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A page-turning and powerful medical mystery for readers of Diagnosis by Lisa Sanders and The Beauty in Breaking by Michele Harper
More than 20 million Americans have autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system attacks the body. Autoimmune diseases are often misdiagnosed by doctors and overlooked by medical researchers. Almost all affect women more often than men.
The Immune Mystery follows doctor and researcher Anita Kåss’s quest to solve the autoimmune puzzle, beginning with the premature death of her mother, who developed rheumatoid arthritis shortly after giving birth to Anita. As a child, Anita vowed to study the illness and one day find a cure.
Becoming a respected doctor and researcher, Anita devoted herself to studying auto-immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Why do so many autoimmune diseases start to show symptoms during and after childbirth, perimenopause, and menopause? Could autoimmune diseases be linked to our changing hormones?
Despite the groundbreaking nature of her research, Anita had to fight for her ideas against the conventional wisdom and casual sexism of the medical industry––even as she made a discovery that earned her a record-breaking US$95 million pharmaceutical deal.
A compelling blend of incredible determination and cutting-edge science, The Immune Mystery changes the way we think about autoimmune diseases. Anita offers solace to patients struggling with questions about their health, and introduces a powerful new voice in medical storytelling.
“An impressive account of an ambitious medical researcher and her struggles…. Kåss watched her mother suffer from the debilitating effects of rheumatoid arthritis; she died when the author was in her early teens. After performing brilliantly in medical school, Kåss devoted her life to the study of autoimmune diseases, bravely stepping into a male-dominated field that garners far less attention than other areas of research….Good popular science combined with a moving memoir.”
—Kirkus Reviews
DR. ANITA KÅSS is a physician and researcher who has conducted research into autoimmune diseases for many years. She received widespread media attention when her research into a potential cure for rheumatoid arthritis resulted in the largest licensing agreement with a drug company in Norwegian medical history. Born in Liverpool, England, to Indian immigrant parents, she is a graduate of the Royal Liverpool University and now lives in Porsgrunn, Norway, with her husband and three daughters.