Dr Sinisa Savic

Profile

I joined the University of Leeds as Clinical Associate Professor in October 2016. Prior to this, I held a full-time NHS post as a Consultant Immunologist based at St James’s University Hospital. In addition to my academic role, I continue to lead the Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy and provide care for patients with primary immunodeficiencies, systemic autoinflammatory disorders and allergies. 

I gained my PhD from the University of Leeds in 2011, after which I returned to full-time clinical training in immunology and completed this in 2011. I continued to develop my research interests throughout this period and in 2012 was awarded the position of Honorary Clinical Associate Professor with the University of Leeds. 

Responsibilities

• Group Leader-Clinical and Translational immunology
• Lead Clinician for Clinical Immunology and Allergy (LTHT)

Research interests

I lead translational research programmes focused on the discovery of molecular mechanisms which underpin the pathogenesis of primary immunodeficiencies (PID) and systemic autoinflammatory disorders (SAID), both hereditary and acquired. This includes the application of modern genetic techniques such as whole genome sequencing to aid the discovery of novel genetic causes, and the use of functional assays to determine the relevance of novel genetic variants on immune system function. 

Other interests include:

Inflammatory complications and immunopathogenesis of cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis 

Pathogenesis and management of Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). 

I was a PI on a prospective study (AWARE) investigating utilization of healthcare resources and quality of life of patients with CSU. I have led the development of home care self-administration of omalizumab in CSU. I have an ongoing interest in optimising the use of immunomodulatory therapies for the treatment of CSU  

Drug allergy

I am collaborating on several studies to improve diagnosis and recognition of drug allergies 

Recent trials: 

PI: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of canakinumab in patients with hereditary periodic fevers (TRAPS, HIDS, or crFMF), with subsequent randomized withdrawal/ dosing frequency reduction and open-label long-term treatment epochs

CI: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU)- characterisation of disease activity, impact on healthcare recourses, and utilisation of novel biological therapies.

CI: Multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled phase 2b dose-finding study of QGE031 as add-on therapy, to investigate its efficacy and safety in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). QGE031 (ligelizumab) 

Qualifications

• MBBS (Newcastle Medical School)
• MSc Immunology
• PhD
• FRCPath
• MRCP

Professional memberships

• Fellow of Royal College of Pathologist
• Member of Royal College of Physicians
• European Society for Immunodeficiencies
• British Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy
• British Society for Immunology
• International Society of Systemic Auto-Inflammatory Diseases

Student education

I am a lead for the immunology component of Essential Medical Science and Clinical Pathology modules Year2 MBChB

I teach on the gastrointestinal and metabolism strand, year 1 MBChB .

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine
• Immunity and inflammation
• Musculoskeletal disease

Current postgraduate researchers

• Samuel Lara-Reyna