Dr Venkat Reddy

Dr Venkat Reddy is an Associate Professor at University College London (UCL) and an Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist at University College Hospital (UCH). He holds the prestigious title of Division of Medicine Excellence Fellow in Rheumatology and Inflammation. His clinical and academic career is distinguished by a deep focus on complex immune-mediated diseases, translational research, and a strong commitment to medical education.

Dr Reddy earned his medical qualifications with an MBBS and MRCP, followed by specialist training in rheumatology and general medicine through the London Deanery in 2011. He subsequently completed a PhD at UCL, where his research explored why certain individuals with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis respond less effectively to B-cell targeting therapy with Rituximab. His work also investigated the potential of Obinutuzumab, a next-generation biologic treatment that may offer more efficient B-cell targeting and improved outcomes. These findings have influenced clinical practice in specialist lupus centres worldwide, including UCH.

At UCH/UCL, Dr Reddy is part of a world-renowned lupus centre of excellence, where he manages a broad spectrum of autoimmune and rheumatological conditions. These include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), polymyalgia rheumatica, myositis, osteoarthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, vasculitis, gout, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue, and various soft tissue and musculoskeletal pain disorders.

With a foundation in general medicine, Dr Reddy is particularly adept at recognising and managing the complex medical issues that often accompany rheumatic diseases. He advocates for a holistic, lifestyle-centred approach to care, emphasising stress management, sleep hygiene, physical activity, and nutrition as essential components in managing chronic conditions and alleviating fatigue.

His ongoing research focuses on optimising B-cell targeted therapies and advancing treatments for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. He collaborates with colleagues at UCH/UCL, researchers at the University of Southampton, and industry partners including Roche Glycart in Basel. His contributions have supported the development of Obinutuzumab and helped launch a multinational Phase I trial investigating novel T-cell engaging therapies for lupus.

Beyond his clinical and research roles, Dr Reddy works closely with adolescent rheumatology teams and is actively studying how inflammation behaves across the human lifespan — in both health and disease. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of clinicians and scientists, and in 2024, was nominated for the Division of Medicine Teaching Excellence Award in recognition of his dedication to education and professional development.