The National Skin Centre (NSC) has achieved a landmark milestone in dermatological research by securing the Open Fund-Large Collaborative Grant (OF-LCG) for the Atopic Dermatitis Research Programme for Patients (ADEPT) project. This marks the first time OF-LCG funds are being allocated to skin research. The OF-LCG, awarded by the National Medical Research Council (NMRC), aims to gather top teams from public institutions to support patient-centric translational research. The award was announced on 23 May by Permanent Secretary (Health Development) Mr Ng How Yue at the NMRC Awards Ceremony and Research Symposium 2024.
Over S$9.94 million will fund this pioneering initiative to better understand eczema, Singapore's most prevalent skin disease. Eczema affects 20% of children and 10% of adults and is the leading condition treated at NSC, which handled over 14,000 new eczema cases in FY2023, accounting for 30% of all new cases at the centre. Patients commonly experience chronic itch, loss of sleep, and absences from school and work, with a strong correlation between eczema and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
ADEPT unites the largest skin research coalition in Singapore, encompassing dermatology, epidemiology, bio-photonics imaging, cell biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, immunology, and genetics. NSC will collaborate with experts from A*Star, the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS), the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (Nanyang Technological University), and the National University Hospital (NUH) Paediatrics department.
The ADEPT team has developed non-invasive imaging techniques to better understand disease types, trajectories, risk factors, and clinical and biochemical features. They will also investigate the initial triggering mechanisms of the immune system and the impact of obesity on eczema. ADEPT will utilise bioinformatics to analyse cohort study data, subcategorise patients, and predict their treatment responses, enabling more personalised and effective therapies.
Using this multidisciplinary approach, ADEPT aims to reduce severe eczema rates by 30% and overall eczema cases by 10% by 2027.
Prof Steven Thng Tien Guan, Corresponding Principal Investigator, stated, “Despite the high prevalence and significant personal and social costs of atopic dermatitis, there has been a lack of innovation in therapeutics, particularly for severe cases, and research in this area has been globally underfunded." Prof Thng is the Chief Dermatologist at SRIS and Medical Director of the Translational Research Office, National Healthcare Group.
Dr Yew Yik Weng, Consultant-in-Charge of the NSC's Eczema Clinic and Deputy Head of NSC's Research Division, is one of ADEPT's Principal Investigators. He added, “Atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition with substantial disease burden, shows remarkable heterogeneity, necessitating nuanced investigation. This funding arrives at a pivotal moment, poised to bridge critical knowledge gaps in disease mechanisms and treatment responses. It also signifies a major milestone for skin research in Singapore, elevating the discipline with OF-LCG recognition and support for the first time."