Close
Professor of Experimental Rheumatology
Research area
Scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary hypertension.
Research programme
Research summary
Systemic sclerosis is a severe autoimmune rheumatic disease that leads to fibrosis and vascular damage in the skin and Internal organs. It forms part of the scleroderma spectrum of diseases.
Our group is focused on understanding the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms that give rise to scleroderma. This involves abnormalities of the Immune system, vascular structures and fibrogenic cells.
The group has a strong translational focus that links basic science studies to clinical research that has the goal of improving assessment and treatment of systemic sclerosis and its complications. There are strong links with the National Pulmonary Hypertension service and other research groups within the Institute.
Patient involvement
I lead a large clinical programme in scleroderma at the Royal Free Hospital and co-ordinates multidisciplinary care for more than 1400 patients. This provides a national service for scleroderma and also links to a very active clinical trials programme and an outreach clinicla programme Including other units in London and Southern UK.