DHR Health Institute for Research & Development Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The DHR Health Institute for Research & Development is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization established to enhance translational and clinical research in critical areas of need. Located in Edinburg, Texas, within the Rio Grande Valley, the Institute collaborates with investigators at DHR Health and other academic and non-academic partners to advance medical research and improve patient outcomes.

Mission and Vision

The Institute's mission is to serve as an independent research entity focused on advancing translational and clinical research in areas of critical need. Its vision includes providing access to innovative and advanced clinical care models for physicians treating patients, particularly within the Hispanic population of the Rio Grande Valley.

Primary Area of Focus

The Institute concentrates on enhancing research in areas such as liver diseases, oncology, neurology, and urology, aiming to address health disparities prevalent in the region.

Industry Significance

By focusing on underrepresented populations, particularly the Hispanic community, the Institute plays a crucial role in diversifying clinical research and ensuring that medical advancements are applicable across different demographics.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Advance translational and clinical research in critical health areas.

Increase participation of Hispanic patients in clinical trials, addressing the national underrepresentation.

Provide innovative and advanced clinical care models to physicians.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Oncology, focusing on various cancers prevalent in the region.

Neurology, addressing conditions such as stroke and movement disorders.

Urology, with an emphasis on urological cancers and other related diseases.

Key Technologies Utilized

State-of-the-art clinical trial management systems.

Advanced data analytics platforms for real-world evidence generation.

Collaborative research networks to enhance data sharing and study efficiency.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Hispanic population in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas.

Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and various cancers.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a nonprofit entity, the Institute's funding primarily comes from grants, partnerships, and collaborations with academic institutions and healthcare organizations. Specific details regarding total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors and Partners

TriNetX: Joined the TriNetX global health network in December 2019 to enhance clinical research capabilities.

University of Houston: Established the UH Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine and DHR Health Medical Research and Education Center in October 2025, supported by $15 million in state funding.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital from these partnerships and collaborations is utilized to:

Expand research facilities and infrastructure.

Support ongoing and new clinical trials.

Enhance data analytics capabilities.

Provide educational and training programs for healthcare professionals.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Liver Diseases: Clinical trials focusing on treatments for NAFLD and NASH.

Oncology: Investigational therapies for various cancers prevalent in the region.

Neurology: Studies on post-stroke care and movement disorders.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

Ongoing Phase II and III clinical trials in liver diseases and oncology.

Early-phase studies in neurology focusing on stroke rehabilitation.

Target Conditions

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Various cancers, including liver, breast, and colorectal cancers.

Neurological conditions such as stroke and movement disorders.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Completion of Phase II trials in liver diseases by Q4 2026.

Initiation of Phase III trials in oncology by Q2 2026.

Publication of preliminary results for neurology studies by Q1 2027.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Clinical trial management systems tailored for diverse patient populations.

Data analytics platforms integrated with TriNetX for real-world evidence generation.

Significant Scientific Methods

Patient-centered clinical and health outcomes research methodologies.

Collaborative research networks to enhance data sharing and study efficiency.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Lisa R. Treviño, PhD: Vice President for Research, DHR Health Institute for Research & Development. Dr. Treviño holds a doctorate in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of California at Santa Cruz and has extensive experience in genetics and genomics of adult and pediatric malignancies.

Dr. Monica M. Betancourt-Garcia, MD: Scientific Director, Center of Excellence for Trauma Research in the Border Region. Dr. Betancourt-Garcia is a clinical research fellow and leads the Institute's Biobank initiatives. She obtained her MD from the Universidad Valle de Bravo.

Angela Maria Varela-Espinosa JD, MHA: Clinical Research Contract Manager. Ms. Varela-Espinosa holds a JD from The University of San Buenaventura and a Master's in Healthcare Administration from the Universidad del Valle, Colombia. She has over twenty years of experience as an attorney focusing on the healthcare system.

Key Contributions or Roles Within the Company

Dr. Treviño oversees the Institute's research initiatives, ensuring alignment with its mission and vision.

Dr. Betancourt-Garcia leads trauma research and manages the Biobank, facilitating data collection for clinical studies.

Ms. Varela-Espinosa manages clinical research contracts, ensuring compliance and facilitating partnerships.

Market Insights and Competitor Profile

The healthcare research sector in the Rio Grande Valley is characterized by a high prevalence of chronic diseases among the Hispanic population, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. The Institute's focus on these areas positions it as a key player in addressing these health challenges.

While specific competitors are not detailed in the available information, the Institute's unique focus on the Hispanic population and its partnerships with organizations like TriNetX and the University of Houston provide a competitive edge in conducting culturally relevant and impactful research.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

TriNetX: Joined the global health network in December 2019 to enhance clinical research capabilities.

University of Houston: Established the UH Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine and DHR Health Medical Research and Education Center in October 2025, supported by $15 million in state funding.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The Institute's strategic roadmap includes expanding research facilities, increasing patient enrollment in clinical trials, and strengthening partnerships to enhance research capabilities and address health disparities in the region.