New research has revealed chaotic swings of protein concentrations keep the immune system functional and thus allow it to stave off chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Modern research has attributed the development of cancer cells to faulty mechanisms at play in the immune system, or breakdowns in what medical experts call “signalling pathways”.…

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A vaccine for coeliac disease could soon be made available with the Australian-developed immunisation gaining fast-track designation from America’s Food and Drug Administration. ImmusanT’s Nexvax2, developed at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in Victoria, is set for a prompt review at the completion of its trial phases. Currently phase two, involving 150 patients…

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People living with debilitating cases of motor neuron disease have been given revived hope following a “huge breakthrough” in treatment options by Australian researchers. A drug being hailed “ground breaking” was shown to slow the progression of the disease after being tested on 32 patients in Melbourne and Sydney. Professor Ashley Bush, chief scientific officer…

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Today is World Ovarian Cancer Day, an initiative of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition, which aims to raise awareness of this disease. Each day, four women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and of those, three will die from the disease, making it Australia’s deadliest women’s cancer. It is also usually diagnosed in its late stages, because there…

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It’s that time of year again when we celebrate Rare Disease Day on the last day of February. It’s a cause close to our hearts at VIVA! Communications after we’ve had the pleasure of working on a number of campaigns to raise awareness of a variety of rare diseases. Despite their name, one in 20…

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