In 2018, Oxford BioDynamics had signed a deal with Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza to develop a novel biomarker assay for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Oncology Research Unit Research interest of this unit is divided into three major areas-Epigenetic study of tumour development, molecular basis of chemoresistance in solid tumours, miRNA expression profiling in colorectal cancer, breast cancer and gliomas. The aim of this unit is to study identification of early markers by non-invasive analysis, characterization of cancer stem cells, and develop customized molecular therapies. In 2018, as a member of the network Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza completed RESORT trial Phase II (A Randomized, Open Label, Multicenter Phase 2 Study, to Evaluate the Efficacy of Sorafenib in Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma After a Radical Resection of the Metastases). IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza has been recognized as one of the 20 highly specialized centres for diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer based on studying genetic and molecular detail using microchip technology. Mendel Institute of Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza (CSS Mendel Institute) Mission of this institute is to study and prevent rare diseases. Three major activities of this institute include-research, diagnosis and clinical consultancy. The institute has five major research units-Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Bioinformatics Unit, Cytogenetic Diagnostics Unit, Diabetes Research Unit, and iPS cellular programming research Unit. Diabetology and Endocrinology Research Unit This unit focuses its interest on epidemiological and genetic bases of type 2 diabetes and its cardio-nephro-vascular complications. It has carried out research on identification/characterization of some important genes like ENPP1, ADIPOQ, TRIB3, RETN, IRS1 and PPARgamma2 and also insulin signaling inhibitors such as ENPP1. Hepatology Research Unit Hepatology unit works on two thematic areas-responses to anti-viral therapy in hepatitis and genetics of hepatopathic patients. In 2009, the unit identified a novel marker of response to the anti-viral therapy of hepatitis C in collaboration with Duke University and North Carolina. The study led to discovery of variants of IL28B gene which is now widely used for prediction of response to the therapy. The unit has a long history performing clinically relevant research in Hepatology since the 1990s. Gilead Sciences, one of the world's largest biotech companies maintains strong collaboration with Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza for research on HCV treatment. At the International Live Congress (ILC) 2019, Alessandra Mangia, MD, Chief of Liver Unit at IRCCS-Ospedale Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza presented the data on role of Gilead HCV Medicines