KHPeople: Dr Nazia Matto

The haematology postdoc on a world first in-human trial and what gives her euphoric moments. 

What is your role? 

I am a post doc in department of Haematology at King’s College London and currently working as a lead GMP production scientist on a trial called TIARA. TIARA is the first in man trial to treat refractory Idiopathic Aplastic Anaemia patients. 

What do you enjoy most about your role? 

My role involves expanding autologous T-regulatory (Tregs) cells from Idiopathic aplastic anaemia patients that after expansion under GMP conditions are infused back into the patients. The expansion work entails long hours stressful days and huge responsibilities. but the feeling you get when you see the drug product made by you being infused back into the patient can't be expressed in words. It's such a euphoric moment with a hope that these expanded cells will successfully accomplish the task they have been made for. 

What inspired you to get into this work? 

The patients enrolled in this trial are refractory Idiopathic aplastic anaemia patients who have failed to respond to either haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) or Immunosuppressive therapy (IST). This therapy is the last resort for these patients and there is nothing more rewarding than being part of a trial where your work can contribute towards improving the survival of patients. 

What are the benefits of working in partnership?  

Working in partnership creates a better chance of providing services that meets patient needs. It allows people from different professions to share ideas that creates opportunities for innovation. It helps to create a multi- skilled workforce. Every day is a learning experience, you share your expertise, get to know more people from different walks of life and of course make new friends. 

What would be your one career top tip?   

The sky is the limit, never doubt yourself, stay focused, never let anything slow or stop you from concurring your goals and making your dreams happen.           

King’s Health Partners Haematology brings together our strengths in clinical service, research, and education to deliver exceptional outcomes for haematology patients.