The objective of the agreement, signed on March 9 and set to last for three years, is to improve patients' quality of life and survival rates.
The collaboration between these institutions has been key in advancing research on decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), a severe syndrome associated with high mortality.
In this context, the agreement allows Joan Clària, senior consultant at the Clínic's Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service and leader of the Inflammation and Liver Disease research group at IDIBAPS, to intensify his research activities. Clària will dedicate 80% of his time to studying the underlying mechanisms of chronic liver disease, with special attention to factors contributing to the development of ACLF. This intensification not only strengthens research but also benefits Hospital Clínic, which will receive funds to hire more healthcare professionals.
A boost to translational research
Within the framework of this collaboration, the Grifols Chair has been a fundamental tool in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application. Over the past ten years, five research projects at FRCB-IDIBAPS have been funded with over 1.25 million euros, resulting in the publication of 30 scientific articles and the completion of eight doctoral theses. Thanks to this initiative, the mechanisms of immune dysfunction associated with cirrhosis have been characterized, the signaling pathway regulating the immunomodulatory properties of albumin has been identified, and a new murine model reproducing the main clinical characteristics of ACLF has been developed.
According to Joan Clària, "this framework agreement has a direct impact on the translational research results of the Grifols Chair, as it allows us to address important medical issues very close to the patient and in close collaboration with expert clinicians". He adds that "this agreement reinforces EF CLIF's mission to promote research in chronic liver disease with the aim of contributing to improving the quality of life and increasing the survival of patients with cirrhosis".
A strategic alliance between the public and private sectors
The collaboration between EF CLIF, Clínic Barcelona, and IDIBAPS is a successful example of alliances between the public and private sectors to promote scientific knowledge and innovation in healthcare. Anna Bosch, General Manager of EF CLIF, highlights that "this renewal of the framework agreement demonstrates the great potential of public-private collaborations to drive scientific discovery and improve health outcomes. By fostering collaboration between EF CLIF, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, and IDIBAPS, we can combine resources and expertise from both sectors, which accelerates progress in understanding and treating chronic liver disease".
Furthermore, the agreement supports the Grifols Chair and the European Network for Translational Research - Chronic Liver Failure (ENTR-CLIF), which integrates centers of excellence in translational research from Europe and North America. "Through the Grifols Chair Program and initiatives such as ENTR-CLIF, we are building an international collaboration platform, extending the benefits of this alliance beyond Barcelona. It is a clear example of how strategic alliances between the public and private sectors can generate a lasting impact both locally and globally," concludes Bosch.
Since the signing of the first collaboration agreement on January 24, 2018, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, IDBAPS, and EF CLIF have consolidated their excellence in translational research on chronic liver diseases. This renewal reaffirms their shared commitment to continue advancing scientific knowledge and improving the survival and quality of life of patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
