Dr. Marc Dellerba, BSc (Hons) MSc PhD. MACB
1994-1997 Lancaster University. Department of Chemical Sciences
BSc (Hons) in Chemical Science. Awarded a First Class Degree with Class Honours
My first degree was a Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) accredited Bachelors of Science degree in chemistry and polymer science. The degree gave me a graduate understanding of organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and polymer chemistry, as well as introducing many of the laboratory techniques I have implemented at Autoimmune Therapies where I manage and oversee all laboratory work.
The degree also gave me a comprehensive understanding of some of the analytical techniques that are used in laboratories and pathology departments, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infra red (IR) and ultra violet (UV) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
Following my degree I was admitted as a graduate member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (GRSC). Having obtained a first class degree I was able to progress directly to a PhD.
1997-2001. Warwick University. Department of Chemistry
PhD in Chemistry
At Warwick University I was fortunate to study in an internationally prestigious Carbohydrate Research group led by Professor David Crout.
My doctorate was given for research investigating the way proteins are modified in our bodies by the addition of carbohydrate groups. Specifically I studied the mechanism of the formation of N-linked glycoproteins which form the majority of functional glycoproteins found in the human body.
As part of my research I also conducted research for a division of Unilever, which involved the synthesis of novel antibody-carbohydrate conjugates
The PhD was primarily based on laboratory work involving synthesis of novel protein and carbohydrate analogues and the use of bio-conjugation techniques for the modification of antibodies, The PhD also required extensive use of advanced analytical and statistical techniques.
2001-2004. Manchester University. Manchester School of Medicine.
MSc in Clinical Biochemistry.
I undertook a Masters of Science in Clinical Biochemistry as part of an extensive three year training programme within the National Health Service (NHS) as a Clinical Scientist.
The Master’s degree involved research in clinical biochemistry. The theoretical syllabus covered all aspects of clinical biochemistry, which is detailed and required for membership of the Royal College of Pathologists.
My research for the MSc was on the development of a novel method for the early biochemical assessment of patients presenting at A/E (ER) departments with suspected paracetamol (acetaminophen) poisoning. Early detection of paracetamol poisoning is crucial to directing appropriate treatment to avoid fatal hepatic failure.
2001-2004
Trainee Clinical Scientist within the NHS.
During my training by the NHS as a Clinical Scientist I was located at three large hospitals, these being Wythenshawe Teaching Hospital, Manchester Children’s Hospital (Pendlebury), and Lancaster District General Hospital.
I learned the theoretical and practical aspects of Clinical Biochemistry as practised in a pathology laboratory in the UK within the NHS. The training involved obtaining the knowledge and skills required to generate, and to interpret, biochemical results in order to advise and Consultants Clinicians (Specialists like Rheumatologists or Gastroenterologists in the US) and General Practitioners and other health care workers in the diagnosis, care and management of their patients.
2004-2009
Senior Clinical Scientist. Blackpool District General Hospital.
At Blackpool I had specific responsibility for the specialised test section of the Hospital’s Biochemistry Department within Pathology. Blackpool hospital and the pathology department served a population of approximately 330,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre and the 12 million holidaymakers who visit the area every year. The hospital was also a regional centre for cardiology and haematology.
As a senior Clinical Scientist I was responsible for those analytical methods that can not be automated and that require a high level of scientific and technical expertise.
I managed and participated in services that included UV analysis of spinal fluid and urine in the investigation of xanthochromia, porphyria and other disorders. Faecal Analysis for malabsorption disorders and for occult blood, as well as sweat tests for the investigation of suspected cystic fibrosis, as well as many other various tests.
I also developed a comprehensive laboratory service for the investigation of suspected beta-cell dyscrasia, analytical services included serum electrophoresis and immuno-assays for serum free light chains.
While working at Blackpool I developed interests in the areas of haematological malignancies, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, endocrinology and the immunoassays used to measure hormones.
I obtained State Registration in 2005 as a Clinical Scientist. State registration is required and allows me to work independently as a Clinical Scientist in the United Kingdom.
The Biochemistry Department processed approximately eight million test results per year. A significant part of my work as Clinical Scientist was to review and interpret all abnormal results we detected, and to advise physicians and doctors as to the result’s meaning, the need for further tests, or continued monitoring when required. Many interesting discussions regarding a wide variety of disorders resulted from my role as advisor to these doctors.
2007-
Autoimmune Therapies. Clinical Director and Co-Founder
As a founder of AIT I developed, and continue to manage and oversee, the procedures we use to isolate helminths and their ova, and the quality control procedures we perform for each dose we send to clients, as well as the analytical tests we offer to our clients to check inoculation status as a service to our clients which is required due to the of the poor standards in commercial laboratories.
I am actively involved in screening all patients to ensure safety and suitability, as well as providing a free consultation service to all our clients on interpretation of pathology results before and following inoculation by AIT
I am responsible for client support and follow-up, as well as scientific support for our clients, their families and their doctors.
As part of our follow-up I conduct regular surveys of our clients and aggregate their information to produce and regularly update our information on response, response time, outcome, etc.
I am also conducting Case Studies for individuals with each of the diseases we treat, these are intended for publication in the appropriate scientific journals when complete. They form part of our ongoing efforts to improve our results, our client’s experience, and to drive the research in this exciting branch of immunotherapy forward.