#Netherlands #Kedrion #Maastricht #immunodeficiency #ESID2026

Addressing the Challenge of Secondary Immunodeficiencies at ESID 2026

In the medical conference ESID 2026 held in Maastricht, experts underscored the growing urgency for the early diagnosis of secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs), a group of conditions that pose significant health challenges yet often remain underrecognized.

The rise in clinical attention surrounding SIDs has been linked to an increased reliance on immunosuppressive and biological therapies as well as advancements in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Moreover, the number of patients facing conditions that lead to acquired immune dysfunction continues to grow, further emphasizing the importance of addressing SIDs in today's healthcare landscape.

Key Insights from Healthcare Leaders

A panel of physicians, patient advocates, researchers, and industry representatives at ESID 2026 emphasized the need for heightened awareness and prompt diagnosis of SIDs.

Despite improvements in understanding these disorders, SIDs are frequently diagnosed late, with many patients experiencing recurrent and severe infections that can lead to serious hospitalizations and a deteriorating quality of life. To optimize health outcomes, it is essential to improve awareness, promote timely diagnosis, and ensure standardized care for these patients.

Johan Prevot, the Executive Director of the International Patient Organization for Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI), noted the increasing recognition of secondary immunodeficiencies within the healthcare community but pointed out the persistent disparities across countries in awareness, diagnosis, and patient support. A significant number of patients with secondary immunodeficiency actually have an undiagnosed primary immunodeficiency, making it increasingly crucial to identify these conditions and provide adequate support.

Dr. Silvia Sánchez-Ramón, head of Immunology at Hospital Universitario La Paz in Madrid, remarked that while awareness has improved, there are still significant gaps. A more unified approach across medical specialties and an increase in evidence-based practices are necessary to ensure that patients receive appropriate and timely diagnoses.

Gorana Dasic, Vice President and Global Head of Medical Affairs at Kedrion Biopharma, emphasized that advancing clinical management of SIDs relies on solid multidisciplinary collaboration. The intersection between science, clinical practice, and patient experiences forms the foundation for improving early diagnosis and informed care. Kedrion is dedicated to fostering collaborations, research projects, and contributions to clinical and scientific advancements aimed at addressing these challenges.

Kedrion’s Contributions at ESID 2026

Kedrion is set to present two significant posters at ESID 2026, one focusing on safety data related to immunoglobulin therapy and another on the MAPPA initiative and its international expansion. Their booth will welcome physicians and healthcare professionals to discuss these topics further.

The MAPPA survey, developed by the Italian Association for Primary Immunodeficiencies (AIP APS) in collaboration with Kedrion, aims to capture real-world data regarding the experiences of individuals living with primary immunodeficiencies across Europe. This project reflects a long-term partnership between AIP and Kedrion, dedicated to building relationships with patient organizations and supporting initiatives that amplify patient voices. Preliminary results from the expansion of this project into Portugal, Spain, and Turkey will be shared at ESID, shedding light on patients' pathways, diagnostic processes, and unmet needs.

These preliminary findings reveal the ongoing impact of delays in diagnosis: more than half of respondents received their diagnosis after age 18, with 28% reporting permanent damage by the time they were diagnosed.

AIP APS President Alessandro Segato stated that giving voice to patients recognizes their real-life experiences as essential sources of knowledge. MAPPA collects data directly from those living with primary immunodeficiencies across Europe, transforming these experiences into actionable evidence that can inform awareness, improve diagnosis, and enhance support and care for individuals with these conditions at a European level.

At Kedrion, advancing knowledge is seen as a vital step in addressing the evolving global challenges related to both primary and secondary immunodeficiencies.

About Kedrion Biopharma

Kedrion Biopharma specializes in collecting and fractionating human plasma to produce and distribute therapies aimed at treating rare, ultra-rare, and severe conditions, including immunodeficiencies, clotting disorders, neurological diseases, and Rh sensitization. With a workforce of approximately 5,400 employees and a portfolio of 39 products distributed in over 100 countries, Kedrion stands as the fifth largest player in the global plasma-derived products market.

For further information, visit Kedrion’s official website.