Miami Itch Center Designated a UCARE Center for Clinical and Research Efforts
Summary
- The Miami Itch Center received Urticaria Center of Reference and Excellence (UCARE) designation by the Global Asthma and Allergy Excellence Network.
- The organization is one of five UCARE centers in the U.S. awarded for its clinical and research contributions to chronic and inducible urticaria.
- More than 500 chronic urticaria patients received care last year at the Miami Itch Center.
The Miami Itch Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine received Urticaria Center of Reference and Excellence (UCARE) designation by the Global Asthma and Allergy Excellence Network. The organization is one of five UCARE centers in the U.S. awarded for its clinical and research contributions to chronic and inducible urticaria (hives).
The UCARE network is the biggest and most active consortium for the study of urticaria. By joining UCARE, the Miami Itch Center became part of a global network of more than 130 member centers across 41 countries. The center is an elevated platform for advocacy and networking.
“The Miami Itch Center is one of the leading centers in the world in treating different types of itch due to its translational, basic and clinical research,” said Gil Yosipovitch, M.D., professor and Stiefel Chair in Medical Dermatology in the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery and director of the center. “As part of our mission, we also strive to educate physicians and patients about itch.”
Leading the Way in Itch Research
More than 500 chronic urticaria patients received care last year at the Miami Itch Center. Patients have been treated with biologics such as omalizumab, dupilumab and other immune-modifying drugs. The center is also researching other therapies for urticaria, conducting studies on the epidemiology and burden of the disease.
“We conduct basic science studies on mast cells, the key cell in chronic itch, and receptors involved in mast cells activated in this disease,” Dr. Yosipovitch said. “We are now developing an educational program for Hispanic patients suffering from chronic urticaria. These materials explain its cause and management based on the previously successful eczema program we have had for over the last eight years.”
Innovative Skin Assessment and Treatment
Innovations from the center include 3D imaging skin techniques to assess the crosstalk between mast cells and nerves. The center is also involved in new clinical trials for treating chronic urticaria. It is conducting a large population study on the unmet needs and burden of the disease in the U.S.
As a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Dr. Yosipovitch recently chaired the first symposium on chronic urticaria with the leading experts in the field during its 2025 annual dermatology meeting. The session included a memorial dedication to Marcus Maurer, M.D., the world leader in the topic who passed unexpectedly last year.
“We are excited for our patients to access new chronic urticaria treatments this year,” Dr. Yosipovitch said. “The field is revealing the BTK inhibitor rembirtunib and an IL4 receptor inhibitor dupilumab as therapies. Multiple drugs are also in advanced development, with our center leading the study of these treatments.”
Other members of the UCARE Center include:
• Scott Elman M.D., assistant professor of clinical Dermatology and cutaneous Surgery in the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery
• Andrea Maderal, M.D., associate professor of clinical dermatology and cutaneous surgery in the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery
• Leigh Nattkemper, Ph.D., research associate professor of dermatology and cutaneous surgery in the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery
Tags: chronic itch, dermatology, Dr. Gil Yosipovitch, Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Itch Center, urticaria