Monash, Janssen-Cilag tackle autoimmune diseases

Monash University and Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen-Cilag are to develop potential new treatments for autoimmune disorders.

As part of the collaboration, scientists from the two organisations will research the mechanisms that underlie autoimmune diseases during a three-year research program.

The research team will be led by Monash University Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Professor Jamie Rossjohn.

According to Rossjohn, there is a significant unmet need for new and improved treatments for autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Autoimmune diseases are caused by the failure of some immune cells to discriminate between self and non-self tissues.

“By understanding the molecular basis for the trigger that causes autoimmune diseases, we can uncover opportunities for novel immunotherapeutics,” he said.

“We are excited about the innovative therapeutic solutions that can be developed here at Monash when working with a collaborator like Janssen.”

The collaboration will be facilitated by Johnson & Johnson Innovation Asia-Pacific.