Matthias Farlik-Födinger, research group leader at the Department of Dermatology at MedUni Vienna, has been awarded the Paul Langerhans Prize by the Dermatological Research Association for his work. The prize was awarded during the annual conference in Freiburg.

Chronic inflammation is generally considered a risk factor for the development of cancer. In psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, the link with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, has not yet been clarified. In medical practice, it has long been observed that tumours in psoriasis often do not develop directly in inflamed areas of skin. Researchers at MedUni Vienna have now confirmed this phenomenon in a study and identified the possible biological mechanism behind it. The results have recently been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Injections are considered the most important first-line treatment for acute, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which can manifest, among other symptoms, as a drop in blood pressure.

For a long time, the synovial membrane, known as the synovium, was primarily understood as the lining of the joint cavity. However, in his perspective paper currently published in Annals of Anatomy, Peter Mandl from MedUni Vienna describes it as a dynamic interface where biological processes, structural changes in the joint and the individual perception of patients converge. This concept of the "synovial interface " provides a structured framework for differentiated, individualised care for patients with inflammatory joint diseases.

People with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression or bipolar disorder die on average ten to 20 years earlier than the general population. The main causes of this are cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, which are triggered or exacerbated by a lack of exercise. Now, an international team of scientists led by MedUni Vienna is calling for physical activity to be recognised as an integral part of psychiatric treatment and is also describing specific steps for successfully integrating it into practice. The review has been published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

Harald Teufelsbauer from the Department of General Surgery at MedUni Vienna has been awarded the Ukrainian Order of St. Panteleimon. The award honours individuals who have distinguished themselves through exceptional medical professionalism, outstanding ethical conduct and compassion towards patients. At present, the award stands in particular for personal involvement in Ukraine's struggle for freedom and independence.

Until now, the following has been true for metastatic pancreatic cancer: Once the tumour has spread, local treatment such as surgery is usually no longer an option. In recent years, however, studies have suggested that there is a small group of patients with a limited number of metastases (oligometastases) who can benefit from a combination of drug and local therapy.

Sulaima Albinni, Senior Physician in the Clinical Department of Pediatric Cardiology, received the DGPK Science Award from Team Phenomenal Hope e.V. at the annual conference of the German Society for Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects (DGPK) in Cologne in February 2026.

In a recently published review, a research team led by MedUni Vienna has highlighted a promising new approach to drug discovery. The focus is on the targeted modulation of certain intracellular signalling proteins as a strategy for controlling disease-relevant signalling pathways and reducing side effects. The findings were published in the journal Trends in Pharmacological Sciences and expand the range of tools available for developing personalised therapies, for example for the treatment of neurological diseases.

Regina Sommer, Professor of Water Hygiene at the Medical University of Vienna, was awarded the Hans Frenzel Medal of Honour by Korinna Schumann, Federal Minister of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, for her outstanding services to the Codex Alimentarius Austriacus.