MedChem Australia is delighted to announce the four projects selected through its competitive Round 3 application process.

Chosen by the independent Selection and Review Committee (SRC), these projects will advance the discovery of new medicines for childhood cancer, endometriosis, epilepsy and infectious disease.

The successful Round 3 projects span a diverse range of therapeutic areas and innovative drug discovery approaches and unmet medical need:

Developing a Novel Therapeutic for Endometriosis

Leads: Dr Thomas Tapmeier, Associate Professor Celine Valant and Prof Beverly Vollenhoven, Monash University

This project will develop a non-hormonal treatment that blocks a protein on inflammatory cells involved in endometriosis. By reducing inflammation without disrupting menstrual cycles, ovulation or fertility, it could offer an important alternative to current hormone-based treatments.

First-in-Class Inhibitor for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma

Leads: Dr Keith Sia, Children’s Cancer Institute; Dr Richard Bujaroski, Monash University

This project will develop a new treatment that blocks an enzyme that helps neuroblastoma cells grow and survive. By targeting this enzyme, researchers aim to create a more effective and less toxic treatment for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.

Novel Allosteric Modulators for the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Leads: Dr Lauren May and Dr Joanne Baltos, Monash University

Around one in three people with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite available medications. This project aims to develop a new treatment that boosts the brain’s natural ability to prevent seizures, offering hope for people living with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Antivirulence Agents for the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

Leads: Professor Martin Scanlon, Monash University; Professor Begoña Heras, La Trobe University; and Professor Charlene Kahler, The University of Western Australia

This project will develop compounds that prevent harmful bacteria from producing the proteins they need to cause urinary tract infections. By disarming bacteria rather than killing them, this approach could preserve beneficial bacteria and reduce the likelihood of antibiotic resistance.

The addition of these projects brings the MedChem Australia portfolio to ten active drug discovery programs. Across this nationally coordinated portfolio, MedChem Australia provides medicinal chemistry and DMPK expertise to help transform promising research discoveries into high-quality drug candidates. By advancing projects through key development milestones, MedChem Australia helps position them for further investment and future clinical development.

Supporting the translation of Australian discoveries into medicines

MedChem Australia Director, Professor Brendon Monahan, congratulated the successful applicants and highlighted the importance of supporting Australian researchers to translate promising discoveries into new medicines.

“Congratulations to the teams selected in Round 3. These exciting projects have the potential to deliver new therapeutic approaches for patients living with significant unmet medical needs,” Professor Monahan said.

“Australia has a world-class biomedical research community, but transforming promising discoveries into medicines requires access to specialised drug discovery expertise. Through our medicinal chemistry and DMPK capabilities, MedChem Australia is helping researchers progress innovative ideas towards high-quality drug candidates and key value-inflection milestones that can attract further investment and support commercialisation.”

Connecting Australia’s drug discovery infrastructure

MedChem Australia is a key component of Australia’s coordinated national drug discovery ecosystem, alongside nationally supported capabilities including the National Drug Discovery Centre (NDDC), the Monash Fragment Platform, the Australian Translational Medicinal Chemistry Facility (ATMCF), the Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation (CDCO), and other facilities supported by Therapeutic Innovation Australia (TIA). Collectively, these complementary capabilities provide researchers with a more connected pathway for translating Australian biomedical discoveries into high-quality drug candidates. Many MedChem Australia portfolio projects already draw on this integrated ecosystem, accessing multiple national capabilities as they progress through drug discovery.

The Round 3 projects further strengthen MedChem Australia’s growing national portfolio and demonstrate the value of coordinated investment in Australia’s drug discovery capability. By supporting researchers to progress promising discoveries towards high-quality drug candidates, MedChem Australia is helping build a stronger pipeline of future medicines for patients.

About MedChem Australia

MedChem Australia helps researchers overcome critical capability gaps by providing heavily subsidised access to expert medicinal chemistry and DMPK resources to accelerate drug discovery project progression and enhance commercial and clinical value. Through a competitive and independent application process, selected projects receive expert medicinal chemistry and DMPK support at 80% subsidised cost. A collaboration between Monash University, the University of Sydney and WEHI, with additional funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and Therapeutic Innovation Australia (TIA), MedChem Australia operates across the hit-to-lead and lead optimisation stages of drug discovery.

The MedChem Australia team recently came together for a dedicated team retreat, creating space to reflect on progress, strengthen connections and explore the broader people, career and scientific stories that shape the initiative.

