NZ research influences international treatment for gout

Otago University’s Professor Lisa Stamp will receive the Medicines New Zealand 2017 Value of Medicines Award tonight for her breakthrough research into gout.

Her research was the first randomized controlled trial to demonstrate an improved dosing strategy using Allopurinol, helping more patients to manage their gout symptoms.

“Previously patients with chronic kidney disease would not be effectively managed with Allopurinol due to concerns of the possibility of increased risk of side effects. This research reveals that with gradual dose increases of Allopurinol over time, we can help these patients to better manage this disease without the further risk of side effects” says Professor Stamp.

Gout is more prevalent in New Zealand than any other country and is the second most common form of arthritis in New Zealand. Over 160,000 patients suffer from gout, a majority of which are of Maori or Pacific descent.

“This study will have a high impact on patient care benefiting not only New Zealand patients but patients internationally who are suffering from this crippling disease” says Dr Lee Mathias, Chair of Medicines New Zealand.

The research study was published in the top international rheumatology journal, The Annals of Rheumatic Diseases.

Professor Lisa Stamp will be presented the 2017 Value of Medicines Award by Louisa Wall, Member of Parliament for Manurewa and Chair of Parliament’s Health Select Committee, this evening.

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