Maastricht, Netherlands, October 14, 2026
Kedrion Biopharma has joined physicians, researchers and patient advocacy organizations in calling for earlier diagnosis and improved awareness of secondary immunodeficiencies (SIDs) at the 2026 meeting of the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID). Secondary immunodeficiencies are conditions in which the immune system becomes weakened because of another disease, certain medical treatments or other acquired factors. Their clinical importance is increasing alongside the growing use of immunosuppressive and biological therapies and advances in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Despite progress in understanding these conditions, many patients remain undiagnosed or are identified only after experiencing recurrent infections and other complications. At ESID 2026, Kedrion emphasized the importance of early recognition, multidisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based patient management. The company is also presenting research on immunoglobulin therapy safety and expanding patient-reported evidence initiatives to strengthen understanding of diagnostic delays and unmet needs in immunodeficiency care.
Secondary Immunodeficiencies Highlight Need for Earlier Diagnosis
Secondary immunodeficiencies can develop when diseases or treatments interfere with the body’s ability to produce antibodies or maintain effective immune responses. Patients with hematological cancers, individuals receiving immunosuppressive treatments and people with certain chronic conditions may face an increased risk of immune dysfunction. The condition can leave patients more vulnerable to recurrent, severe or persistent infections. Delayed recognition may contribute to hospitalizations, reduced quality of life and other preventable complications. In some cases, patients may undergo repeated treatment for infections before clinicians identify an underlying antibody deficiency. Experts participating in ESID 2026 highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to recognize warning signs and assess immune function when clinically appropriate. Earlier diagnosis can help clinicians determine whether patients require additional investigations, preventive measures or immunoglobulin replacement therapy, depending on the cause and severity of their immune deficiency. Johan Prevot, executive director of the International Patient Organization for Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI), emphasized that awareness, diagnosis and patient support vary considerably between countries. He also noted that some patients initially considered to have secondary immunodeficiencies may have an underlying primary immunodeficiency that had not previously been identified. Dr. Silvia Sánchez-Ramón, head of the Immunology Department at La Paz University Hospital in Madrid, highlighted the importance of earlier recognition, stronger collaboration between medical specialties and wider adoption of evidence-based practices. These approaches may help healthcare teams identify affected patients sooner and improve the consistency of care.
ESID 2026 Showcases Research and Patient Evidence
At ESID 2026, Kedrion is presenting two scientific posters addressing immunodeficiency research and patient experiences. One presentation examines safety data relating to an immunoglobulin therapy, while the second focuses on the MAPPA survey initiative and its international expansion. The MAPPA survey was developed by AIP APS, the Italian Association for Primary Immunodeficiencies, in collaboration with Kedrion. It collects real-world information directly from people living with primary immunodeficiencies, helping researchers and patient organizations understand their diagnostic journeys, care experiences and unmet needs. Although MAPPA focuses on primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) rather than secondary immunodeficiencies, its findings provide relevant insight into broader challenges surrounding immune disorders and delayed diagnosis. The initiative is expanding beyond Italy into Portugal, Spain and Turkey, enabling comparisons of patient experiences across different healthcare settings. Preliminary findings presented around the ESID meeting indicate that more than half of surveyed respondents received their diagnosis after age 18, while 28% reported permanent damage at the time of diagnosis. These findings highlight the potential consequences of delayed recognition, although the results should be interpreted in the context of the survey population and methodology. Alessandro Segato, president of AIP APS, emphasized the value of transforming patients’ real-life experiences into evidence that can identify shared challenges and support improvements in diagnosis, care and patient support across Europe.
Advertisement
Kedrion Strengthens Immunology Research and Collaboration
Kedrion Biopharma specializes in collecting and processing human plasma to manufacture and distribute plasma-derived therapies for rare and serious conditions, including immunodeficiencies, coagulation disorders and neurological diseases. The company reports approximately 5,400 employees worldwide and distributes 39 products across more than 100 countries. Its participation at ESID 2026 reflects a broader focus on scientific exchange, clinical evidence generation and collaboration with healthcare professionals and patient organizations. By contributing to research discussions and patient-focused initiatives, Kedrion aims to support better understanding of immune disorders and the challenges patients face in accessing appropriate care. Gorana Dasic, vice president and global medical affairs head at Kedrion Biopharma, highlighted the importance of connecting scientific research, clinical practice and patient experience. Collaboration across these areas can help identify gaps in knowledge and inform future improvements in care. Earlier diagnosis, appropriate immune assessment and coordinated clinical management remain central priorities for patients with primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. Continued research and patient-reported evidence may help healthcare professionals better recognize these conditions and address unmet medical needs.
Source: Kedrion Biopharma press release
