ARCO supports Pediatric Research through the OC-immu Project developed at Meyer's Hospital IRCCS in Florence
- Jun 7
- 2 min read
Understanding the causes of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in children in order to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. This is the goal of the OC-immu research project, promoted by the Allergy Unit (SODS Allergologia) of Meyer IRCCS University Hospital in Florence and coordinated by Dr. Francesca Mori.
ARCO has chosen to actively support this important observational study by contributing to the funding of research activities and the materials required for immunological analyses.
A disease that significantly impacts children’s lives
Chronic spontaneous urticaria is a condition characterized by the appearance of hives and/or swelling of the skin that persist for more than six weeks. Although it is often considered “just a skin disease,” its impact can be far more extensive.
In children and adolescents, CSU can affect sleep, school attendance, sports participation, social relationships, and the psychological well-being of the entire family. In some cases, the disease may persist for years, making it even more important to better understand the mechanisms driving its development.
Why this research matters
Over the past few years, research has shown that, in a significant proportion of adult patients, chronic spontaneous urticaria may be associated with autoimmune mechanisms. However, scientific knowledge in the pediatric population remains limited.
The OC-immu study was designed specifically to address this gap. Its primary objective is to identify and characterize the potential autoimmune mechanisms involved in pediatric CSU by applying and validating in children diagnostic tools that have already been studied in adults.
A better understanding of the different disease subtypes could pave the way for more accurate diagnostic pathways and, ultimately, increasingly personalized treatment strategies.
How the study will be conducted
The project will involve approximately 100 pediatric patients and includes long-term clinical monitoring integrated into routine medical care.
No experimental drugs will be tested. Patients will continue their usual treatment pathway while researchers collect clinical information, laboratory data, and quality-of-life indicators to better understand disease progression and treatment response.
Participation is entirely voluntary and will take place only after informed consent has been obtained from patients’ families.
ARCO’s contribution
ARCO supports the OC-immu project by helping fund both the laboratory reagents required for immunological analyses and a dedicated research fellowship.
Investing in research means generating new knowledge that can lead to more accurate diagnoses, improved care pathways, and a better quality of life for children, adolescents, and families living with chronic urticaria.
We firmly believe that progress in healthcare depends on collaboration among patients, patient organizations, physicians, and researchers. For this reason, we continue to support high-quality scientific projects capable of making a real difference in people’s lives.
Today’s research is tomorrow’s cure.
