Who We Are

The Centre for Molecular Biology and Medicine was established at Epworth Medical Centre in 1997 following it's incorporation as a non-profit medical research institute in 1996. This was an exciting new move by the Centre following its 13 year association with Monash University where it was founded in 1983. Modern laboratories designed specifically for the Centre's research requirements were built on the Epworth site and fully equipped with the latest technological advancements and instrumentation.

The Centre for Molecular Biology and Medicine is a medical research organization with one major vision:

To improve the quality of life of the ageing Australian population.

Dedicated researchers at the Centre apply the latest developments in molecular biology to examine and unravel the mysteries of the ageing process and utilize this information to ameliorate the effects of a variety of age-associated diseases.

The Centre's research into the ageing process is based on the bioenergetic capacity of individuals. Over 90% of the body's energy production occurs in subcellular structures called mitochondria which are the cell's engine room. To produce this energy, a critical ingredient called coenzyme Q10 is required. This compound, which is the focus of the Centre's research, is a non-toxic, naturally occurring substance and has been found to have many beneficial uses. They include:

	Improvement in the life style of ageing individuals in both functional improvements and preventative health care.
	Heart disease, both preventative and therapeutic.
	Brain and muscle diseases like strokes and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
	Cancer, as a therapy.
	Immune system improvement.

Ageing is a highly complex biological process resulting in the gradual loss of function of organs and cells with the eventual outcome of death. There is, no doubt, a number of contributing factors to the ageing process. Studies of ageing can be thought of in two ways. One view is that it is inevitable and little can be done to alter the process. A second view is that aging is subject to manipulation. In this latter view, espoused by the Centre, many diseases that are part of the process (such as heart attack, strokes and diabetes) can be addressed so as to improve life style and perhaps even increase longevity.

A major breakthrough in our understanding of the ageing process has been the discovery by the Centre scientists that genetic defects occur in the energy producing parts (mitochondria) of cells of the body and that these defects accumulate with age. Mitochondria are microscopic specialised particles occurring in all cells; their major function is to produce the fuel (ATP) required for all the energy consuming processes of living cells/organs/individuals. The progressive decrease with age in bioenergy capacity of the mitochondria leads to the progressive decline in total bioenergy capacity of ageing individuals.

In a major step forward, Centre scientists have developed the concept that we all suffer from bioenergetic disease which is progressive with age. It is suggested that the decline in bioenergetic capacity with age constitutes an intrinsic factor in all associated diseases, for example heart, vascular, brain (strokes, mental acuity) and other degenerative diseases. These conditions are studied with a view to altering their course of development by the application of a tissue-energisation therapy (redox therapy).

The Centre is currently focused in three specific areas. They are the development of :

	A diagnostic tool to measure the bioenergetic capacity of individuals.
	Development of gastrointestinal cancer diagnostics.
	Formulation and use of compounds to improve the bioenergetic capacity of individuals.

These endeavours have two main potential outcomes. They are:

	The early diagnosis of potential medical implications so that early intervention may retard, prevent or cure the condition.
	The discovery and formulation of compounds that will assist in the prevention, retardation or cure of diseases.

At the Centre, scientists work and collaborate with doctors and scientists from hospitals, universities and other research institutes to formulate solutions that will benefit the lives of people in our community.