Top 4 Barriers to High-Impact Autoimmune Disease Research

Autoimmune diseases affect millions worldwide, yet the research landscape can feel like an uphill battle for many scientists. At Praespero, we believe that addressing the barriers to impactful autoimmune disease research is crucial for making significant strides in understanding and treating these complex conditions. Here are the top four barriers we’ve identified, along with Praespero’s unique solutions to overcome them.

1. Mainstream funding constraints leave limited opportunities for emerging scientific  talent.

Funding is the lifeblood of scientific discovery, yet many innovative projects falter due to inadequate financial support.

Currently, only about 9% of research grant proposals to organizations like the NIH receive funding, and with funding cuts this number is sure to decline. Lack of resources also makes it impossible for major funding bodies to review every research application in the detail needed to make a fully informed decision and even shortlisted applicants may have mere minutes to present their case before a panel.  This leaves countless promising projects unseen and unheard, stifling potential breakthroughs in autoimmune disease research.

Solution: Praespero is committed to funding emerging scientists whose groundbreaking research might not qualify for a mainstream scientific research grant. By providing financial support, we empower these researchers to kickstart their projects, build a solid story for publishing in top journals and strengthening their applications for larger grants. This not only helps individual researchers but also enriches the broader scientific community.

2. Traditional medical research funding is stuck on the treatment treadmill

In the U.S., a staggering $1 billion is spent annually on autoimmune disease research, yet much of this funding is directed toward treatment options rather than understanding root causes. This treatment treadmill leads to a reliance on pharmaceuticals that often suppress the immune system, exposing patients to heavy side effects and long-term health risks.

Additionally, whether medical research funding is public or private, scientific research grant makers and private funders are accountable to stakeholders such as public tax payers or shareholders, making them highly averse to taking risks, exploring novel approaches or moving away from treatment territory. Consequently, scientific research grants and bio medical or novel medical research funding come with strings attached to very specific criteria and outcomes.  This can have a constraining effect on research teams.

Solution: Praespero prioritizes funding for research centre teams focused on identifying the underlying causes of autoimmune diseases, rather than merely masking symptoms. We foster an environment of collaboration, safety, and open-mindedness, encouraging researchers to challenge conventional wisdom. By nurturing innovative thinking, we aim to uncover preventive measures and potential cures that can transform patient care.

3. Stiff competition is stifling collaboration and creating silos

Fierce competition in the biomedical research field can foster an atmosphere of secrecy rather than collaboration. Researchers often fear that sharing ideas might lead to idea theft or diluted recognition in prestigious journals. While competition can drive progress, it can also impede genuine collaboration, which is essential for breakthroughs in science.

Solution: Praespero champions cross-disciplinary research by encouraging collaboration across universities and labs through funding[LG1]  and events[LG2] . Our Annual Praespero Summit acts as a catalyst for medical research collaboration, bringing together diverse minds to share ideas and spark innovation. By breaking down silos, and inviting experts from a range of backgrounds (immunologists, neurologists, micro- and molecular biologists, biomedical engineers and medical doctors to name a few) we enhance the potential for breakthroughs that can change the face of autoimmune disease research.

4. Publication gatekeeping adds to financial barriers, stifling and knowledge sharing and emerging talent.

In the world of biomedical research, publication in top-tier journals is often seen as a litmus test for a scientist’s worth. Without it, it’s hard to compete for funds. Ironically, it has never been easier to publish. As the number of subpar or predatory journals increases, it is harder for great emerging researchers to be seen without getting published in the top journals. But the top journals come with high price tag. Publishing houses charge steep costs for research teams to publish and they also charge a lot for readers to access the information! This means a lot of critical knowledge remains buried behind expensive paywalls causing many research teams to double up on work that has already been done!

Solution: Praespero is dedicated to supporting up-and-coming scientists, helping them secure funding for groundbreaking research that may not fit traditional molds. By supporting the research needed to build a good story, we enhance the chances of researchers to be published in the top journals and go on to compete for larger funding. Additionally, Praespero’s long term stretch goal is advancing an open and transparent peer research publication system.