World-first trial in silicosis

Silicosis, which started to drastically emerge from 2015, is caused by inhaling dangerous silica fibers predominantly from cutting artificial stone benchtops.

Dr Ryan Hoy, respiratory and sleep disorders physician in The Alfred Occupational Respiratory Clinic, said hundreds of workers around Australia now have silicosis from heavy levels of silica exposure.

“This is a preventable lung disease, but unfortunately young workers in their 20s, 30s and 40s have been diagnosed,” he said. “Silicosis has been off the radar in many middle and high-income countries for years, so there are no established treatments to halt or reverse it.

“It is a really critical time for patients with silicosis to undertake research to identify treatment for this condition.”

Dr Hoy said that some drugs could halt the progression of the disease, based on laboratory research.

“The funding from Zaparas Lawyers is going to allow us to commence a world-first trial of a medication that has shown promise in the laboratory setting that could be applied to people with this condition,” he said.

“This study may be very beneficial for workers in Victoria but also around Australia and potentially has international implications as well.”

Partner of Zaparas Lawyers, Yianni Zaparas, said the partnership with The Alfred and Dr Hoy allowed the firm to “go beyond legal representation and actively invest in the health and safety of the communities we serve”.

“It reaffirms our dedication to advocating for improved workplace safety and also contribute to systemic changes,” he said. “The fact that it is a world-first trial and us wanting to support and contribute to this important research is a driving factor.

“To contribute in any way to the improvement of the wellbeing of individuals suffering from silicosis potentially around the world is humbling. It’s more humbling than the business of law.”

The next phase of the trial is an immunosuppression treatment for silicosis.