Vall d'Hebron has been awarded two of the prestigious Gilead Biomedical Research Grants in its 10th edition, which recognize excellent projects in HIV, COVID-19, Viral Hepatitis C and Delta, Invasive Fungal Infections, B-Cell Lymphomas, and Medical Oncology. The pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, in collaboration with the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), held the awards ceremony for the 10th edition of the Gilead Biomedical Research Grants at the Teatro Real in Madrid.

The awarded projects are led by Dr. Meritxell Genesca Ferrer from Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and Dr. Alberto Hernando Calvo from Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO).

The innate immune response to HIV infection study

Dr. Meritxell Genesca Ferrer, principal investigator of the Infectious Diseases Research Group at VHIR, received a grant to study the initial innate immune response to HIV infection in the female genital mucosa. This project aims to better understand the mechanisms involved in the early stages of HIV infection, especially how mucosal immunity is affected by exposure to the virus. Using human cervical explant models, her team will investigate the interaction between myeloid cells and unconventional T cells to identify potential pathways for infection prevention.

Validation of the VIGex tool as a biomarker for immunotherapy response

Dr. Alberto Hernando Calvo, medical oncologist at the Molecular Cancer Therapy Unit (UITM-CaixaResearch) at VHIO, was awarded another grant to validate VIGex, a tool developed to classify tumours based on their immune response. This biomarker will help identify which patients are more likely to respond to immunotherapy in clinical trials. The VIGex tool is based on the gene expression of 12 key genes and is an innovation driven by VHIO and the Princess Margaret Cancer Center in Toronto.

Gilead Grants: boosting Spanish biomedical research

The Gilead Biomedical Research Grants, in their 10th edition, selected 19 excellent projects with a total investment of one million euros. These grants are a benchmark in the field of research, driving scientific innovation in collaboration with the Carlos III Health Institute and other entities.
This recognition reaffirms Vall d'Hebron's commitment to cutting-edge biomedical research, aiming to provide solutions to the major medical challenges of our time.