Anthony (tony) Keech MBBS, VQE (USA), FRACP, MSc, FCSANZ

Professor Anthony (Tony) Keech is a cardiologist, epidemiologist and internationally renowned clinical trials researcher. As Deputy Director of the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre (CTC) he co-leads a team of researchers involved in the rigorous conduct of large investigator-initiated randomised controlled trials and epidemiological studies, which address questions important to human health. Recognised for his work in diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), Professor Keech has led some of the largest CVD trials in the world. His research has had a major impact on clinical practice and outcomes, particularly in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction, dyslipidaemia, CVD, and the prevention and treatment of chronic heart disease, diabetes and its complications. He has helped to restore the value of aspirin and clot-busting drugs in heart attack. His research findings have altered clinical guidelines and influenced policy and subsidy decisions. As co-leader of the Heart Protection Study and the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists’ Collaboration and chief investigator of the LIPID study, his research has demonstrated the benefit and safety of long-term cholesterol lowering therapy in at-risk patients. He led the FIELD trial, which first described the efficacy of fibrate therapy in reducing diabetes-related complications. Professor Keech also oversees collaborative basic research, having established a high-throughput biomarker laboratory with the aim of identifying biomarkers of diagnosis or response to treatment for diabetic vascular diseases. “I am foremost a translational researcher”, he notes. “We translate basic science findings to the clinical trial setting and clinical practice, and conversely, we conduct basic research guided by clinical observations, to explore the underlying mechanisms”. Professor Keech also provides guidance and methodological expertise to other investigator-initiated trials and serves varied government and professional bodies. His interest in education saw him develop Sydney Medical School’s Master of Clinical Trials (Research) postgraduate degree. Professor Keech is Chair of the CTC Research Committee.