The pancreas is responsible for digesting all the fat, protein and carbohydrates that we eat, and is essential for health. However, when things go wrong with the pancreas, as happens in inflammation in the pancreas called acute pancreatitis, the results can be catastrophic.
Bridging the gap between research science and treating patients, Damian Mole is a surgeon and clinical scientist trained in laboratory science and in surgery of the liver, bile ducts and pancreas.
In his inaugural lecture, Damian will explore how inflammation in the pancreas triggers the body immune system into overdrive, damaging other essential organs such as the lungs and kidneys. Even those who survive severe acute pancreatitis have shorter lifespans and more ill-health.
Importantly, the team, in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry, has developed a new medicine that is being tested in human clinical trials. By identifying molecular subtypes called endotypes within acute pancreatitis, the team is working to target these new treatments to the right patients through precision medicine.