Dr. Marjorie Argollo is a gastroenterologist at the Federal University of Bahia – UFBA.
What sparked your interest in inflammatory bowel disease?
I am a gastroenterologist with a clinical and academic focus on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). My interest in IBD was driven early in my career by the complexity of these diseases, the need for long-term patient relationships, and the opportunity to combine clinical care with innovation in diagnostics, education, and research. Over time, this led me to focus on advanced disease monitoring and clinical trials in IBD.
Can you help readers understand what the IBD treatment landscape looks like in Brazil?
The IBD treatment landscape in Brazil has evolved significantly in recent years. Conventional therapies such as corticosteroids and immunomodulators remain widely used, while biologic therapies and small molecules are increasingly available.
Access varies depending on whether patients are treated in the public or private healthcare system. In the public system, access is regulated through national protocols, which may create delays, whereas the private system generally allows broader and faster access to advanced therapies. Despite these challenges, Brazil has made important progress in expanding treatment options for IBD patients.
You have been exploring smarter and less invasive ways to monitor IBD. How do you see these tools changing patient care and research?
Non-invasive and point-of-care tools, such as intestinal ultrasound, are transforming IBD management by allowing real-time assessment of disease activity, treatment response, and complications. These tools improve patient experience, enable tighter disease control, and reduce reliance on invasive procedures.
In research, they offer new opportunities for monitoring outcomes, optimizing trial design, and capturing dynamic disease changes more efficiently.
You recently presented at SBAD on the use of intestinal ultrasound (IUS) in IBD. What advice would you give to young gastroenterologists who want to incorporate IUS into their clinical practice?
My main advice is to invest in structured training and continuous practice. Intestinal ultrasound has a learning curve, but it is highly rewarding. Young gastroenterologists should seek mentorship, participate in dedicated courses, and integrate IUS gradually into routine clinical decision-making. When combined with clinical and laboratory data, it becomes a powerful extension of the physical exam.
Can you tell us a little bit more about your site(s) and the research you are currently involved in?
I am actively involved in clinical research through specialized IBD centers that integrate patient care, education with Solare Educa Hub and clinical trials with Solare Trials. Our research activities are built on a strong collaboration between an academic education hub and a dedicated clinical research center, creating an environment that fosters scientific excellence and continuous knowledge exchange.
We are currently participating in multiple international, multicenter clinical trials aimed at evaluating new treatment options for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, including therapies with innovative mechanisms of action as well as advanced therapy combinations.
In parallel, we are involved in studies exploring whether the incorporation of intestinal ultrasound into routine disease monitoring can help assess transmural healing and contribute to meaningful changes in the natural history of IBD, moving beyond symptom control toward deeper and more durable disease remission.
Our research portfolio is driven by a strong commitment to quality, patient safety, and strict protocol adherence, while continuously seeking to bridge clinical practice, education, and innovation in IBD care.
Is there a clinical trial—past or ongoing—that you are particularly excited about, and why does it stand out for you?
I am particularly excited about trials investigating new mechanisms of action and optimized treatment strategies for moderate-to-severe IBD. These studies stand out because they address unmet needs such as difficult to treat IBD, long-term disease control, and personalization of therapy.
What do you see as the main challenges in conducting GI clinical trials in Brazil, and how can sponsors and CROs better support investigators?
Key challenges include regulatory timelines, administrative complexity, and variability in patient access to healthcare services. Sponsors and CROs can support investigators by fostering early engagement, providing clear operational guidance, investing in site training, and maintaining open, transparent communication throughout the study lifecycle.
How do you see the role of Brazilian centers in global IBD research evolving?
Brazilian centers are increasingly well positioned to contribute to global IBD research due to a large and diverse patient population, growing investigator expertise, and improving research infrastructure. I believe Brazil will continue to play a more prominent role in multinational trials and real-world evidence generation.
What advice would you give to young physicians interested in combining clinical practice with research in IBD?
My advice is to remain clinically grounded while staying curious and scientifically engaged. Building a strong clinical foundation, seeking mentorship, and becoming involved in research early are essential. Clinical research not only advances science but also enhances the quality of patient care.
Is there anything else you would like the GI research community to know about your work?
My work is centered on integrating clinical care, education, innovation, and research to improve outcomes for patients with IBD. I strongly believe in collaborative research and in building sustainable partnerships that advance both science and patient care.