Novartis and HMRI forge partnership to accelerate bench-to-bedside translation

Novartis Australia has forged a new partnership with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), in collaboration with the University of Newcastle. This initiative builds on Novartis’ recent partnerships with Monash University and Monash Health for new care models in cardiovascular disease and with Wesfarmers for pop-up heart health screening clinics.

Matt Zeller, Country President of Novartis Australia and New Zealand, underscored the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in driving patient-focused research.

“Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in Australia, and we must be willing to work together, across the ecosystem, to try new things and see what can actually reduce the burden on communities, patients, and their families. The collaboration will enable us to develop and test new models of care and new approaches to data and patient management that could then be scaled beyond the Hunter.

“This integrated approach reflects a commitment to addressing complex health challenges through collaboration and interdisciplinary research,” Zeller stated.

HMRI’s Institute Director and CEO, Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin, highlighted the potential impact of the collaboration.

“This partnership allows our HMRI-affiliated researchers, University of Newcastle experts, and clinicians to deliver life-changing innovations at a speed unmatched in Australia, if not the world. Our deep connection to the community enables us to rapidly translate laboratory breakthroughs into practical healthcare solutions,” said Professor Kay-Lambkin.

He further explained, “Traditionally, it can take up to 17 years for research discoveries to make it from the lab to the hands of clinicians. Collaborations like this with Novartis provide the additional funding, resources, and linkages needed to significantly shorten that timeline, directly benefiting patients and the broader community.”

A key component of the agreement is the establishment of a steering committee responsible for identifying and prioritising research initiatives under the partnership. Comprising experts from HMRI and Novartis, the committee will ensure that all projects are scientifically robust, strategically aligned, and capable of delivering real-world impact.

Professor Aaron Sverdlov, Director of Heart Failure at the University of Newcastle & Hunter New England Local Health District and a member of HMRI’s Heart and Stroke Research Program, emphasised the urgency of addressing lipid management.

“Lipid disorders are a silent killer. High cholesterol often goes unnoticed until it has already caused significant damage, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and other vascular diseases. Through this initiative, we aim to establish best-practice management for lipid disorders, ensuring patients have access to early intervention, lifestyle support, and medical treatments that can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk.

“By integrating digital tools, dedicated clinics, and improving patient and provider education, we can take a proactive approach to cardiovascular disease prevention,” emphasised Professor Sverdlov.

Professor Doan Ngo, Co-Director of HMRI’s Heart and Stroke Research Program, highlighted that the partnership is well-positioned to improve healthcare services in regional areas.

“This collaboration with Novartis is a model for how industry, health services, research institutions, and universities can come together to address a critical healthcare challenge. In regional and rural areas like the Hunter New England Local Health District, patients often have poorer access to lipid management services, contributing to worse cardiovascular outcomes.

“By creating an innovative and sustainable healthcare model, we can expand service delivery, build capacity in medical and allied health training, and ultimately improve cardiovascular health outcomes; not just in our region, but as a scalable example for other areas across Australia.”

Beyond its immediate focus on lipid management and cardiovascular health, the MoU establishes a framework for a long-term research collaboration. HMRI’s Chief Research Partnerships Officer, Todd Williams, said “By bringing together our combined expertise, we have a unique opportunity to develop and implement research that can lead to real improvements in patient outcomes.

“The Novartis investment not only transforms the health and wellbeing of our communities but also provides industry with a meaningful way to invest and see a tangible return while doing good for the one million people across the Hunter New England region.”

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