27th May 2025
Australian-first lupus treatment at Monash Health
In an Australian-first, Monash Health in collaboration with Monash University, has successfully treated a patient with the autoimmune condition lupus with CAR (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) T-cell therapy.
“It is absolutely a game changer for the treatment of autoimmune disease,” said Associate Professor Alberta Hoi, Monash Health Consultant Rheumatologist and Clinical Trial Lead.
As widely reported by the media, patient Lani Watson was among 21 people worldwide to receive the therapy as part of a clinical trial. She was the only person to be treated in Australia.
‘Lani’s response to the treatment has been fantastic – she’s now off her immunosuppressant that she was previously dependent on. This new treatment offers significant hope for people suffering with lupus.’
