Harry Perkins Institute's Atherid Breakthrough: Plaque-Clearing Drug from WA Universities

In the realm of Australian medical research, a groundbreaking development is emerging from Perth's Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, closely affiliated with the University of Western Australia (UWA) and Curtin University. Researchers have pioneered Atherid, a revolutionary drug candidate known as ATH01, designed to directly target and dissolve plaque buildup in artery walls. This innovation addresses atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of most cardiovascular diseases (CVD), offering hope for millions worldwide. Atherosclerosis, characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol and lipids in arterial walls, leads to narrowing and hardening of arteries, increasing risks of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

The Harry Perkins Institute, an independent powerhouse of discovery located at the QEII Medical Centre, collaborates seamlessly with UWA and Curtin, providing higher degree students and postdocs unparalleled opportunities in translational research. This breakthrough exemplifies how university-affiliated institutes drive Australia's biomedical innovation, fostering PhD training, industry spin-outs, and clinical impact.

The Cardiovascular Crisis in Australia: Why Atherid Matters

Cardiovascular disease remains Australia's leading cause of death, claiming over 42,000 lives annually and costing the healthcare system $14.3 billion each year.53 Heart attacks affect more than 57,000 people yearly, while strokes impact 38,000, and PAD contributes to around 8,000 amputations. In Western Australia, PAD alone burdens the state with $1.6 billion in annual costs, affecting one in five people over 65.54 Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic form affecting approximately 100,000 Australians (1 in 250), sees only 10% diagnosed, leaving many vulnerable to early plaque accumulation despite statins.75

Current treatments manage risk factors like high cholesterol but fail to remove existing plaques. Procedures such as stents or bypasses merely displace them, risking rupture. Atherid changes this paradigm by reversing the damage at its source, potentially reducing hospitalizations, amputations, and long-term costs.

Serendipity in Science: From Cancer Lab to Artery Rescue

The Atherid story began over a decade ago in A/Prof Juliana Hamzah's lab at the Harry Perkins Institute. Originally studying tumor blood vessels—a process akin to atherosclerosis—Hamzah discovered a naturally occurring protein that binds to lipid-laden cells in plaques. 'Our research started from nothing—an unknown, high-risk idea,' Hamzah recalls.53 By linking this protein to a 'homing' molecule, the team created ATH01, which precisely targets plaque throughout the arterial system.

Preclinical tests in mouse models and ex vivo human PAD plaques from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital demonstrated consistent plaque reduction without toxicity. Hamzah, a UWA Principal Research Fellow and Cancer Council WA Research Fellow, pivoted her expertise in targeted drug delivery from cancer to CVD, publishing key papers like 'Plaque-penetrating peptide inhibits development of hypoxic atherosclerotic plaque' in 2016.129

Unpacking the Mechanism: Step-by-Step Plaque Clearance

Atherid's ingenuity lies in its dual-component design. Step 1: The homing molecule identifies and attaches to foam cells—macrophages engorged with lipids—in atherosclerotic plaques. Step 2: The natural agent activates lipid efflux, prompting cells to expel cholesterol and fats. Step 3: Plaques shrink safely, restoring blood flow without inflammation or rupture risk.

This contrasts with statins, which lower circulating cholesterol but leave arterial plaques intact. Prof Shirley Jansen, Executive Director and CMO at Atherid Therapeutics, Joint Head of Cardiovascular Science at Perkins, and Curtin University affiliate, notes, 'This precise targeting ensures the drug reaches exactly where it is needed.'53 Extensive safety testing confirms therapeutic doses are non-toxic, as the agent occurs naturally in the body.

The Dream Team: University Researchers Driving Innovation

A/Prof Hamzah (UWA) leads with nanotechnology and peptide expertise, backed by NHMRC and Heart Foundation fellowships. Prof Jansen (Curtin, SCGH) brings 25+ years in vascular surgery, leading 30+ trials. Dr James Williams, biotech veteran, handles commercialization. Their collaboration exemplifies Perkins' model: institute researchers supervise university-enrolled PhDs and Honours students.

Perkins offers projects in cardiovascular imaging, gene therapies, and AI arrhythmia detection for 2026, aligning with UWA/Curtin degrees.151 This training pipeline produces skilled researchers, with Hamzah's lab fostering the next generation in targeted therapies.

From Lab Bench to Biotech Spin-Out: Atherid Therapeutics

In 2022, Hamzah and Jansen founded Atherid Therapeutics, commercializing Perkins' IP. The company partners with FH Australia and Limbs 4 Life for patient input. GMP production is key next step, supported by consumer advisors.52 For more on the team and pipeline, visit the Atherid Therapeutics website.

Milestones in Funding: Australia's Investment in WA Research

Atherid has secured multimillion-dollar support: $2.1M NHMRC Ideas Grant (2023), $1.5M MRFF TTRA (2025), and $500k federal grant (Feb 2026) for GMP.51 These reflect WA's research ecosystem strength, with Perkins bridging unis and industry. Director Prof Peter Leedman: 'Exciting times... to find better ways to treat and cure atherosclerosis.'53 Read the full announcement here.

Clinical Horizons: Targeting FH and PAD First

Trials target FH patients, unable to control plaques genetically. Plans include Phase 1 safety, then efficacy. If successful, expansion to PAD and diabetes-related CVD. Timeline: GMP 2026, trials 2027+. Global potential is immense, as CVD kills 18M yearly worldwide.

Higher Education Impact: Training Tomorrow's Innovators

Perkins' model integrates higher ed: PhD students enroll via UWA/Curtin, supervised by Perkins PIs like Hamzah. 2026 projects include cardiac imaging AI and sepsis modeling, building skills in CVD research. This creates jobs in research assistance, postdocs, and biotech.150 WA universities benefit from spin-outs like Atherid, attracting talent and funding.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Patients, Clinicians, and Policymakers

FH Australia praises patient-centered design. Limbs 4 Life highlights amputation prevention. Jansen: 'Transform the lives of millions.'54 For background, see Perkins' discovery overview.

Future Outlook: Reshaping Australian Biomedical Research

Atherid positions WA as CVD innovation hub, spurring uni investments in nanomedicine. Challenges: scaling GMP ($20M total), regulatory hurdles. Opportunities: international trials, partnerships.

Actionable Insights for Aspiring Researchers

• Explore PhD at UWA/Curtin with Perkins supervision: contact [email protected].
• Build targeted delivery skills: Hamzah's publications offer entry points.
• Network via WA Cardiovascular Research Alliance.
• Monitor Atherid trials for clinical research roles.

This breakthrough underscores Australian higher ed's role in global health solutions.