Sufferers of coeliac disease and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus could soon be better off thanks to a world-leading Queensland doctor.
Gastroenterologist Robert Anderson says his patients provide inspiration for his research which is advancing both detection and treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases.
The Mackay Hospital and Health Service doctor worked alongside a team of researchers at UK’s Oxford University to find the fragment, or T cells, that trigger coeliac disease.
He is also the co-director of Novoviah Pharmaceuticals in Brisbane which is working on developing a blood test to diagnose coeliac disease, bypassing the need for invasive intestinal biopsies.
One in 70 Australians have coeliac disease but four out of five sufferers are undiagnosed.
The chronic condition can cause implications from intestinal damage to severe malnutrition, heart disease and cancers.
Dr Anderson’s research is also focused on developing a targeted response to the disease which will in turn improve treatment for other autoimmune conditions.
Mackay Hospital and Health Service gastroenterologist Dr Robert Anderson and interim chief executive Dr Charles Pain.
His work has earned him the prestigious 2023 Global Coeliac Disease Research Prize from the Coeliac Disease Foundation, with MHHS interim chief executive Dr Charles Pain at Mackay Base Hospital on Thursday morning to personally congratulate him.
“It is indeed a high honour for Dr Anderson to win the international $25,000 Prize for Excellence in Coeliac Disease Research,” Dr Pain said.
“The work that Dr Anderson has been undertaking over a number of years is changing the way that coeliac disease is diagnosed and treated, and it is a significant achievement for an Australian to receive this honour.
“Mackay HHS and the entire region is extremely fortunate to have a gastroenterologist of Dr Anderson’s calibre providing treatment here through our Specialists Outpatients Department.”
Mackay gastroenterologist Robert Anderson accepting his 2023 Global Coeliac Disease Research Prize from the Coeliac Disease Foundation in Chicago on May 9, 2023. Picture: Contributed
Dr Anderson, who received his prize in Chicago on May 9 ahead of International Coeliac Day on May 16, said the award reflected the contribution Australians made to global research when programs focused on patient needs, good science, and were well-resourced.
“I have been very fortunate as a clinician scientist and later in drug development to have my research supported by public and commercial backers,” he said.
“Patients are my inspiration for discovery, and I can see great potential for Mackay Base Hospital to stimulate impactful patient-based research.”
Dr Anderson is also the current president of the International Society for the Study of Coeliac Disease, the first Australian to hold the position.
There is no known cure for coeliac disease.
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