The Catalan Cystic Fibrosis Association has made a new donation to IDIBELL by providing laboratory equipment valued at €3,000 to the Immunoinflammatory Processes research group led by Dr. Josep Maria Aran. Beyond the material value of the contribution, this gesture represents the latest chapter in a collaboration that has spanned more than a decade between the Association and IDIBELL’s research teams.
Long before the concept of patient-driven or participatory research became relatively commonplace, the Association was already working to transform the needs of people affected by cystic fibrosis into opportunities for scientific progress. This commitment remains strong today and has made the Catalan Cystic Fibrosis Association a strategic partner in IDIBELL’s biomedical research. Since the institute’s early days, the Association has continuously supported research projects through direct financial contributions, funding for research personnel, and the purchase and donation of scientific equipment.
Research in cystic fibrosis: the origin of a transformative alliance
Cystic fibrosis is a rare, genetic, and chronic disease that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. Caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, it leads to an abnormal accumulation of mucus that can result in serious complications, particularly in the airways. Although classified as a rare disease, it is the most common inherited disorder among the Caucasian population, affecting approximately one in every 5,000 people.
Research has been essential to improving the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of people living with cystic fibrosis. The involvement of patient associations has become a decisive factor in driving scientific advances that would have been difficult to achieve without the close collaboration between the scientific community and civil society. Even more so in the case of rare diseases, where research funding often depends on the joint effort of researchers, healthcare professionals, affected individuals, and patient organizations.
The shared journey of the Catalan Cystic Fibrosis Association and IDIBELL is a clear example of this alliance. The Association’s sustained support has helped consolidate research lines that have expanded knowledge of the genetic basis of cystic fibrosis and other inherited disorders, demonstrating the transformative role that patient-led initiatives can play.
Making rare disease research a major priority
This example of collaboration takes on special relevance this year, as IDIBELL has launched its new cross-disciplinary research programme in adult rare diseases, REMMA Bellvitge. The initiative aims to strengthen translational research in conditions that, despite affecting thousands of people, continue to face major diagnostic, therapeutic, and visibility challenges. Through REMMA Bellvitge, the institute seeks to make research into rare diseases a major priority.
In this context, the relationship between the Catalan Cystic Fibrosis Association and IDIBELL stands as a paradigmatic success story and a powerful example of the potential of long-term partnerships between research institutions and society. For more than 10 years, this collaboration has been built around a shared objective: generating knowledge, advancing biomedical innovation, and improving the lives of people living with rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis, turning research into new opportunities for patients.
The Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) is a research centre created in 2004 and specialising in cancer, neuroscience, translational medicine and regenerative medicine. It has a team of more than 1,500 professionals who, from 73 research groups, publish more than 1,400 scientific articles per year. IDIBELL has the support of the Bellvitge University Hospital and the Viladecanos Hospital of the Catallán Health Institute, the Catallán Institute of Oncology, the University of Barcelona and the City Council of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat.
IDIBELL is a member of the Campus of International Excellence of the HUBc of the University of Barcelona and is part of the CERCA institution of the Generalitat de Catalunya. In 2009 it became one of the first five Spanish research centres accredited as a health research institute by the Carlos III Health Institute. In addition, it is part of the European Union’s Excellence in HR Research programme and is a member of EATRIS and REGIC. Since 2018, IDIBELL has been an Accredited Centre of the AECC Scientific Foundation (FCAECC).