Almirall, Centre for Genomic Regulation Partner to Identify Molecular Pathways and Biomarkers for Atopic Dermatitis Treatments

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Almirall has announced¹ today the formation of a new research partnership with the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), an international biomedical research institute headquartered in Barcelona.

The collaboration aims to pioneer advanced atopic dermatitis (AD) research, with the goal of revolutionizing treatment options through the identification of molecular pathways and biomarkers. The core objectives of the collaboration involve the development and characterization of advanced AD disease models with high physiological relevance and disease predictability.

The partnership will leverage Almirall's expertise in model development alongside CRG's expertise in proteomics. In addition, Almirall will contribute sample preparation of in vitro and in vivo AD models, including tissue samples, data analysis, and transcriptomics.

Funded in part by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and the Centro de Desarrollo Tecnológico e Innovación (Spanish Ministry of Science) with Next Generation Europe funds, the project is slated to span 2 years.

"We are pleased with the recent advancements in the treatment options for atopic dermatitis. However, we are also looking ahead to identify scientific and technological innovations that could enable the next level of treatment options to serve patients even better in the future," said Karl Ziegelbauer, PhD, chief scientific officer of Almirall, in a news release. "This collaboration allows us to combine our expertise in medical dermatology with the capabilities of the CRG's proteomics unit to better understand this complex disease and explore novel treatment opportunities for AD."

This collaboration marks a continuation of a partnership between Almirall and CRG. In 2023, the organizations announced a collaboration to develop preclinical models for non-melanoma skin cancer.²

Eduard Sabidó, PhD, head of the joint CRG/UPF Proteomics Unit (ICTS OmicsTech), highlighted the significance of proteomics technologies in translational research projects, in the news release.

"Proteomics technologies are used in many translational research projects both for diagnosis and to understand disease mechanisms. Collaborating with a recognized company such as Almirall will allow us to delve deeper into the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, which can provide the basis to further help patients suffering from this disease," Sabidó said.

References

1. Almirall announces partnership with the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) to identify biomarkers for novel atopic dermatitis treatments. News release. Almirall. February 8, 2024. Accessed February 8, 2024. https://www.almirall.com/newsroom/news/almirall-announces-partnership-with-the-centre-for-genomic-regulation-crg-to-identify-biomarkers-for-novel-atopic-dermatitis-treatments
2. Almirall and the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) collaborate to develop and characterize novel preclinical models for non-melanoma skin cancer. News release. Almirall. May 25, 2023. Accessed February 8, 2024. https://www.almirall.com/newsroom/news/almirall-and-the-centre-for-genomic-regulation-crg-collaborate-to-develop-and-characterize-novel-preclinical-models-for-non-melanoma-skin-cancer