NHIP Lightning Talk: Autoimmune disease – is a potential cure on the horizon?

Professor John Isaacs will present our next Lightning Talk which will focus on his research into autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. The session will explore his work on manipulating the immune system in these diseases, and ask whether it is possible to switch off, or potentially cure them.

John is Professor of Clinical Rheumatology at Newcastle University and an Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist with the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He is internationally renowned as a pioneer of translational rheumatoid arthritis (RA) research. He performs early phase experimental medicine studies, often using products developed in-house. His research interests include immunotherapy of rheumatic, autoimmune disease, clinical therapeutic tolerance, pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and genetics and pharmacogenetics of rheumatoid arthritis.

The Lightning Talk will also review the area of autoimmune disease prevention and whether we should consider treating ‘at risk’ individuals. This includes how the risk factors for these diseases overlap with those for common conditions such as heart disease and stroke – smoking, gum disease, poor diet – so a healthy lifestyle is also important for those at risk of autoimmune diseases.

Lightning Talks are designed to stimulate debate, questions, and curiosity from NHIP stakeholders. They also aim to raise awareness of the incredible work taking place across NHIP organisations for the benefit of patients and the population.

Typically, the events are a 30-minute virtual session, comprising a 15-minute presentation, and 15 minutes allocated for rapid response to questions or observations.

The virtual event will take place on Wednesday 13 September 2023, 12pm – 12:30pm.

To register, please visit here