Amyloidosis is a group of complex, incurable diseases which are frequently misdiagnosed and under-recognised. To improve the diagnosis and management of patients with all types of amyloidosis, four multidisciplinary medical amyloidosis centres have merged to create the Australian Amyloidosis Workshops. Indeed, due to its rarity, amyloidosis often remains underdiagnosed, leading to delays in treatment and poor outcomes for patients. Thus, the AAW aims to advance the science on this subject.
The role of the workshops and the topics they address
Since its inception in 2014, by Professor Merlin Thomas, the AAW has been held annually and provides a forum for researchers, clinicians and patients to share their knowledge and experiences. The workshops cover a broad range of topics, including the biology of amyloidosis, diagnostic techniques, and novel therapies. The workshops have also facilitated collaborations between different disciplines and specialties, leading to breakthroughs in our understanding of amyloidosis and its management.
In recent years, the AAW has been particularly significant in promoting the development of novel therapies for amyloidosis. The workshops have played a key role in facilitating the movement of new therapies from the laboratory to the clinic, which can bring real new hope to the hearts of patients. They have also been instrumental in raising awareness of amyloidosis in the wider community, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and better management of amyloidosis.
Date of the Australian Amyloidosis Workshops in 2023
This year, the Australian Amyloidosis Workshops will start throughout the country on 6 May in Queensland. For the first time, this tour will include smaller educational meetings to support targeted groups. Our aim will be to raise awareness and provide education, support and updates on the diagnosis and therapy of amyloidosis.
The workshop is also very proud to announce the presence of Isabelle Lousada, the first international patient rights advocate. This great woman is the President and CEO of the Amyloidosis Research Consortium (ARC) and a health care pioneer who has successfully brought stakeholders together to improve access to amyloidosis treatment in the United States. We therefore hope that his presence will enable us to continue to advance the science for the cause of amyloidosis.
You can now sign up for these workshops for patients and doctors.
For more information: https://aan.org.au/