George Institute researcher secures funding to transform heart failure and kidney care

A new research initiative led by The George Institute for Global Health has secured grant funding to address critical treatment gaps for people living with heart failure and chronic kidney disease – two conditions that together impact millions globally and cost the Australian health system billions each year.

Despite robust evidence that combination drug therapies dramatically reduce death and hospitalisation rates, uptake remains alarmingly low, with fewer than 2% of eligible Australians receiving optimal care. The funded project, led by Dr Wang, will test an innovative strategy known as empirical prescribing, which uses trial-based data to guide upfront prescription of maximally tolerated combination therapies at hospital discharge – replacing traditional stepwise medication adjustments that often delay treatment.

Central to the approach is a web-based clinical decision tool developed at The George Institute. The tool generates personalised prescribing recommendations based on key patient characteristics including heart and kidney function, blood pressure, and current treatments.

The 12-month study will evaluate the pathway’s feasibility, acceptability and cost-effectiveness across Australian hospitals, supported by telehealth follow-ups. Designed for sustainability, the model aims to integrate into routine care through open-access tools and electronic medical record systems.

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If we can overcome barriers that slow treatment initiation, we have the potential to significantly improve survival and quality of life for people with these devastating conditions.

By:

Dr Wang

Research Fellow at The George Institute

This research has been made possible thanks to a $100,000 AUD grant from Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals.