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NHMRC opened a Targeted Call for Research (TCR) into Biotoxin-related illnesses on 21 July 2021. Applications closed on 15 September 2021.
This TCR aims to produce evidence that will improve our understanding of the origin and pathophysiology of biotoxin-related illnesses, such as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). This will assist in improving the diagnosis, treatment and management of individuals with biotoxin-related illness.
This TCR implements Recommendation Six of the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport Report on the Inquiry into Biotoxin-related illnesses in Australia. On 10 March 2020, the Australian Government accepted the recommendation for NHMRC to conduct this research; the decision was supported by the NHMRC Research Committee and NHMRC.
The resultant TCR into Bio-toxin related illnesses aimed to support research that helps us to:
- Develop a scientifically valid, evidence-based understanding of the pathophysiology and aetiology of CIRS and other biotoxin-related illnesses.
- Establish a case definition for CIRS and other biotoxin-related illnesses that will guide testing and diagnosis, including the identification of potential biomarkers.
- Develop an evidence base that will underpin treatment and management strategies.
Resulting in outcomes that create:
- A better understanding of how people with chronic symptom complexes, such as those associated with exposure to biotoxins, can be more effectively diagnosed, treated and managed in the health system.
- An improved research capacity in the field of CIRS and other biotoxin-related illnesses.