Who we are What we do What we do The Perth Blood Institute was established in 2013, driven by the need to advance haematological research and bring clinical trials to Western Australia. PBI brought together various disciplines including clinical haematology, clinical pharmacy, nursing and allied health, as well as clinical research staff. PBI is one of the largest haematology clinical research institute in Western Australia and is continually inviting support to conduct research in all aspects of blood disorder management and to broaden access to safe and effective treatment options for patients and their families. We are a charitable, not for profit organisation, focused on providing outstanding patient care to people diagnosed with blood conditions – including blood cancers, bleeding and clotting disorders – through an ethical and sustainable approach. PBI’s work is underpinned by: PBI Research PBI Clinical Trials Community Education PBI Research The PBI Research division's mission is to improve patient outcomes through the development of targeted therapies. It does this by collecting validated clinical data and bio-banked biological material from patients with common and rare fatal blood diseases, to better understand the molecular basis of diseases. This improved knowledge allows PBI to develop new diagnostic tests and targeted therapies. The fundamental (experimental) research conducted by PBI’s research scientists is vital in translating novel findings into new treatments and information to benefit clinical phase studies. Examples of fundamental research include molecular studies, cellular assays and studies on the properties of drugs and patient samples. PBI’s Research Division has two main units: Translational Molecular Research Team Platelet Research Team Translational Molecular Research Team The Translational Molecular Research Team focuses on understanding genetic mechanisms underlying the complex coagulation system, and aims to develop novel biomarkers in the form of liquid biopsies for complex blood disorders as well as difficult to drug or undruggable cancers. This team’s research is built on the group’s understanding of microRNAs and the important role they play in our pathways of interest. Ultimately, we aim to develop precision-based, next-generation therapeutics to address current unmet medical need in blood disorders, and related diseases. Platelet Research Team The Platelet Research Team aims to understand the contributory role of platelets in various diseases. Apart from their main role in wound healing and blood clotting processes, platelets are integral to a multitude of biological functions, including inflammation and innate immunity. The principle aim of the Platelet Research Team is to study and characterise the changes involved in haemostasis and platelet function during disease. The goal is to apply our understanding of the fundamental research to discover new strategies or improve current treatments for blood disorders, cancer and dementia. PBI Clinical Trials The PBI Clinical Trials Division delivers numerous clinical trials and performs state-of-the-art research into bleeding and clotting disorders and blood cancers. It provides opportunities for patients to participate in PBI studies into new treatments and interventions to prevent, diagnose or manage blood disorders. Clinical Trials are vital for the development of new medical treatments. They play a key role in determining if new medicines/interventions are effective, safe and/or superior to the current gold standard of care treatments available on the market today. Clinical trials are the final step in a long process that begins with research in a laboratory. Community Education PBI regularly conducts programs to support and increase community understanding of blood disorders. These include: Professional education programs are aimed at ensuring health professionals have access to the latest information on blood disorders; and Community awareness programs aim to provide support to patients with a blood disorder, and their families. Relationship between our teams PBI fosters a culture of continuous sharing of information between our Research and Clinical Trials Teams, based on the exchange of information and findings. Outcomes from each team provide education and guidance for future research. In particular, the results from the Clinical Trials Team investigations – whether they are successful outcomes for medical trials, or less desirable outcomes – steer the focus of our Research Team. Patient care An integral part of PBI’s high standard of care is the ability to involve people in state-of-the-art clinical trials and translational research. Clinical trials offer people with blood disorders the most up-to-date treatment options which have been developed through extensive clinical research. For further information on how to get involved in PBI’s clinical trials or research, please visit Participate in a clinical trial or Participate in a research project.