Prof Vicky Avery was recently awarded $630, 000 in the 2013 NHMRC Project Grant funding round, to investigate the therapeutic potential of FTY720 for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). In collaboration with Drs Graeme Stevenson, Amy Jones and Prof Sue Charman, the project aims to optimise and develop FTY720, which is currently registered for use in relapsing multiple sclerosis, into a pre-clinical candidate suitable for the treatment of HAT.