National Rosacea Society announces grant recipients for research

Three new studies and three ongoing studies will receive funding from the National Rosacea Society, according to a recent press release.

The Society awarded $25,000 to Benjamin Kaffenberger, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at the Ohio State University, and colleagues, to develop a computer-based scoring system to identify and assess lesions and redness in rosacea patients. Ultimately, they would like the scoring system to be available to clinicians, researchers and patients for speedier diagnosis.

Another $25,000 went to Raja Sivamani, MD, MS, associate professor of clinical dermatology at the University of California-Davis, and colleagues, to study eyelid lipids in cutaneous and ocular rosacea. Their investigation will target deficiencies leading to papules and pustules, along with dryness and irritation. They will also study pharmacotherapies for altering the lipid profile and restoring skin barriers and tear film stability, according to the statement.

A third $25,000 grant was awarded to Hester Lim, MD, a postdoctoral research fellow in dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and colleagues, for a 5-year study investigating links between rosacea and gastrointestinal diseases such as malabsorption, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome and Helicobacter pylori.

One ongoing study that will continue to be funded is led by Anna Di Nardo, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues, who are studying cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides and the nervous system. The second ongoing grant is going to Luis Garza, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University, and colleagues, who are investigating the DNA of rosacea. The third ongoing study to be funded is led by Wenqing Li, PhD, assistant professor of dermatology at Brown University, who is studying hormones in menopause and pregnancy, and how they may increase the likelihood of developing rosacea. – by Rob Volansky