Professor Dr. Chandana Herath

Biography

Associate Professor Chandana Herath is an expert hepatologist at the Biomedicine Discovery Institute, where he heads the Hepatology Research Laboratory within the Department of Pharmacology at Monash University. His work primarily focuses on the renin angiotensin system (RAS) and its central role in the pathogenesis of liver disease. He has made pioneering contributions that have formed the basis for ongoing translational research involving basic science discoveries, preclinical animal models of liver cancer, and liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. Additionally, his research on cirrhotic portal hypertension and diabetic fatty liver disease has led to the development of a safe and effective gene therapy protocol for liver diseases utilizing an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector to introduce the therapeutic gene Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key enzyme in the protective RAS. Professor Herath is also developing a program to identify small molecule drugs that target the new vasodilatory RAS receptor, MrgD, aimed at preventing and treating cirrhotic portal hypertension. His work includes advancing targeted therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, aligning his research with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Research Interests

Experience