Professor Mark Drayson MBChB PhD FRCPath

• FRC Path - 2001
• MRC Path (Immunology) - 1993
• PhD (Immunology) - 1987 (Manchester University)
• MBChB - 1980 (Manchester University)
• BSc Hons First Class (Pathology) - 1978 (Manchester University)
• GMC No 2642983 (full registration August 1981) Specialist Registration Immunology 1994

Mark has a commitment to basic and translational research which started in his undergraduate years and PhD in Manchester where he studied the physiology of T and B lymphocyte responses in the secondary lymphoid organs of rodents and later humans. Mark graduated with a medical degree in 1980 and his general medical and haematology training continued in Manchester until he was recruited to the University of Birmingham in 1990 to become a Clinical Lecturer in Immunology. 

Mark played a pivotal role in developing the UKAS ISO 15189-accredited Clinical Immunology Services (CIS) at the University of Birmingham (UoB) from 2002 to 2019. Under his leadership, the CIS achieved international recognition as a center for clinical investigation and management of blood cancers, immunodeficiency, and autoimmunity in the West Midlands. The CIS provides a unique interface for research and development between the University of Birmingham’s scientific strengths in immunology, and the clinical areas for application in clinical academia and NHS practice.

A major contributor to diagnostic innovation, Mark played a key role in developing and validating the first serum free light chain test, Freelite®, in collaboration with UoB spinout The Binding Site. Freelite® has become a cornerstone in international guidelines for diagnosing and managing plasma cell cancers. Building on this success, he spearheaded the development and commercialisation of a second-generation free light chain test, Seralite®, a rapid lateral flow format now sold in 72 countries.

Mark has made substantial contributions to clinical trials in myeloma, serving a central role in designing, executing, and analysing pivotal UK trials (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & OPTIMAL), which collectively enrolled over 7,000 patients. These trials have shaped global perspectives on anti-myeloma therapies, supportive care strategies, and stratification for optimal management.

As chief investigator for the TEAMM trial, Mark oversaw the recruitment of 977 patients from 93 NHS Trusts by 2016. This placebo-controlled study demonstrated that 12 weeks of prophylactic levofloxacin significantly reduced febrile episodes and deaths in newly diagnosed myeloma patients without increasing healthcare-associated infections or carriage of nosocomial pathogens.

His basic research in blood cancers has led to innovative drug repurposing and rescheduling strategies, including trials of medroxyprogesterone acetate plus bezafibrate (BaP). Three BaP trials have been completed, with another underway, demonstrating non-toxic and affordable efficacy. 

Mark’s work also extends to the effects of physical and mental stress and diurnal rhythm on vaccine response. His studies include investigations into vaccine efficacy in patients with secondary immunodeficiencies and the development of new immunodiagnostic tests for assessing vaccination response. Additionally, he has contributed to research addressing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

PhD supervision

Mark is currently supervising the following postgraduate projects:

• Prevention not cure: the role of de-regulated ceramide and sphingolipid metabolism in driving myeloma risk
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning strategies to understand the biology of MGUS and its progression to myeloma
• In vitro culture of primary MGUS and myeloma plasma cells to understand their biology and to identify repurposed drugs that kill them

Research interests

• Laboratory and clinical trial research in blood cancers and myeloma
• Development of Immunodiagnostics
• Immune response to vaccination

Current projects

• Investigating the biology of MGUS and its progression to myeloma with the aim of preventing myeloma by treating its precursor disease
• Clinical trials in endemic Burkitts lymphoma in sub Saharan Africa using modified monoclonal antibody therapy and repurposed drugs
• A rapid saliva test to assess protection against disease and monitor vaccination in low-middle income countries Developing lateral flow tests for diagnosis and monitoring myeloma in LMICs

Member of Clinical Trial Management Committees for:

• RADAR (Myeloma XV): Risk-Adapted therapy Directed According to Response comparing treatment escalation and de-escalation strategies in newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (NDMM) suitable for stem cell transplant (TE)
• FiTNEss (Myeloma XIV): Frailty-adjusted therapy in Transplant Non-Eligible patients with newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma
• REPAIR-MDS: Repurposed drugs to improve haematological responses in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
• Myeloma UK (MUK9) OPTIMUM Trial: An observational and screening study to identify high risk myeloma patients suitable for novel treatment approaches and determine treatment outcomes for non-high risk myeloma patients
• Myeloma 12: A phase III study to determine the role of ixazomib as an Augmented Conditioning therapy in salvage autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and as a post-ASCT Consolidation and maintenance strategy in patients with Relapsed multiple myeloma

Member Myeloma UK Early diagnosis steering committee

Member West Midlands Research Consortium