Researching Causes and Cures for Eosinophil-Associated Diseases

The Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED) is one of the few places in the world with the expertise to be a dedicated research center and a comprehensive clinic for children and adults with eosinophilic disorders and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID). 

We use a coordinated and forward-looking research approach to improve care and the quality of life for people living eosinophilic disorders and EGID.

We work closely with many labs and divisions throughout Cincinnati Children’s and the University of Cincinnati to research eosinophilic disorders and EGID. 

Our Research

Formed in 2001, the CCED studies eosinophilic disorders, EGID, and the chronic medical problems associated with eosinophilic disorders. Comorbidities include asthma, behavioral problems, connective tissue disease, eczema, food allergies, heart disease and life adjustment issues.

We lead the multicenter Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR), which is part of the National Institutes of Health-funded Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network.

The goal of our research is to identify mechanisms of allergic inflammation and develop and test novel diagnostics and pharmaceutical targets for eosinophil-associated diseases, especially: 

• Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGID)
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)
  • Eosinophilic gastritis (EoG)
  • Eosinophilic enteritis (EoN)
  • Eosinophilic colitis (EoC)
• Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES)

Research Advances

We perform basic, clinical and translational research that is directly changing clinical diagnosis and treatment options for this growing yet largely rare group of conditions. Together, Cincinnati Children’s, the CCED and CEGIR are developing and performing clinical trials for new approaches and treatment options. In 2023, we led 16 clinical research trials.

Two examples of our success:

• The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 2022 approval of Dupixent (dupilumab) in people 12 years and older. FDA approval for use in children age 1-12 years was approved in January 2024.
• The new transnasal endoscopy technique, available at the CCED, makes Cincinnati a destination for families managing eosinophilic conditions. 

At the CCED, we offer every patient the chance to take part in research. More than 50% participate in studies. Today we follow and study data from more than 2,500 eosinophilic patients from across the United States. 

We are one of 40 Rare Disease Centers of Excellence, as designated by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).