Many will remember the Zika virus spreading throughout the globe like wildfire, resulting in numerous birth defects in newborn infants and foetuses. Biochemist and biodiscovery researcher, Dr Trudi Collet had an idea to test native Australian plants to see if they could provide a cure. Results showed a 100% kill-rate of the virus.
With the number of countries reporting a rise in mosquito-borne virus transmissions, as well as the devastating impact on babies, families and the economy, this cure cannot come soon enough. Dr Trudi Collet is a biochemist whose research focuses on biodiscovery with an emphasis on the potential healing properties of Australian native plants.
Trudi is doing pioneering work in the development of novel therapeutics for global infections and diseases. Dr Collet and her team have recently discovered a novel compound from an Australian native plant that can totally kill the Zika virus without damage or cytotoxic effects to the host mammalian cells.
Trudi’s work has also led to the discovery of a novel plant-derived broad-spectrum antibiotic, which is effective against four of the World Health Organisations top 12 priority bacterial pathogens. Dr Collet’s Indigenous Medicines Group aims to bridge the gap between science and healthcare, with the research also focusing on understanding the properties of native plants and how such discoveries can be translated from lab bench to product and finally to the patient, with the intent of improving the quality of life.