary prophylaxis of rheumatic heart disease

Regular intramuscular (i.m.) benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections have been the cornerstone of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) secondary prophylaxis since the 1950s. Patient adherence to IM BPG is poor, largely due to pain, the need for regular injections every 3-4 weeks and health sector delivery challenges in resource-limited settings. There is an urgent need for new approaches for secondary prophylaxis, such as an implant which could provide sustained penicillin concentrations for more than 6 months.

Penicillin G concentrations required for prophylaxis against Group A Streptococcus infection evaluated using a hollow fibre model and mathematical modelling

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF), an autoimmune reaction to Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes; Strep A) infection, can cause rheumatic heart disease (RHD). New formulations of long-acting penicillins are being developed for secondary prophylaxis of ARF and RHD.

A population pharmacokinetic study of benzathine benzylpenicillin G administration in children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease

Few children and adolescents receiving BPG as secondary prophylaxis will achieve concentrations >0.02 mg/L for the majority of the time between injections

Aboriginal children and penicillin injections for rheumatic fever: How much of a problem is injection pain?

We explore young Aboriginal people's and clinicians' experience of injection pain for the 10 years of penicillin injections young people are prescribed.

Penicillin Team

The Penicillin Team are working to accelerate research and clinical trials to improve penicillin formulation and treatment methods, to end RHD.

Acceptability of sonicated versus unsonicated reconstituted (powdered) benzathine penicillin G for rheumatic fever prophylaxis

Powdered benzathine penicillin G (BPG) crystals vary widely in size and shape and are larger and less uniform than crystals found in pre-mixed suspensions of BPG like Bicillin ® L-A.

Controlled Human Infection for Penicillin Against Streptococcus pyogenes – a double blinded randomised trail (The CHIPS trial)

In Australia, RHD-related death and disability is the leading driver of cardiovascular inequality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Penicillin Levels for Rheumatic Heart Disease Study – Remote Cohort

Asha Jonathan Bowen Carapetis AM BA MBBS DCH FRACP PhD GAICD FAHMS OAM AM MBBS FRACP FAFPHM PhD FAHMS Head, Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention Executive

Global, Regional, and National Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors in 204 Countries and Territories, 1990-2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and are among the foremost causes of disability globally. CVD burden has continued to increase in most countries since 1990, with trends driven by changing exposures to harmful risk factors, population growth, and population aging.

Automated reporting of primaquine dose efficacy, tolerability and safety for Plasmodium vivax malaria using a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis

The antirelapse efficacy of primaquine is related to the total dose administered, whereas the risks of haemolysis and gastrointestinal intolerance are associated with the daily dose administered. National Malaria Control Programmes require local information on efficacy, tolerability and safety to optimize antimalarial treatment policies for Plasmodium vivax malaria control and elimination efforts.