The Heimburger Award, by global biotechnology company CSL, recognises the clinical and preclinical research by early-career researchers who are aiming to improve the care of patients with bleeding disorders.
Jeries was recognised for his research proposal which is about understanding why patients with haemophilia, a genetic disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly, experience frequent bleeding in their joints. The study aims to explore the role of the thin layer of cells lining blood vessels, known as the endothelium, inside joints and how it may contribute to these repeated bleeds.
People with haemophilia suffer from painful joint bleeding, which leads to long-term joint damage (haemophilic arthropathy), similar to arthritis. While current treatments, such as factor replacement therapy, help control bleeding, they do not completely prevent joint disease.
Hopes for new treatments which improve life quality for people with haemophilia
By identifying specific factors within joint blood vessels that make them prone to bleeding, this study could lead to new treatments that prevent joint damage in haemophilia patients. Instead of just replacing missing clotting factors, future therapies could target the endothelial mechanisms that regulate bleeding inside joints. This could significantly improve the quality of life for people with haemophilia, reduce pain and disability, and the need for joint replacement.
On winning his award, Jeries said: 'I am truly delighted to have received this highly prestigious global award. It will enable me to delve deeper into the intricate domain of tissue-specific endothelial regulation of haemostasis and its implications for bleeding disorders like haemophilia, bringing us closer to innovative solutions that can improve patient outcomes. I would like to thank my mentor Dr Nicola Curry for her continuous support and guidance.'