Hospital De Merida

The pneumology department is conducting studies on allergic conditions triggered by environmental factors, primarily focusing on pollen‑induced symptoms.

• Evaluation of a polymerized grass pollen extract for the treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
• Safety assessment of rapid‑dose immunotherapy regimens in pollen‑allergic patients
• Investigation of adjunct antihistamine strategies to reduce seasonal symptom burden

These trials aim to improve quality of life for individuals affected by seasonal allergies and are coordinated by a team of 15 investigators at Hospital De Merida.

While the primary focus of the site is respiratory and systemic immunity, a subset of research explores ocular manifestations of systemic autoimmune disorders.

• Observational study of retinal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus
• Assessment of dry‑eye severity in patients with primary Sjogren’s disease
• Exploratory analysis of inflammatory markers in ocular tissue of rheumatoid arthritis patients

The goal is to better understand how systemic inflammation impacts eye health and to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Research at the site targets a range of autoimmune conditions, evaluating novel biologics for safety and disease‑modifying effects.

• Long‑term safety of dapirolizumab pegol in systemic lupus erythematosus
• Efficacy of HZN‑825 in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis
• Optimal dosing study of Beltavac® for autoimmune‑related allergic disease
• Phase‑II evaluation of IMVT‑1402 in primary Sjogren’s disease
• Investigation of new agents in rheumatoid arthritis with moderate to severe activity

These investigations seek to expand therapeutic options for patients with complex immune‑mediated disorders.

The department’s portfolio includes studies addressing bone health and musculoskeletal complications associated with chronic inflammatory diseases.

• Comparison of biosimilar teriparatide versus alendronate for prevention of new vertebral fractures
• Evaluation of BI 1291583’s impact on muscle function in patients with chronic respiratory disease
• Assessment of inflammatory joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis under novel biologic therapy

By linking respiratory and systemic inflammation to skeletal outcomes, the trials aim to reduce fracture risk and improve mobility.

A robust program addresses chronic lung conditions, testing therapies that aim to lower exacerbation rates and improve lung function.

• Astegolimab trial targeting reduction of exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• GSK3511294 (depemokimab) versus standard anti‑IL‑5/5R agents in severe eosinophilic asthma
• BI 1291583 efficacy on annualised pulmonary exacerbations in bronchiectasis
• AZD6793 assessment of moderate‑to‑severe COPD exacerbation frequency
• AZD0292 study in non‑cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonisation

These efforts, led by 15 investigators, strive to deliver safer and more effective treatments for patients with persistent respiratory disease at Hospital De Merida.

Investigations focus on modulating specific immune pathways to achieve disease control across several autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.

• Targeting the IL‑5/5R axis with benralizumab in eosinophilic asthma
• Inhibition of LPAR1 signaling by HZN‑825 in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis
• Blockade of B‑cell co‑stimulation using dapirolizumab pegol in systemic lupus erythematosus
• Evaluation of novel anti‑viral antibodies for pre‑exposure prophylaxis against COVID‑19

The aim is to translate mechanistic insights into therapeutic advances that modify disease trajectories.

Complementary studies examine cellular and molecular immune responses to identify biomarkers and refine patient stratification.

• Analysis of immune cell activation markers in systemic lupus erythematosus participants
• Cytokine profiling in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving novel therapy
• Investigation of autoantibody generation pathways in primary Sjogren’s disease
• Evaluation of inflammatory signaling networks in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis

These projects support the development of precision medicine approaches within the Hospital De Merida research environment.