A groundbreaking study is using SA-first technology to develop personalised treatments that could one day cure asthma, not just manage it.
This multi-institution research project is led by Dr Damon Tumes from the University of South Australia, Professor Harshita Pant from The University of Adelaide and Professor Angel Lopez from SA Pathology. The study is proudly funded by The Hospital Research Foundation Group*.
For many asthma patients, standard treatments such as steroids can help reduce symptoms and inflammation. But this benefit is usually temporary and fraught with medication-related side-effects.
A significant number of people with severe asthma continue to experience persistent sinus and lung problems. This can lead to serious health complications.
“In people with severe asthma, the immune system overreacts and causes inflammation,” Dr Tumes said.
“We’re studying airway tissue from patients with severe asthma and chronic sinusitis to understand what’s driving that inflammation.”
Unlike traditional “one-size-fits-all” treatments like steroids, and even the recently available antibody treatments, this project aims to develop therapies that target the specific inflammation-causing biological signals unique to each individual.
SA-first technology
“We are the first team in South Australia to use a powerful new technology called Xenium Prime,” Dr Tumes said.
“This shows us exactly where genes are active within inflamed tissue.
“We also designed a custom gene detection panel to pinpoint what type of inflammation is driving disease in individual patients’ airways.”
Using this highly advanced tool, our team has begun developing a personalised treatment that could be delivered via injection or inhalation, directly targeting inflamed tissues in the lungs.
Hope for asthma patients
“Our mission is to create tailored treatment plans that help people with severe asthma and other related airway diseases.”
If successful, this innovative approach could revolutionise asthma care by offering new hope to patients who don’t respond to current therapies.
We look forward to sharing more updates as this exciting research progresses!
*The Hospital Research Foundation Group is supporting this research with backing from generous donor Robert Kenrick. If there is an area of research close to your heart, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team on (08) 8244 1100 to discuss donation options.
