IGENZ Laboratory Directory Dr Amanda Dixon-McIver and her collaborator, Professor Julian Paton of Manaaki Manawa – The Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, were recently honored as the inaugural Partridge Laureates. Created as part of the Partridge Jewelers’ 160th-anniversary celebrations the award supports projects that promise lasting positive impacts on New Zealand’s health. With this backing into 2026 and beyond, Amanda and Julian are tackling heart health and hypertension with an innovative, two-pronged approach.

Cardiovascular disease is New Zealand’s leading cause of death, claiming a life every 90 minutes. At the heart of this silent epidemic lies hypertension, or high blood pressure, which affects at least 25% of New Zealanders. Yet, despite its prevalence, it remains a condition plagued by poor management and undiagnosed cases.

“When a GP prescribes medication for hypertension, it’s usually without understanding the specific causes behind a patient’s condition,” Julian explains. This one-size-fits-all approach, combined with the use of older medications which are not able to effectively control blood pressure leaves 50% of treated individuals still hypertensive. This gap in healthcare is amplified by the fact that most medications are tested on Caucasian populations, limiting understanding of their effectiveness in New Zealand’s diverse communities.

In New Zealand, Māori and Pacific populations are disproportionately affected by hypertension and its complications, Amanda and Julian are determined to change this. “Aotearoa New Zealand is an epicenter for hypertension with diabetes,” Amanda says “Our approach could significantly improve outcomes for these communities by tailoring treatments to their needs.”

Amanda and the IGENZ team are working on a DNA-based screening tool to revolutionize treatment. This genetic test, which would be the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, aims to identify the most effective medication for each patient.

“Our goal is to eliminate the guesswork for GPs,” Amanda explains “With this test, doctors could quickly determine which medications a patient is most likely to respond to based on their unique genetic profile. This brings us closer to personalized medicine and better outcomes for everyone.”

In addition to the diagnostic test, the project will explore an entirely new form of therapy for hypertension. Leveraging an existing European medication used for another condition, they plan to adapt it for controlling blood pressure by targeting the autonomic nervous system. This would potentially be New Zealand’s first new blood pressure drug in 25 years. If successful it could transform treatment for patients who aren’t responding to current medications.

For Amanda, the recognition as a Partridge Laureate is both humbling and motivating. “This opportunity allows us to take our research from concept to reality, and that’s incredibly exciting.” she says. “New Zealand invests a small percentage of GDP into research, so philanthropic support like the Partridge Laureates initiative makes all the difference. It gives us the opportunity to do something we couldn’t do before”

The collaboration between IGENZ and the University of Auckland is testament to New Zealand’s world-class research capabilities. As Amanda, Julian and the team push the boundaries of what’s possible in hypertension management, they’re paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future for all Kiwis.