Crucial steps towards gene therapy for Meniere’s disease Researchers at the Kolling Institute are pioneering Meniere’s disease research, developing the first humanised model of the disease in preparation for gene therapy. Led by world-renowned Meniere’s expert Professor Jose Antonio Lopez-Escamez, the team is progressing toward precision medicine and gene therapy which they expect within 10 years. As Meniere’s presents differently in individuals, personalised treatment is essential.
for patients affected by vertigo and hearing loss. “We’re making strides in understanding the genetic basis of the disease, finding that many patients have recessive inheritance, where both parents are carriers,” Antonio said. poorly understood but is now linked to factors like immune-response inflammation, allergy, and migraine. The team is now investigating genetic He explained that Meniere’s was once mutations in preclinical models—a critical step towards gene therapy,
Back on track: Phillip and his wife Annette
Professor Jose Antonio Lopez-Escamez (left) with his research team
NSLHD’s Youngest readers Baby Noah (pictured) at a few weeks old is already a voracious reader. In celebration of International Literacy Day, Royal North Shore Hospital’s maternity and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) received a special delivery of books. This initiative, spearheaded by the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (ALEA), Sydney North Local Council, aims to encourage the joy of reading from a child’s earliest days. The books, generously donated each year, are wrapped and accompanied by a brochure highlighting the importance of reading to babies from birth. The idea was brought to life by Wendy Bean, a dedicated volunteer who has been donating books to RNSH for the past 17 years. “We give these books to newborn babies to encourage reading and literacy, which has so many benefits,” said Wendy. “It’s very special to give books to babies born on or near World Literary Day. I have been doing this for 17 years and I’m excited for many more.”
The books serve as a gentle reminder of the power of literacy, encouraging parents to begin reading to their babies, even in their earliest days, fostering a lifelong love of books and learning.
Bernadette and baby Noah sharing a special moment with Wendy Bean
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