Three questions for Luisa Avedano, EFCCA Chief Executive Officer

1 What is your motivation to participate in this project?

My motivation is not an individual one but it represents the collective view of EFCCA, the organisation I work for. Being a second-level patient association our main motivation is to be part of cutting-edge research aimed at advancing the understanding of the disease and in particular predicting the response of some specific biological treatments, that can lead to the development of new approaches to therapy, and understanding of the disease. By sharing a patient perspective to this high-level research project we hope to play a role in identifying more effective treatments or strategies for managing the disease more effectively. We also hope to contribute to addressing unmet needs in IBD, in particular to finding solutions for challenges in IBD care, treatment, and quality of life.

2 What do you think is the biggest challenge in this project?

Identifying more personalised treatments for the targeted diseases (Crohn’s Disease, Psoriasis and Reumathoid Arthritis) and thus contributing to improving patients’ quality of life and care in the long term. This aspect is particularly important from the patient perspective.

3 What do you hope this research will bring to the lives of patients with Crohn’s disease?

A more articulated knowledge of some aspects of the disease to achieve a better treatment response and improve the quality of life of Crohn’s Disease patients.