Held on 23rd June 2026, the retreat brought together MedChem Australia team members for a focused day of discussion, planning and team connection. The program was designed to provide an opportunity to step back from day-to-day activities and consider both the progress made to date and the priorities ahead.

The day included sessions focused on MedChem Australia’s achievements, current project activity and opportunities to further strengthen internal ways of working. Team members reflected on lessons learned from recent project rounds, discussed operational priorities and considered how the team can continue to provide high-quality medicinal chemistry support to researchers across Australia.

A highlight of the retreat was a career panel discussion, which provided an opportunity for team members to hear different perspectives on career pathways, professional development and working across the drug discovery ecosystem. The panel encouraged open conversation about the varied routes people take into medicinal chemistry, research translation, project leadership and operational roles, highlighting the importance of adaptability, collaboration and curiosity throughout a career.

The discussion also gave team members the chance to reflect on the breadth of expertise within MedChem Australia and the different experiences that contribute to the team’s shared capability. By sharing career insights and lessons learned, the panel helped foster a deeper understanding of the people behind the work and the diverse skills needed to support successful drug discovery projects.

Another memorable moment came from Dr Chris Burns, who shared the story of his drug discovery journey His reflections offered a valuable insight into the early stages of translating scientific discovery, from recognising the potential of a research finding through to taking the first steps towards protecting and progressing an idea. The story brought to life the importance of disclosure as a key milestone in the drug discovery journey and highlighted the role that experience, judgement and collaboration play in moving promising science forward.

Together, these sessions reinforced the broader purpose of MedChem Australia: not only to provide medicinal chemistry expertise, but also to support the people, decisions and collaborative processes that help early-stage discoveries progress. The retreat provided a valuable opportunity for team members to connect their individual roles with the wider mission of strengthening Australia’s drug discovery capability.

The day also helped build team connection and alignment. With members contributing expertise across medicinal chemistry, project support, operations and strategic coordination, the retreat allowed the team to share perspectives, identify opportunities for improvement and align on priorities for the next phase of work.

The retreat concluded with a renewed sense of focus and shared purpose as MedChem Australia continues to support selected projects, refine its processes and contribute to the national drug discovery landscape.

MedChem Australia today announced the successful projects selected in its second competitive funding round, marking another significant step forward in strengthening Australia’s drug discovery ecosystem.

Round 2 attracted high-quality applications from leading universities and medical research institutes nationwide. Proposed programs addressed major unmet needs across various disease indications.

Following evaluation by the independent Selection and Review Committee, three Portfolio Projects were selected to receive intensive support. Each project is already benefitting from expert medicinal chemistry and DMPK capability, delivered at an 80 per cent subsidy, to progress early-stage therapeutic concepts.

Director of MedChem Australia, Professor Brendon Monahan, said the results of Round 2 demonstrate both the calibre of Australian biomedical research and the growing momentum behind coordinated national drug discovery initiatives.

“We are pleased to welcome this outstanding group of projects into the MedChem Australia portfolio,” Professor Monahan said.

“The quality of applications was excellent, and the selected programs have strong potential to deliver meaningful impact. Our team is excited to work closely with the project provider to advance their discoveries toward future medicines.”

Established in 2023, MedChem Australia provides subsidised medicinal chemistry and DMPK expertise to translate high-potential Australian research. Headquartered at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Parkville, the initiative is a partnership between Monash University, WEHI, the University of Sydney, and Therapeutic Innovation Australia, with support from the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.

MedChem Australia Round 2: Portfolio Projects

Targeting Inflammation-Driven Effects to Treat Heart Failure (QIMR Berghofer): Professor James Hudson, Dr Simon Foster, Dr Shea Carter, Janice Reid, Rajiv Tyagi

Development of Novel Small Molecules for Therapeutic Intervention in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (Monash University): Dr Chengxue Helena Qin, Dr Kieran Stockton, Prof. Rebecca Ritchie, Prof. Paul Stupple, Dr David Shackleford, Dr Lauren May, Dr Jane Bourke, Dr Grace Mennen

 Next-Gen Antivirals for Acute and Long COVID (WEHI): Dr Shane Devine, Dr Lee Booty, A/Prof Kym Lowes, Dr Bernadine Lu

Applications for Round 3 are now open.

