Bringing together leading experts in the field, the symposium will serve as a forum to discuss the latest advancements in chronic liver disease research, with a focus on immune cell dysfunction and inflammation resolution. Attendees will gain insights from researchers pioneering cutting-edge omics technologies and explore real-world applications of translational research that are transforming patient care.

The event also celebrates the renewal of the framework agreement between the three parties (EF CLIF, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, and FRCB-IDIBAPS), signed on 9 March 2024, for three more years which represents an important step forward in our collaborative efforts to advance research in decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).

The agreement establishes a series of arrangements by which Joan Clària, senior consultant at the Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service of the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and group leader of the Inflammation and Liver Disease group at FRCB-IDIBAPS, intensifies his research activities by dedicating 80% of his time to investigate the mechanisms underlying chronic liver disease, in particular the causal factors leading to the development of ACLF in these patients. This intensification scheme not only allows Clària to focus on research, but also benefits Hospital Clínic de Barcelona by providing funds to hire additional healthcare professionals.

Spearheaded by EF CLIF, this partnership has sponsored five research projects at FRCB-IDIBAPS with over €1.25 million funds, with research outputs including the publication of 30 scientific articles and the completion of eight doctoral theses in the last ten years. Among the main contributions to the field, this collaboration has led to the characterization of the main players involved in immune dysfunction associated with cirrhosis, the delineation of the signaling pathway responsible for the immunomodulatory actions of the albumin molecule and the development of a new murine model that effectively mimics the main features of ACLF, providing a valuable tool for further pre-clinical studies.
Clària says: “This framework agreement has a direct impact on the translational research outputs of the Grifols Chair, because it allows to address important medical issues at the near bedside in close collaboration with expert clinicians”.

He adds: “In addition, this agreement reinforces the EF CLIF’s mission to promote research in chronic liver disease with the aim to contribute to improving the quality of life and to increase the survival of patients with cirrhosis”

Anna Bosch, our General Manager, declares: “This renewed framework agreement showcases the immense potential of private-public partnerships in advancing scientific discovery and improving patient outcomes. By fostering collaboration between EF CLIF, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, and FRCB-IDIBAPS, we’re able to combine resources and expertise from both sectors, resulting in faster progress in understanding and treating chronic liver disease.”
The renewed agreement also supports the research activities carried out under the umbrella of the Grifols Chair. This initiative aims to coordinate the European Network for Translational Research – Chronic Liver Failure (ENTR-CLIF) – a network of centers of excellence for translational research across Europe and North America.

Bosch adds: “Through the Grifols Chair Program and initiatives like the ENTR-CLIF, we are building an international platform for collaboration, extending the benefits of this partnership far beyond Barcelona. It’s a clear example of how strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors can create lasting impact on both a local and global scale.”

Since the initial signing of the collaboration agreement on 24 January 2018, EF CLIF, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and FRCB-IDIBAPS have bolstered their excellence in translational research in the field of chronic liver disease. The renewal of this agreement demonstrates our joint dedication to strengthening the local research environment and commitment to advancing knowledge in chronic liver disease to improve survival and quality of life of patients with decompensated cirrhosis.