The 3cat Foundation has announced the research projects awarded in the latest edition of La Marató de TV3 and Catalunya Ràdio 2023, dedicated to sexual and reproductive health. A total of 26 research projects, led by 52 research teams, will receive funding. The Sant Pau Research Institute (IR Sant Pau) has been recognised with two projects coordinated by the centre and participation in a third. These scientific works address some of the most critical challenges in sexual and reproductive health. The selected studies aim to improve the treatment of preeclampsia, optimise the follow-up of patients with endometriosis, and advance the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Dr Elisa Llurba, head of the Perinatal and Women’s Medicine Research Group at IR Sant Pau, was one of the researchers participating in the presentation event held this morning at TV3’s facilities. In her speech, she highlighted the importance of this recognition for research on diseases that have traditionally been overlooked and underfunded, especially those affecting women and pregnancy. She emphasised that “true health cannot exist without women’s health” and underscored the gender perspective as a fundamental element to advance the health of society as a whole.
During the same event, Carme Figueras, Vice President of the Board of Trustees of the La Marató de 3Cat Foundation, highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating that “these initiatives not only drive research but also shed light on the social impact of often-silenced diseases.” Figueras also emphasised the critical role of La Marató in raising public awareness and fostering collective commitment, which translates into resources dedicated to scientific progress. These actions are key to reducing health inequalities and ensuring a future with more opportunities for everyone.
The first project, led by Dr Elisa Llurba, addresses preeclampsia, a condition that affects one in ten pregnant women and often has severe consequences for both the mother and the baby. This condition is the second leading cause of maternal death and is linked to one in three premature births, as well as an increased risk of future cardiovascular diseases in both mothers and newborns.
“Our study explores the use of statins, a drug used to treat cholesterol, to improve placental function, prolong complicated pregnancies, and reduce the risk of severe complications,” explained Dr Llurba. The multicentre clinical trial, which will include 150 patients, involves collaboration with Hospital Clínic, Vall d’Hebron Hospital, and the Autonomous University of Barcelona. This approach aims to transform the management of a condition that, to date, has no cure, providing new solutions to improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.
The second project, led by Dr Rocío Luna, a researcher in the Gynaecological and Peritoneal Oncology Research Group at IR Sant Pau, analyses the progression and quality of life of patients with endometriosis, a chronic gynaecological condition affecting one in ten women of reproductive age. Endometriosis profoundly impacts patients’ quality of life and their families, but it often takes between 8 and 15 years to diagnose, and there are still no specific or effective treatments.
This project seeks to identify pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors that improve quality of life and establish guidelines for more effective clinical and ultrasound monitoring. “The goal is to generate new guidelines for comprehensive and personalised treatment that reduces complications and provides evidence-based solutions,” noted Dr Luna.
The third project, involving Dr Cristina Rius, head of the Communicable Diseases Research Group at IR Sant Pau, focuses on the prevention, early diagnosis, and management of STIs among young people in Catalonia. This study, led by Dr Cristina Agustí from the Health Sciences Research Institute of the Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital, also works on partner notification to reduce the spread of these infections. The goal is not only to curb infections, but also to break the stigma associated with these conditions and provide accessible tools for their prevention and treatment.
These three projects are part of the 26 selected by La Marató 2023, an edition focused on sexual and reproductive health, contributing to raising awareness and support for conditions affecting millions of people worldwide, especially women and young people. These often-overlooked and insufficiently addressed conditions have a profound impact on people’s quality of life and represent a crucial challenge for healthcare systems.
This recognition reinforces IR Sant Pau’s commitment to scientific innovation, public health improvement, and knowledge transfer to address historically neglected issues. Sant Pau reaffirms its role as a leader in biomedical research and as an advocate for the importance of applying a gender perspective in scientific research.
