More than SEK 13 million to SU researchers for shaping future treatments

“Atopic dermatitis is a very common, often chronic, inflammatory skin disease. Current treatments often require continuous therapy, which can cause side effects or be insufficient. Our research group is therefore developing a completely new type of immunomodulatory treatment, aiming to treat eczema over a short period to correct the immune system and achieve long-term effects,” says Anna-Lena Spetz, researcher at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute.

The project is being conducted in collaboration with the company Pharmability AB (Spetz´s own company, ed. note) and builds on research previously supported by the Swedish Research Council. The first clinical studies of the new treatment are planned within the project.

How the Research Project Will Be Conducted

Since atopic dermatitis is a heterogeneous disease, the researchers also aim to identify which patients benefit the most from the treatment. Non-invasive skin samples will be taken at multiple time points before, during, and after treatment to measure changes in various immune parameters over time. The method leaves no marks on the skin but allows for analysis of a wide range of proteins.

Dermatologists participating in the project will evaluate the severity of patients’ eczema, and the results will be compared with molecular changes in the skin. Patients, themselves, will also photograph their eczema using a mobile app. The anonymised images will be uploaded to a cloud system and analysed with an AI tool that assesses disease severity.

“The goal is to translate innovative research into improved patient care and develop a more effective, personalised treatment strategy,” says Anna-Lena Spetz.

Projects Funded in the Region Stockholm Call 2026

• Anna-Lena Spetz, Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, for the project “New treatment for atopic dermatitis” (SEK 1.5 million)
• Ellinor Fackle Fornius, Department of Statistics, for the project “Treatment Methods for Young People with Self-Harming Behaviour: Statistical Method Development for Long-Term Effects, Suicide Risk, and Health Economic Aspects” (SEK 3 million)
• Frantzeska Papadopoulou Skarp, Department of Law, for the project “From Data to Shared Value – Legal Frameworks and Contract Models for AI Partnerships in Healthcare” (SEK 3 million)
• Björn Philips, Department of Psychology, for the project “Randomised Controlled Trial of an Affect-Focused Group Therapy for Complex and Difficult-to-Treat Psychiatric Disorders” (SEK 2.5 million)
• Anna Andreasson, Department of Psychology, for the project “Fatigue in Focus – The Continuation” (SEK 1.5 million)
• Hui-Xin Wang, Department of Psychology, for the project “Climate-Related Stressors, Cardiorespiratory Health, and Healthcare Use in Region Stockholm: Assessing Risks, Inequities, and System Readiness” (SEK 1.5 million)
• Sophie Haslett, Department of Environmental Science, for the project “Dynamics of Urban Particle Size Distributions and Effective Mitigation Measures” (SEK 0.5 million)

Are You a Researcher at Stockholm University?

Every spring, Region Stockholm and Stockholm University open a joint call to support research projects that address future societal challenges. The aim is to promote solutions in areas where knowledge is lacking, with a focus on five priority areas: life sciences, mental health, digitalisation, climate and urban planning, and culture.
To be eligible for funding, researchers must collaborate with staff within Region Stockholm. The project funding is intended to translate research into concrete improvements for the region’s residents.

On April 22, Region Stockholm and The Office for Research, Engagement and Innovation Services will host an information session ahead of the 2027 call in Albano at Stockholm University. The session is open to all departments and centres at Stockholm University and will provide information on the call and the evaluation process.

Read more and register for the event

Learn more about the upcoming Region Stockholm call and engagement between the region and Stockholm University

Read more about engagement support for researchers and doctoral students at Stockholm University