Overview
The focus of my research is on human-based translational studies and therapeutic trials of novel agents for inflammatory and immunologic diseases. My group has experience in mechanistic studies of environmental exposure in airway diseases; genetic analysis and gene expression studies using microarrays; airway challenge and assessment of response in the upper and lower airway and periphery; and therapeutic trials of experimental agents in Phases I-IV. Areas of focus include:
Asthma and Allergic Diseases
Research interests in asthma and allergic diseases focus upon human studies investigating the response to environmental endotoxin exposure. Using airway challenge with lipopolysaccharide and well characterized allergens, we investigate the genetic regulation of immunologic and inflammatory responses in the lung and in the periphery. This work is performed in collaboration with investigators with expertise in bench science and computational biology. In addition I participate in a number of multi-center research projects related to experimental therapeutics and genetic susceptibility to asthma and allergic diseases.
Rheumatologic Diseases
My primary research focus in rheumatologic diseases is on experimental therapeutics in chronic gout. Gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis in men, and the prevalence of disease is increasing in the population. We have led Phase I through III studies of pegloticase (PEGylated uricase) in subjects with treatment failure gout. We have initiated a new line of investigation that focuses upon IL-1 inhibition in the treatment of inflammation in acute and chronic gout.
Duke Clinical Research Institute - Multicenter Clinical Trials
I serve as the Director of Rheumatology and Allergy Research at the Duke Clinical Research Institute, a large academic research organization with expertise in the coordination of multi-center clinical trials and registries. Our objective is to develop a diverse portfolio of research registries and clinical trials in rheumatic and immunologic disease led by investigators at Duke. Currently our group is involved in programs in pediatric lupus, systemic onset JIA, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine
·
2023 - Present
Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology,
Medicine
Education, Training & Certifications
Drexel University, College of Medicine ·
1991
M.D.