The Li Transformative Hub for Research into Eating Disorders (Li-THRED)

Established out of a generous donation from Mr David Li (AM) and Mrs Angela Li, The Li THRED is a comprehensive and cutting edge program of research and clinical trials in eating disorders focusing on utilising the latest developments in neuroscience and brain research to generate an evidence base for new approaches to treating eating disorders.

LI-THRED IS REWRITING THE STORY FOR OVER 1 MILLION AUSTRALIANS WITH EATING DISORDERS

HER Centre's Li-THRED (the Transformative Hub for Research into Eating Disorders) is investigating the science behind this debilitating disease, and changing the story for people with anorexia nervosa. Li-THRED will focus on three pillars: delivering new treatments, enhancing current treatments, and uncovering biological causes through a series of clinical trials.

Our philosophy – a message from Li-THRED Lead Professor Jayashri Kulkarni AM

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions – the most severe being anorexia nervosa. At present, eating disorders impact 70 million individuals worldwide and over 1 million Australians, with the greater percentage of these being women. Each and every day, these conditions are having devastating impacts not only for individuals, but also for their families and friends.

When it comes to treatment, options are severely limited. The current ‘gold standard’ is talk based therapies – most commonly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However, this approach is not the most appropriate treatment option for many sufferers and they cannot recover fully.

Current treatment focuses on the psychological factors behind eating disorders because they can be most obviously present and we understand those best. But there;s another part of the equation that we’ve been completely neglecting. Evidence shows that in addition to psychological factors (personality type, body image disturbances), eating disorders also develop due to biological changes (genes, RNA, proteins). There has been insufficient investment in research to develop treatments that target brain biology and / or to better understand the biological factors that cause eating disorders.

We must invest in breakthrough research today to create change in how we treat eating disorders, more holistically and completely.

Li-THRED is pioneering new biological treatments, and investigating the biological drivers of eating disorders, so we’ll have a fresh, transformative avenue of treatment options in addition to today’s psychological focus.

Li-THRED Research Leader - Professor Jayashri Kulkarni (AM)

Our Research

At Li-THRED, we are running a series of clinical trials to explore innovative potential novel biological treatments for anorexia nervosa. By investigating the biological factors that contribute to eating disorders we aim to expand treatment options beyond the traditional psychological approaches.

Our research is focused on understanding how these biological drivers influence the development and progression of anorexia, with the goal of developing new, effective therapies that address the root causes of the disorder.

Estrogen Patch for Anorexia Nervosa (E-TAN) - currently recruiting

A double-blinded randomised placebo-controlled trial of estradiol for the treatment of women with anorexia nervosa

Brief Overview: This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a transdermal estrogen patch in treating anorexia nervosa (AN). Building on preliminary evidence suggesting estrogen;s role in mood, cognition, bone health, and appetite regulation, this study aims to explore its therapeutic potential in addressing the multifaceted symptoms of AN.

Trial Objective: Assess the impact of the transdermal estrogen patch on improving symptoms of AN from baseline to the end of treatment (12 weeks).

Trial Design & Procedure: This clinical trial will enrol 50 participants who will be randomly assigned to receive either the estrogen patch (50mcg/day) or a placebo, for a duration of 12 weeks. Participants’ eating disorder symptoms and broader psychological symptoms will be measured every 4 weeks.

Repurposed Medications for Anorexia Nervosa (AN4) - currently recruiting

A double-blinded, 4-arm, covariate-adjusted adaptive clinical trial for the treatment of anorexia nervosa – AN4

Brief Overview: This clinical trial investigates the potential of repurposed medications, including brexpiprazole, memantine and zinc, in treating anorexia nervosa (AN). These medications have already been approved for other conditions, and target neurological networks that have been implicated in the development and maintenance of AN. Recognising the lack of current pharmacological treatment for AN despite the widespread use of medicines in the treatment of most other psychiatric conditions, this study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of these medications in treating AN.

Trial Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of brexpiprazole, memantine and zinc, in improving symptoms of AN from baseline to end of treatment (12 weeks).

Trial Design & Procedure: This clinical trial will enroll 100 participants who will be randomly assigned to receive either brexpiprazole, memantine, zinc or a placebo, for a duration of 12 weeks.

Participants’ eating disorder symptoms and broader psychological symptoms will be measured every 4 weeks.

Sodium Butyrate for Anorexia Nervosa (S-BAN) - not currently recruiting

An Open-Label Proof of Concept Study

Brief Overview: This study investigates the use of sodium butyrate, a supplement derived from butyric acid, to potentially treat anorexia nervosa (AN). There is growing evidence to suggest that disruptions in gut microbiota may play a role in the development and maintenance of AN. Thus, sodium butyrate, which targets gut inflammation and impacts gene activity, may be a promising treatment.

Trial Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of sodium butyrate in improving symptoms of AN from baseline to end of treatment (12 weeks).

Trial Design & Procedure: This clinical trial will enrol 15 participants who will take sodium butyrate as an adjunct to treatment for a duration of 12 weeks. Participants’ eating disorder symptoms and broader psychological symptoms will be measured every 4 weeks.

Meet the Li-THRED Team

Thank you to the Li-Family and other donors

We are extremely grateful to our supporters who, through their generosity, have enabled the establishment and development of the Li Transformative Hub for Research in Eating Disorders.

• David and Angela Li Foundation: Establishment funding
• OneinFive: Co-funding of the Li-THRED Research Fellow
• Kinsella Conolly Family: Project Support Funding

The official launch of the Li Transformative Hub for Research into Eating Disorders