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Support our vital research

Many Australians suffer from immune system diseases. Some of these disorders are incredibly rare, such as primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs), some of which only affect a handful of people worldwide. But there are more than 400 PIDs, in addition to hundreds of other diseases of the immune system

. Cumulatively, immune diseases represent a very significant burden on the healthcare system, with as many as 1 in 10 people affected.

The impact on patients can be devasting: chronic disability, ill health and shortened lifespan. While medical knowledge is advancing rapidly in many fields, funding for rare disease research is extremely limited. Many patients still struggle to access an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

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Individually rare, collectively common

Striving to transform the diagnosis and treatment of immune diseases.

Currently, most treatments for immune disease are reactive rather than proactive and focus on preventing infections and lowering inflammation. Not all patients respond well to treatment, and some experience severe side effects.

There is an urgent need for effective treatments that target the underlying causes, rather than managing symptoms. Garvan’s Precision Immunology Program is striving to transform this approach by deepening our understanding of the cellular, molecular, and metabolic drivers of immune system disease.

We are already making great strides in understanding the mechanisms behind immune diseases. Our goal is to develop new diagnostic approaches and more effective precision treatments tailored to each patient's specific genomes and disease drivers.

This pioneering research is already delivering powerful new insights that could ultimately enable millions of Australians to live longer, healthier lives.

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Your donation enables cutting-edge research to drive medical breakthroughs and helps create a healthier future for us all.

Distinct genetic variations disrupt immune cell signalling in different ways

Impact on immune cells

Same mutations observed in lupus patients

Earlier this year, Associate Professor Elissa Deenick, co-lead of our Precision Immunology Program, published the findings of a groundbreaking study that unveiled key genetic insights into the causes of an extremely rare primary immunodeficiency disorder known as APDS.

APDS patients suffer from severe and frequent respiratory infections, autoimmune disorders, and lymphoma. Currently, the only cure for this disease is difficult, expensive, and extremely risky.

This research is a significant step towards developing more targeted and effective treatments for APDS, which could make a considerable difference in the lives of people living with this disease. Additionally, these advancements could be applied to a wide range of immune system diseases, helping millions of Australians. 


Powerful new insights into the causes of rare immune diseases

“Immune diseases can cause recurrent infections, multiple hospitalisations – and a shortened lifespan. But there’s such disparity in funding. This means that as medical knowledge advances, people with rare immune diseases are rapidly being left behind.” 

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Leave no one behind

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Support this vital research today

We have already mapped out the next steps to use this newfound knowledge – and we urgently need your help to maintain the momentum.

Help drive research forward so no one is left behind

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Every one of us deserves equitable access to effective healthcare.