Mainz University
Autoimmune Endocrinology” Research Group (Prof. Dr. George Kahaly)
Together we want to improve the therapy of autoimmune diseases: the research teams of the renowned endocrinologist Professor George J. Kahaly from the University Medical Centre Mainz and researchers from ISAR Bioscience. Our main focus is on the widespread Graves’ disease. In this disease, the immune system produces antibodies against the patient’s own thyroid gland, which stimulates it to produce excessive amounts of its hormones, and to increase in size. Symptoms can also occur outside the thyroid gland, such as hormone-related disease of the eye cavity (endocrine orbitopathy). Many cases of hyperthyroidism cannot be controlled with medication alone: Often the diseased tissue must be destroyed by radioiodine therapy or surgically removed. There is a great need for innovative, effective and at the same time gentle forms of treatment. Finally, Dr. Kahaly is member of the Publication Core Committee of the American Endocrine Society.
Our two research teams have already developed corresponding approaches. Within the framework of this cooperation, we are now concentrating on certain immune cells, the T and B lymphocytes. We investigate their suitability as starting points for innovative therapies using mammalian disease models. We benefit from the novel Bio-Assays for the detection of Graves’ disease and the extensive experience with clinical studies in this field, which the endocrinologists from the University Medical Centre Mainz, Professor George Kahaly and Dr. Tanja Diana, bring to the cooperation with ISAR Bioscience.
Professor George Kahaly M.D., Ph.D., is a senior physician at the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at the I. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic of the University of Mainz. He directs the Endocrine and Thyroid Autoimmunity Program in the Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic, is Chair of the ORPHAN Expert Centre for Graves’ Orbitopathy and Autoimmune Polyendocrinopathy and directs the Molecular Thyroid Research Laboratory. George Kahaly has authored about 330 original articles and reviews. He has received numerous awards for his research, including the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists / American College of Endocrinology (AACE/ACE) Endocrinology Award and the British Thyroid Association Medal (George Murray Award). Kahaly is co-editor of major journals and co-organiser of international congresses. He serves as a board member of the European Group of Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) and has been active in various committees of the American Thyroid Association for many years.
