About MLSAI

Monash Lung Sleep Allergy and Immunology is a leading Respiratory and Sleep Department in Melbourne, Australia, dedicated to advancing Respiratory, Sleep, Allergy and Immunology medicine through exceptional clinical care and cutting‐edge research. The Department delivers high‐quality patient services — including comprehensive diagnostics and specialized clinics — but also actively conducts clinical trials. 

In collaboration with Monash Health, Monash University, and research partners like the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, clinical trials are conducted in our state-of-the-art, purpose built facilities. Clinical trials span from early Phase 2 to Phase 4, employing rigorous protocols, dedicated research nurses, and 24/7 access to advanced diagnostic equipment, all to ensure that innovative treatments swiftly translate from the laboratory to the bedside - and to our patients.

History

Monash Lung Sleep Allergy and Immunology (MLSAI) has been conducting clinical trials since the Department was founded in the 1990’s.  It has provided early access to our patients of the newest medicines and kept our doctors and nurses abreast of the latest developments. The Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) operates as an important component of MLSAI and has grown to be one of the largest CTU in Respiratory and Sleep Medicine in Australia.  We are indebted to our patients who, over many years, have supported this research, volunteered to take part in studies and dependably contributed to the next generation of effective medicines. 

Past successes

We are proud that many medicines that are now in wide-spread use and that help to improve the lives of countless people (and their families) were researched at CTU in MLSAI.  Examples include combined preventer and reliever inhalers in asthma, triple therapy inhalers in COPD, effective treatments in cystic fibrosis (CFTR modulators), and biological therapies in asthma, COPD and lung fibrosis.  We have also conducted studies in people with Sleep disorders on CPAP and other therapies. 

PhD program

Young researchers, doctors and nurses have been supported by the CTU to further their studies in asthma, COPD and Sleep medicine. They often first learned how to plan and implement research at the CTU to then apply to their clinical and basic science studies.  As a result MLSAI has had the largest Respiratory and Sleep PhD program in Melbourne over more than 10 years.  Our specialist trainees (registrars) all participate in CTU studies and learn research in an expert environment helping them to become better doctors.