Presentation of the Research Unit HPPIT (UMR_S 1358)

PULMONARY HYPERTENSION: Pathophysiology and Novel Therapies

The Joint Research Unit UMR_S 1358, supported by Inserm and Université Paris-Saclay, is dedicated to the study of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and the development of innovative therapies. Located at two major hospital sites in the south of Paris – Bicêtre Hospital (AP-HP) in Le Kremlin-Bicêtre and Marie Lannelongue Hospital (Paris Saint Joseph Hospital Group) in Le Plessis-Robinson – the unit benefits from a strong clinical and scientific environment, promoting close collaboration between fundamental research, clinical care, and therapeutic innovation.

For over two decades, our research unit has been internationally recognized for its leadership in both PH research and patient care. UMR_S 1358 is the National Reference Center for Pulmonary Hypertension in France (PulmoTension), coordinates the French rare respiratory disease network (RespiFIL), and plays a key role in the European Reference Network on rare respiratory diseases (ERN-Lung).

Our research is structured around two complementary teams:

• Team 1 focuses on pulmonary vascular remodeling and therapeutic innovation.

• Team 2 investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms of heritable forms of PH, particularly involving ion channels and disease-predisposing mutations.

At the interface of biology, translational research, and clinical application, our main objectives are to:

• understand the pathophysiology of PH,

• identify new molecular targets,

• develop preclinical models and innovative treatments,

• and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Supported by major national initiatives such as LabEx LERMIT, DHU TORINO, RHU BIO-ART LUNG, RHU DESTINATION 2024, and FHU André Cournand our unit also manages a national web-based registry and a dedicated biobank for rare and severe forms of PH—essential resources for translational and clinical research.

Our mission is fully aligned with national and international public health priorities: to provide concrete therapeutic solutions for rare and severe diseases with unmet medical needs.