Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
Chronic viral hepatitis
Evaluation of novel therapeutic agents for chronic viral hepatitis: Clinical trials are examining, for example, several new interferon-free therapies involving combinations of direct acting antiviral agents as well as novel immunological therapies involving HCV-peptide-treated leucocytes. The role of Vitamin D and a range of host genetic markers (such as IL-28B, ITPA) on both treatment outcomes and the severity of liver histology in CHC, and the immunological mechanisms of HCV clearance and effect of HCV on cognitive function in chronically infected patients are also being investigated. Early phase 1 clinical studies are underway to examine novel immune-mediated and anti-viral treatment options for patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Primary liver cancer
Therapeutic approaches to primary liver cancer: We are evaluating novel first- and second-line therapies options in patients with advanced disease as well as comparing the outcomes of local ablation or hepatic resection in those with early stage disease. In addition, large retrospective studies are being performed to determine whether the aetiology of liver cancer (ie. viral versus non-viral) impacts on patient survival.
Fibroscan evaluation
Evaluation of the Fibroscan: Since acquiring the first Fibroscan machine in Australia 4 years ago to assess liver disease via non-invasive measurement of liver stiffness (LSM), several clinical studies have been performed evaluating LSM as a screening and diagnostic tool for liver disease. Patient populations studied include cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, hepatitis C, NAFLD and diabetes. The utility of LSM is also being evaluated as a predictor of outcome of antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis C, of complications of liver disease in patients with cirrhosis.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Management of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A pilot study is underway examining the therapeutic effect of high dose Vitamin D in NAFLD. Pilot studies are planned in 2013 to evaluate novel therapeutic agents and the institution of a formal lifestyle programme (in conjunction with members of the Dietetics Department).
Evaluating hepatic encephalopathy
Evaluation of the prevalence, clinical significance and management of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with chronic liver disease.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Research area keywords
- hepatology
- Chronic viral hepatitis
- primary liver cancer
- fibroscan evaluation
- non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
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A Global, Randomized, Open-label, Multicenter, Phase 2b/3 Trial Evaluating BJT-778 vs Delayed Treatment for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis Delta Infection (AZURE-1)
Roberts, S. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI))
9/10/25 → 8/10/27
Project: Research
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A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Study to Evaluate the Effect of Seladelpar on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) and Compensated Cirrhosis
Roberts, S. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI))
3/03/25 → 2/03/27
Project: Research
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Optimizing hepatocellular cancer surveillance in metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Bertot, L. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI)), Adams, L. (Chief Investigator (CI)), George, J. (Chief Investigator (CI)) & Roberts, S. (Chief Investigator (CI))
1/02/25 → 1/12/26
Project: Research
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A Phase 1, Open-Label, First-in-Human, Dose Escalation Study to Investigate the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Preliminary Efficacy of MT 303 in Adults with Advanced or Metastatic GPC3-Expressing Cancers, including Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Roberts, S. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI))
25/09/24 → 24/09/26
Project: Research
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A PHASE 3, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED STUDY EVALUATING THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF EFRUXIFERMIN IN SUBJECTS WITH COMPENSATED CIRRHOSIS DUE TO NONALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS (NASH)/METABOLIC DYSFUNCTION-ASSOCIATED STEATOHEPATITIS (MASH)
Roberts, S. (Primary Chief Investigator (PCI))
18/09/24 → 17/09/26
Project: Research
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Associations between MASLD, atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular events, mortality and aspirin use in older adults
Clayton-Chubb, D., Roberts, S. K., Majeed, A., Woods, R. L., Tonkin, A. M., Nelson, M. R., Chan, A. T., Ryan, J., Tran, C., Hodge, A., Lubel, J. S., Schneider, H. G., Brodtmann, A., Fitzgerald, S. M., Orchard, S. G., McNeil, J. J. & Kemp, W. W., 2025, In: GeroScience. 47, p. 1303–1318 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
9 Citations (Scopus) -
Associations Between MASLD, Ultra-Processed Food and a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern in Older Adults
Commins, I., Clayton-Chubb, D., Fitzpatrick, J. A., George, E., Schneider, H. G., Phyo, A. Z. Z., Majeed, A., Janko, N. E., Vaughan, N., Woods, R. L., Owen, A. J., McNeil, J. J., Kemp, W. W. & Roberts, S. K., May 2025, In: Nutrients. 17, 9, 18 p., 1415.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access4 Citations (Scopus) -
Alcohol does not impact chronic hepatitis C treatment outcomes but increases risk for progressive liver disease: Findings from a prospective multicentre Australian study (OPERA-C)
Clark, P. J., Valery, P. C., Strasser, S. I., Weltman, M., Thompson, A., Levy, M. T., Leggett, B., Zekry, A., Rong, J., Sinclair, M., George, J., Sievert, W., MacQuillan, G., Tse, E., Nicoll, A., Wade, A., Cheng, W. & Roberts, S. K., Sept 2024, In: Drug and Alcohol Review. 43, 6, p. 1559-1572 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access1 Citation (Scopus) -
Broadening and strengthening the health providers caring for patients with chronic hepatitis C may improve continuity of care
Clark, P. J., Valery, P. C., Strasser, S. I., Weltman, M., Thompson, A., Levy, M. T., Leggett, B., Zekry, A., Rong, J., Sinclair, M., George, J., Bollipo, S., McGarity, B., Sievert, W., MacQuillan, G., Tse, E., Nicoll, A., Wade, A., Cheng, W. & Roberts, S. K., Mar 2024, In: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 39, 3, p. 568-575 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access1 Citation (Scopus) -
Different Patterns of Care and Survival Outcomes in Transplant-Centre Managed Patients with Early-Stage HCC: Real-World Data from an Australian Multi-Centre Cohort Study
Abdelmalak, J., Strasser, S. I., Ngu, N. L., Dennis, C., Sinclair, M., Majumdar, A., Collins, K., Bateman, K., Dev, A., Abasszade, J. H., Valaydon, Z., Saitta, D., Gazelakis, K., Byers, S., Holmes, J., Thompson, A. J., Pandiaraja, D., Bollipo, S., Sharma, S. & Joseph, M. & 15 others, , Jun 2024, In: Cancers. 16, 11, 30 p., 1966.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open Access2 Citations (Scopus)