Researchers with promising early-stage drug discovery programs are encouraged to apply. For further information or to discuss the suitability of your project, please Request a Meeting.

MedChem Australia is pleased to announce that applications for Round 3 of our project intake are now open. We invite Australian researchers leading innovative small molecule drug discovery programs to apply for subsidised access to our specialised medicinal chemistry and DMPK capabilities. 

This round offers an opportunity for Australian research teams to accelerate the development of their discoveries with support from an experienced, multidisciplinary project team. 

What MedChem Australia offers 

• A dedicated medicinal chemistry team  
• Support for DMPK research activities 
• Experts with a track record in translational drug discovery & development join your project team 

“We’ve seen excellent progress from the projects supported in earlier rounds.” says Professor Brendon Monahan, “Building on that success, Round 3 offers another opportunity for Australian researchers to receive tailored support and subsidised access to our expert team to advance their therapeutic innovations.” 

Eligibility 

• Any Australian drug discovery program with validated small molecule chemical matter  

Important Dates 

• Application Period: Now open 
• Deadline: 5:00 PM (AEST), Friday, 6 March 2026 

How to Apply 

Find all details about the application process, eligibility criteria, and project requirements in the ‘Working with Us’ section of our website.
Discussions regarding potential applications are welcome at any time. 

Schedule a confidential call to discuss your project here. 

About MedChem Australia 

MedChem Australia is a national drug discovery initiative that partners with Australian researchers to transform early-stage small molecule projects into commercially valuable, clinically relevant drug candidates. Through a competitive application process, selected projects receive expert medicinal chemistry and DMPK support at 80% subsidised cost. A collaboration between Monash University, the University of Sydney, and WEHI, MedChem Australia operates across the hit-to-lead and lead optimisation stages of drug discovery. Projects are advanced by experienced teams working within world-class facilities, with DMPK profiling provided by the Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation (CDCO) at Monash. By delivering industry-grade capabilities and strategic collaboration, MedChem Australia accelerates the translation of Australian biomedical research into new therapeutics.

MedChem Australia is delighted to announce our Round 2 Call for Project Applications is open. Researchers with innovative small molecule projects are invited to apply to access our expert medicinal chemistry and DMPK support.

Who Can Apply?

– Researchers from Australian universities

– Medical research institutes (MRIs)

– Small companies

Important Dates:

– Application Period: Now open

– Deadline: 5 pm on Monday, 24th February 2025

Prof. Brendon Monahan, MedChem Australia Director, said, “We look forward to our continued collaboration with the Australian biomedical research community to collectively develop much-needed safe and effective medicines.”

How to Apply: All the details regarding the application process and project requirements can be found on the “Working with us” section of our website. Discussions regarding potential applications are welcome at any time. You can schedule a call to discuss your project here.

MedChem Australia is a partnership between Monash University, WEHI and the University of Sydney, with funding from Therapeutic Innovation Australia and the Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund. MedChem Australia is dedicated to breaking down barriers in medicinal chemistry and DMPK capabilities, fostering partnerships that drive ground-breaking drug discovery. Through a collaborative cost-subsidised model, MedChem Australia provides resources and expertise to transform research into impactful medicines.

Australia’s first national initiative dedicated to breaking down capability barriers by providing subsidised medicinal chemistry expertise to promising drug discovery programs has announced its inaugural Round 1 projects to tackle a range of diseases.

Applications were received from universities and research institutes from four states, addressing unmet needs across eight different therapeutic areas. Following assessment by the independent Selection and Review Committee, six projects were selected, three as ‘Portfolio Projects’ and three ‘Pilot Projects’.

MedChem Australia Portfolio Projects will be backed by game-changing support in medicinal chemistry and DMPK at an 80 per cent subsidy. Pilot Projects will receive mentorship, advice and other support, with the aim to progress toward being ‘Portfolio Project’ ready.

The projects seek to develop new therapeutic interventions for different cancers, heart disease, a paediatric genetic disorder, hearing loss, and obesity.

Director of MedChem Australia, Professor Brendon Monahan, said each selected project aligns with MedChem Australia’s goal to facilitate the translation of cutting-edge research into tangible advancements in drug discovery.

“Our thanks to everyone who submitted an application. We congratulate the successful applicants for their outstanding proposals and we look forward to working with them to progress the projects towards becoming much-needed new safe and effective medicines that can transform the lives of people and communities around the world” said Professor Monahan.

