Germany

Grant category: Research Grants

Year: 2026

Geography: Germany

Acute urticaria (hives) is a common skin disease affecting up to 1 in 5 people during their lifetime. In many patients the condition disappears within weeks, but in some it develops into chronic spontaneous urticaria, which can persist for years and significantly reduce quality of life. At present, it is unclear why some patients recover while others develop a chronic disease. The CHAPEAU GLOBAL study aims to better understand the biological processes behind this transition. Researchers will analyze blood samples from patients with acute urticaria at two time points and compare those who recover with those who later develop chronic urticaria. Using advanced laboratory methods, thousands of proteins and immune markers will be examined to identify early warning signs of chronic disease. The goal of this international study is to identify patients at risk earlier and improve prevention and treatment strategies for chronic urticaria.