On the path to a cure for rheumatoid arthritis

More than 70 Imperial College alumni and staff came together to hear Emeritus Professor Sir Ravinder Maini of the Faculty of Medicine speak at The Imperial College Association spring lecture on 10 May.

Professor Maini talked about his ground breaking research into treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, which involved looking at the typical symptoms of the condition and the role played by various signalling molecules (cytokines) in regulating the disease processes.

He explained to the audience how TNF (tumour necrosis factor) is a kind of cytokine that causes painful inflammation of the joints a well known symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Professor Maini and his colleagues have discovered a way of treating the disease by blocking the action of the TNF with antibodies which has a good effect on joint inflammation and could even delay joint destruction.

Professor Maini was jointly awarded the Crafoord Prize in 2000 and the Lasker Prize for Clinical Medicine in 2003 with current Head of the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology Division, Professor Marc Feldmann, for their identification of TNF

A drinks reception followed the lecture where guests had the opportunity to speak to Professor Maini about his work.

For details of all upcoming alumni events and lectures please visit www.imperial.ac.uk/alumni/events/