“Collaboration and multi-disciplinary teams are essential in developing new therapies. Our experienced drug hunters are able to contribute to these projects in a way that will add real value and set them up for success down the track.”

Established in 2023, MedChem Australia is committed to helping translate innovative biomedical research into new medicines and commercial opportunities by connecting outstanding Australian science with medicinal chemistry and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) expertise. Headquartered at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Parkville, MedChem Australia is a partnership between Monash University, WEHI, University of Sydney and Therapeutic Innovation Australia, with support from the Australian federal government’s Medical Research Future Fund.

MedChem Australia Round 1: Portfolio Projects

Development of HCK-inhibitors to improve anti-cancer immune checkpoint response and to treat chronic lung inflammation (Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, La Trobe School of Cancer Medicine), Prof. Matthias Ernst, Annalisa Carli, Dr. Ylva Bozikis.

Development of a New Class of GPCR Biased Agonist for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (Monash University) Prof. Rebecca Ritchie, Dr. Chengxue Helena Qin, Dr. Annaliese Dillon

Epigenetic approach to treating Prader Willi Syndrome (WEHI) Dr. Nicholas Liau, Prof. Marnie Blewitt, Prof. James Murphy

MedChem Australia Round 1: Pilot Projects

Selective targeting of oncogenic JNK signalling (Garvan Institute of Medical Research) A/Prof. David Croucher, Prof. Jonathan Morris, Dr. Sharissa Latham

Developing a new protein kinase inhibitor for metabolic disease (St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research) Dr. Kim Loh, A/Prof. Jonathan Oakhill, Dr. Christopher Meoli

Novel small molecules for treatment of sensorineural hearing loss (Ear Science Institute Australia) A/Prof. Elaine Wong, Prof. Marcus Atlas, Prof. Lee Yong Lim, Dr. Connie Locher, Dr. Victor Chuang

Applications for Round 2 will be open in the last quarter of 2024.

MedChem Australia is thrilled to announce its inaugural call for Round 1 project applications is now open. With a commitment to breaking down medicinal chemistry & DMPK capability barriers and fostering partnerships that promise to drive breakthroughs in drug discovery, MedChem Australia invites applications from researchers across Australia. This call for applications aligns with MedChem Australia’s goal to facilitate the translation of cutting-edge research into tangible advancements in drug discovery.

Key Details:

Application Period: First call for projects applications is officially open.

Eligibility: Applications are welcome from researchers from Australian Universities, Medical Research Institutes (MRIs) and small companies.

Deadline: Applications are due by 5 pm on Friday, 19th April 2024.

“This marks an important moment for MedChem Australia as we open our doors to applications from across the country” said Prof. Brendon Monahan, Director of MedChem Australia. “We are excited about the opportunity to engage with the Australian biomedical research community and, ultimately, demonstrating the transformative impact that collaborative efforts can have on advancing drug discovery and the creation of new medicines.”

Until the online portal for application submission is completed in January 2024, the Round 1 Application Form can be viewed on the MedChem Australia website, along with supporting information. A video of the recent MedChem Australia Information Session webinar, along with a copy of the associated slide deck, are also available on the website.

MedChem Australia is proud to introduce its Selection and Review Committee (SRC), a fantastic assembly of 13 independent experts from across Australia to steer the organisation’s project selection and review processes. Comprising leading figures from academia, industry, and the clinic, the SRC embodies a wealth of knowledge across drug discovery disciplines, with specialised expertise spanning various therapeutic areas.

Chair of the SRC is Dr. Susan Pond AM, FRSN FTSE FAHMS, a preeminent leader in the fields of medicine, science, and corporate governance. Dr. Pond brings an unparalleled depth of experience within the Australian biotechnology landscape, making her an ideal choice to lead the SRC’s activities.

MedChem Australia extends its gratitude to all SRC members. Their collective expertise and dedication will play a pivotal role in steering MedChem Australia toward innovative and impactful projects in the upcoming years.

“We are privileged to have such a distinguished group of experts on our Selection and Review Committee,” said Prof. Brendon Monahan, Director of MedChem Australia. “Their diverse backgrounds and collective wisdom will undoubtedly contribute to the success of MedChem Australia as we embark on a new chapter of collaborative drug discovery.”

With the SRC now in place, MedChem Australia continues to advance through its establishment phase and, along with its first call for projects, the Initiative is poised to select, and subsequently begin, innovative drug discovery projects in the first half of 2024.