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Kedrion's Call to Action for Early Diagnosis of Secondary Immunodeficiencies at ESID 2026

The ongoing challenges posed by secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs) in healthcare settings are often neglected despite their significant clinical implications. This crucial point was reiterated during the recent European Society for Immunodeficiencies Congress (ESID 2026) held in Maastricht, Netherlands, where experts from various fields called for heightened awareness and proactive diagnosis of these conditions that have been on the rise.

Secondary immunodeficiencies arise due to external factors, such as underlying diseases or medication effects, and are notably more relevant today due to the increasing number of patients subjected to immunosuppressive therapies, advancements in the treatment of hematological malignancies, and a growing demographic experiencing immune dysfunction. As Johan Prevot, Executive Director of the International Patient Organization for Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI), mentioned, there is an urgent need to focus on not just diagnosing these secondary cases but also on recognizing that some may actually suffer from underlying primary immunodeficiencies that remain undetected.

The urgency of improving diagnostic timelines cannot be overstated, as late diagnoses can lead to severe infections, hospitalization, diminished quality of life, and other preventable complications. As noted by Dr. Silvia Sánchez-Ramón from the University Hospital La Paz in Madrid, awareness regarding SIDs has somewhat improved over recent years, yet critical gaps still exist in terms of timely diagnosis and collaboration across specialties to adopt evidence-based practices for better patient management.

Kedrion Biopharma has committed to tackling these challenges through strong interdisciplinary collaborations that bridge clinical practice, scientific research, and patient experiences. Gorana Dasic, Vice President of Global Medical Affairs at Kedrion, highlighted the importance of sustained research collaborations and patient-focused initiatives, which will aid in fostering networks and inspiring informed management of SIDs.

At the ESID 2026 congress, Kedrion is also set to announce findings related to safety data on immunoglobulin therapy. Additionally, they are showcasing the MAPPA initiative— a collaborative project with the AIP APS (Italian Association for Primary Immunodeficiencies) aimed at collecting comprehensive data on the patient experiences facing primary immune deficiencies in Europe. This project emphasizes Kedrion's dedication to not only addressing immediate healthcare challenges but also building long-term relationships with patient organizations and supporting initiatives that give a voice to patients' experiences.

Current preliminary data from MAPPA reveal that over half of the respondents received their diagnoses post-18 years of age, with a shocking 28% reporting lifelong sequelae at diagnosis. Alessandro Segato, President of AIP APS, affirmed that empowering patients to share their stories is crucial in creating a knowledge base that can drive policy change and enhance the overall quality of care for those living with primary immunodeficiencies across Europe.

Kedrion’s overarching goal is to advance knowledge as a critical step in addressing the evolving global challenges related to both primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. By fostering collaboration and facilitating information sharing within the medical community, solutions can be more effectively tailored to meet patient needs.

In conclusion, the voices raised at ESID 2026 stress that while strides have been made, much remains to be done in order to ensure timely recognition and adequate support for individuals suffering from secondary immunodeficiencies. Kedrion’s commitment to enhancing awareness, diagnosis, and patient care will be pivotal in navigating the complexities associated with these conditions and ultimately improving health outcomes for affected individuals.