FIBAO - Foundation for Biomedical Research in Eastern Andalusia Alejandro Otero

FIBAO is a non-profit foundation specializing in the management of biomedical research for the Andalusian Public Health System. The foundation supports biomedical research groups and facilitates the transfer of research results to industry and society. FIBAO offers a comprehensive platform of services covering the entire value chain of biomedical research, from discovery to application in healthcare.

Key Facts:
• Institutes Managed: iBS.Granada Research Centre, Hospitals in Eastern Andalusia.
• Researchers and Patients: FIBAO hosts around 500 researchers and provides services to approximately 8,000 patients annually through its associated hospitals and research centres.
• Management expertise: wide experience in managing research projects and organization and management of clinical trials

Research Group Expertise:

The CTS495 Group specializes in Otology and Neurotology, with extensive experience in the study of inner ear diseases, such as chronic tinnitus, Meniere's disease, and vestibular migraine. The group actively collaborates with over 20 hospitals and research institutions across Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia (Sydney). Their research focuses on the genetic, molecular, and clinical aspects of neurotological diseases, which has positioned them as leaders in translational research within this field.
Key areas of expertise include:
• Molecular Genetics of Hearing and Vestibular Disorders: The group has pioneered the development of complex inheritance models and identified rare genetic variants that explain the variability of inner ear pathologies.
• Clinical Focus: As an interdisciplinary team, CTS495 integrates clinical and basic science, maintaining a strong focus on patient care and diagnostics.
• Clinical Trials: The group has collaborated and lead several multicenter randomized clinical trials both in Spain and in European consortia.
• Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis: The groups count on an extensive experience in statistical analysis, systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
• National and European Consortia Participation: The group has been actively involved in large European consortia, such as TINNET, TIGER, and UNITI, and national Consortium (MeDiC, CIBERER- Sensorineural Pathology Research Program), where they lead efforts in genetic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Their involvement in these consortia reflects their ability to manage large-scale data analysis while contributing to cutting-edge research in otology and neurotology.
• Project Funding: They have participated in multiple international and national projects funded by public institutions, such as the Carlos III Health Institute, COST Network, and the Horizon2020 Program, and private organizations (LaCaixa, Meniere’s Society, RIND…)
• Multidisciplinary Expertise: The group’s strong interdisciplinary approach encompasses otolaryngology, genetics, bioinformatics, and audiology, ensuring a comprehensive research output that bridges basic research with clinical applications.
• Strong commitment to gender equality: The CTS495 group stands for balance of men and women, which fosters a diverse and inclusive environment that enhances collaborative innovation and scientific excellence.
• Training of researchers: The CTS495 group also includes researchers at various stages of their academic and research careers, from professors to predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers, as well as clinical scientists, all with a proven track record of excellence in academia and scientific research.

Possible project Involvement:


• Patient Recruitment: The group has robust patient recruitment capacity, both locally (university Hospitals from Granada) and nationally (MeDiC consortium). Their experience in recruiting patients for multicenter clinical trials, particularly those involving chronic tinnitus and Meniere’s disease, ensures efficient enrollment for clinical studies.
• Clinical Research Expertise: CTS495’s clinical researchers are highly experienced in conducting clinical trials related to otological diseases. This includes diagnostic evaluations, audiological testing, and long-term patient monitoring, which are key for understanding disease progression and treatment efficacy.
• Data Analysis Capabilities
• Diagnostic Tool Development: Their prior work on developing early diagnostic tools and personalized therapies positions them to contribute significantly to the design of innovative diagnostic methods and the creation of targeted treatment strategies within a project focused on inner ear diseases or sensory disorders.
• Collaboration in Multicenter Clinical Trials
• Means, facilities and resources

Do not hesitate and contact for more information [email protected]