Advancing PSC Research: New Funding Awards for 2025
Mission 2030
Advancing PSC Research: New Funding Awards for 2025
PSC Support is delighted to announce the funding of two new research projects dedicated to improving our understanding of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). These projects are now underway, representing a significant milestone in our Mission 2030 research goals.
Our total Mission 2030 research funding now stands at £852,588. This investment remains focused on our core strategic priorities: unlocking understanding and accelerating treatment development.
Dr Pedro Rodrigues
PSC Support has awarded £30,000 to Dr Pedro Rodrigues and Prof. Jesús M Bañales from the Biogipuzkoa Health Research Institute in San Sebastián, Spain.
Finding bile duct cancer (CCA) early is a major challenge because current routine tests are unable to reliably detect it early. Dr Rodrigues' previous work with Professor Jesús Bañales developed a new, non-invasive test that uses small molecules in the body to spot signs of CCA much earlier.
Dr Rodrigues now aims to prove this test works reliably across a global group of patients. The goal is to create a simple blood test ('liquid biopsy'). This would allow doctors to better understand a person’s risk, detect cancer sooner, and tailor treatment. Ultimately, this work aims to help people with PSC live longer, healthier lives.
Dr Edward Jarman
PSC Support has awarded £49,928 to Dr Edward Jarman to investigate the mechanisms through which PSC promotes risk of bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma, or CCA). He aims to identify specific cell populations within the liver that they believe are particularly prone to changing and becoming high risk for cancer due to inflammation.
Dr Jarman will use a technology called spatial transcriptomics to zoom in on this population of cells (which express a protein called COX2) in tissue from people with PSC and understand exactly how these cells react to PSC inflammation.
Dr Jarman will use animal models to functionally verify whether COX2 is involved in these changes and whether its actions can be reduced or turned off, and if this can reduce the cancer risk. He hopes that this research will inform future strategies for targeted cancer prevention in people with PSC.
More research we've funded:
Turning Ambition into Action in 2026:
Our Fortnight in Focus
At PSC Support, we want a world without PSC. We work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive research and improve lives. Here is a snapshot of what we've been up to:
Organisational excellence: We simplified our personal data consent process and streamlined how we record patient stories to ensure that the lived experiences of our community are captured accurately and securely to inform future work.
Progressing Research: We coordinated a series of upcoming meetings with international researchers and pharmaceutical companies, which supports better informed decisions for people with PSC, research, or care. This groundwork helps keep PSC research focused on the primary needs of the patient community.
Progressing Research: We reviewed and contributed to scientific abstracts and posters for the upcoming EASL international liver congress, which strengthens the quality of future research for people with PSC, research, or care.
Progressing Research: We engaged with the MHRA to prepare for the upcoming national consultation on rare disease therapies, representing PSC patients in the wider community. Maintaining this direct dialogue ensures our organisation is prepared to respond formally and protect the interests of those living with PSC
Improving Care: We presented about what it is really like to live with PSC to gastroenterologists This first-hand insight equips healthcare professionals to better understand the day-to-day challenges of PSC.
Income Generation: We secured a place in the prestigious Big Give Small Charity Week match-funding campaign, so that we can maximise future donations from our supporters as every donation between 22 and 29 June will be doubled!
Progressing Research: We recruiting for a research and advocacy officer to expand our core team. This additional capacity ensures we can better support scientific studies and represent the patient voice at every level.