antallergy.org

WED 28 JUN 2000

By HARRIET BINET

A Tasmania based research team hopes to become the first in the world to develop a synthetic antigen, or anti-venom, for the treatment of allergic reactions to an insect sting.

The Jack Jumper project, headed by Simon Brown, director of emergency medicine at the Royal Hobart Hospital, aims to create a synthetic antigen for people severely allergic to jack jumper stings.

``The trial of synthetic antigen has worldwide significance,’’ he said.

``If it works, it will be the first time a synthetic antigen has been used to desensitise patients.’’

MON 27 JUN 2000

Hansard
House of Assembly

Mr KONS (Question) - My question is to the special Minister of State. Can the minister advise the House of this year’s winner of the Dick Buttfield Memorial Fellowship which is Tasmania’s most prestigious medical research award?

Mrs BLADEL - I thank the member for his question. Yes, it is very pleasing to be able to announce the winner of this most prestigious fellowship - it is the Director of Emergency Service Medicine at the Royal Hobart Hospital, Dr Simon Brown, who has been awarded this year’s Buttfield scholarship. Dr Brown and his team will undertake a project which aims to offer lifelong protection from the potentially fatal jack-jumper bite.

Mr Llewellyn - Hear, hear.

SUN 31 OCT 1999

By MICHELLE PAINE

A WOMAN who could die from her next jack jumper bite has pleaded for better services for Tasmanian allergy sufferers.

Lorette Hills, 30, of New Norfolk, has suffered 17 dangerous reactions to bites in the past four years.

SUN 24 OCT 1999

By SIMON BEVILACQUA

A BRAVE Tasmanian family is turning personal tragedy into a reason for hope for many Australians.

The head of the family, Arthur Park, died suddenly last week.

The 65-year-old grandfather and founder of the Tasmanian Cosy Cabin accommodation business suffered a fatal allergic reaction to an ant sting.

Information sheet on Jumper Ants from the information centre of the Museum of South Australia.