Mount Sinai has received a transformative $5 million gift from Clifford S. Asness, PhD, and Laurel Asness to advance research and clinical care for eczema and related allergic conditions. In recognition of this generosity, Mount Sinai will rename its Center of Excellence in Eczema to the Asness Family Center of Excellence in Eczema and Allergic Conditions, housed within the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects more than 31 million people in the United States, including 1 in 10 children. It causes intense itching, redness, dryness, and skin lesions that can significantly impact quality of life.
For many patients, eczema is more than a skin condition—it is a systemic, immune-driven disease often linked to other allergic conditions such as asthma and food allergies. Severe cases can lead to sleep disturbances, social stigma, mental health challenges, and substantial financial burden due to long-term treatment needs. Despite its prevalence, eczema remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in many communities, underscoring the urgent need for continued research and innovation.
This gift will support the recruitment of a multidisciplinary research and clinical team, and accelerate the development of new therapies for patients with eczema and other associated allergic diseases such as asthma. Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD, Waldman Professor and System Chair of Dermatology and a global leader in dermatologic immunology, will serve as Director of the Asness Family Center.
"This work is near and dear to our hearts," said Dr. and Ms. Asness. "Our son, Charlie, has experienced firsthand the challenges of severe eczema—and also the relief that comes from new treatments and compassionate care. We are proud to support the groundbreaking work at Mount Sinai and excited by the real progress being made."
Under Dr. Guttman-Yassky's leadership, the Department of Dermatology has helped define atopic dermatitis as an immune-driven condition and identified key molecules involved in its pathogenesis, leading to the development of biologic and small-molecule therapies that have changed the standard of care worldwide. The department's clinical trials unit is now among the largest in the country for eczema and allergic conditions.
"I am deeply grateful to Clifford and Laurel Asness for their extraordinary generosity," said Dr. Guttman-Yassky. "Their commitment will help us fast-track research, bring hope to families like theirs, and continue our mission to improve the lives of patients with eczema and allergic diseases."
This gift builds on the Asness family's previous support of early-career dermatology researchers at Mount Sinai. In addition to their philanthropy in medicine, the Asness family also supports scientific and academic initiatives at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Broad Institute, and the Duke/Tisch Brain Center.
