AbbVie Hungary, the Hungarian subsidiary of the leading U.S.-based innovative biopharmaceutical company AbbVie, has formalized a memorandum of understanding with the University of Szeged (SZTE) to support the advancement of clinical research. The agreement was signed by Javier Aracil Corma, General Manager Adriatics & Hungary, on behalf of AbbVie, and by Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor, and Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector, representing the university. The partnership is intended to strengthen strategically important clinical research in the field of innovative therapies and, over the long term, to enhance the competitiveness of Hungary and the wider region.
A more competitive global landscape for clinical research
In recent years, Europe has seen a decline in the number of clinical trials, largely due to tighter regulations and increasing cost pressures. This trend has contributed to delays in patients’ access to new medicines and therapies. At the same time, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly shifting their research activities toward Asia and the Americas, intensifying competition among pharmaceutical companies operating in Central and Eastern Europe. As a result, strategic partnerships are becoming more important than ever.
AbbVie currently conducts 60 active clinical trials in Hungary across the fields of immunology, oncology, neurology, and ophthalmology. Of these, 40 are carried out in collaboration with the University of Szeged, making SZTE one of AbbVie’s two key research partners in the country.
“Albert Szent-Györgyi, our Nobel Prize-winning scientist, laid the intellectual foundations of our university. He taught us that science is never static – it is a dynamic journey of discovery. This spirit has helped elevate the University of Szeged to the forefront of global science across a range of disciplines. The latest QS subject rankings further affirm our progress: the University of Szeged once again ranks first in Hungary in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences and is now also the country’s leading institution in the biological sciences. In fact, pharmaceutical research is one of the university’s five main areas of excellence. These results demonstrate that AbbVie has chosen the most outstanding institution as its clinical research partner,” said Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector of SZTE.
“In today’s market environment, partnering with leading institutions and building stable, long-term collaborations is more important than ever. The University of Szeged is one of our principal partners, involved in all strategically important research activities we conduct in Hungary. Together, we are committed to fostering an even more supportive research environment and to further strengthening the region’s competitiveness,” emphasized Javier Aracil Corma, General Manager Adriatics & Hungary at AbbVie.
More trials, faster processes, broader patient access
The partnership is designed to increase the number of clinical trials conducted in Hungary, expand the network of trial sites, and improve patient access to innovative therapies. It will also help streamline and accelerate key processes, from study start-up and contract management to closer, more direct collaboration with clinical centers.
Looking ahead, the partners plan to further expand their collaboration through education and hands-on training, enhanced data sharing, and the development of both early-phase research and full clinical development pathways in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and ophthalmology.
Outstanding expertise, reliable operations
“We particularly value our collaboration with the University of Szeged because of the university’s exceptionally well-organized clinical environment. Research at SZTE is supported by highly skilled professional teams, with strong expertise at both the clinical and coordination levels. This enables us to conduct studies with robust patient enrollment and consistently high data quality,” said Dr. István Balla, Country Clinical Operations Manager at AbbVie Hungary.
A world-class center for research and education
“The University of Szeged is not only one of Hungary’s leading universities, but also a research and development hub that extends beyond national boundaries, supported by outstanding infrastructure and a unique clinical center that also serves as a primary setting for medical education. I consider it essential that the exceptional research capacities and expertise accumulated at the institution are also tested and validated in the market. Among our distinctive core facilities, both the
Phase I Clinical Trial Site and the
Cryo-Electron Microscopy Advanced Core Facility are closely linked to pharmaceutical research and development across multiple fields. We are proud that one of the world’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical companies has recognized the collaboration opportunities our university offers in research, education, and training,” said
Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged.
Innovation in IBD treatment
Several research programs underway at SZTE have the potential to drive progress in priority therapeutic areas. Among them is clinical research in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with a particular focus on intestinal ultrasound (IUS).
IUS is an advanced, non-invasive diagnostic method that enables the detection of structural changes in the intestinal wall, the measurement of bowel wall thickness, the monitoring of disease activity, and the early identification of mucosal inflammation. In doing so, it can support earlier detection of complications, improve patient care, and enhance overall treatment outcomes.
SZTE as an internationally recognized training site
The University of Szeged has recently been designated as an IBUS Module 2 training site, becoming an accredited hands-on center for education in intestinal ultrasound.
This designation opens new opportunities for both Hungarian and international specialists to receive advanced training in Szeged. As a result, the university not only applies state-of-the-art, non-invasive monitoring methods, but also actively contributes to shaping their future use through education and professional knowledge transfer.
The memorandum of understanding was signed on April 28, 2026, by Prof. Dr. László Rovó, Rector of SZTE; Dr. Judit Fendler, Chancellor of the University of Szeged; and Javier Aracil Corma, General Manager Adriatics & Hungary at AbbVie.
Source: SZTEinfo
Photo: István Sahin-Tóth
