My First International Investigator Meeting: Advancing Chronic Urticaria Research in Singapore
By Dr Lim Tzyy Huei, Consultant Dermatologist at Pantai Hospital Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
In May 2023, I had the privilege of attending my first international investigator meeting in Singapore as a Principal Investigator (PI) for a clinical study evaluating remibrutinib in chronic spontaneous urticaria.
This was an important milestone in my dermatology career, offering an opportunity to contribute to international clinical research and learn alongside fellow investigators and research professionals from different countries.
The meeting covered the scientific background of the investigational treatment, study procedures, and the shared responsibility of conducting research with careful attention to patient safety and data quality.
Understanding Chronic Urticaria
Chronic urticaria, commonly known as chronic hives or gegata in Malay, is characterised by recurrent itchy wheals, angioedema, or both, lasting more than six weeks.
Individual wheals typically disappear within 24 hours, but new lesions may develop unpredictably. For patients, this recurring cycle can disrupt sleep, interfere with daily activities, and affect emotional well-being.
In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), symptoms occur without a definite external trigger. Some patients remain symptomatic despite antihistamine treatment, highlighting the need to investigate additional approaches to disease control.
Exploring a New Treatment Approach: Remibrutinib
At the time of the meeting, remibrutinib was being investigated as a potential oral treatment for chronic spontaneous urticaria.
Remibrutinib is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. It targets signalling pathways involved in immune-cell activation and the release of mediators that contribute to urticaria symptoms, offering a different approach from antihistamines.
The meeting provided an opportunity to understand the scientific rationale behind this approach, review the study protocol, and discuss how treatment efficacy and safety would be assessed.
It reinforced an essential principle of clinical research: potential benefits must be evaluated through carefully designed studies and reliable evidence.
My Responsibilities as a Principal Investigator
Serving as a Principal Investigator was both an honour and a significant responsibility.
At the participating research site, the role involves overseeing study conduct, protecting participants’ safety and rights, ensuring appropriate informed consent, and maintaining accurate clinical records. It also requires adherence to the approved protocol, ethical requirements, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
The investigator meeting helped deepen my understanding of these responsibilities and the coordination required between investigators, research teams, and study organisers.
Behind every clinical trial are patients who place their trust in the research team. Respecting that trust is central to responsible research.
Learning Through International Collaboration
One of the most rewarding aspects of the meeting was connecting with colleagues from different countries and healthcare settings.
Exchanging experiences offered valuable perspectives on the challenges of managing chronic urticaria. These discussions also highlighted the importance of consistent clinical assessments and close collaboration across participating centres.
Although our healthcare systems and clinical experiences differed, we shared a common goal: generating meaningful evidence that could help improve patient care.
A Meaningful Milestone in My Dermatology Career
Looking back, my first international investigator meeting in Singapore remains a memorable part of my professional journey.
Beyond the scientific learning, it strengthened my appreciation of the relationship between research and everyday clinical practice. Progress depends on understanding disease mechanisms, asking relevant questions, and carefully evaluating potential treatments.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute as a Principal Investigator and to learn from an international research community committed to improving care for people living with chronic urticaria.
This experience continues to shape my commitment to ongoing learning, responsible research, and evidence-based dermatology.
