ERS–COPD-iNET: International Research Seminar Highlights Opportunities for Early Intervention in COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is in the global spotlight today on World COPD Day – and the disease has also received particular attention in the research community over the past weeks. At the European Respiratory Society (ERS) / COPD-iNET Research Seminar in Prague, held on 6–7 November, more than 120 clinicians, researchers, and patient representatives came together to discuss one of the greatest challenges in respiratory medicine.

Over the course of two days, the seminar demonstrated how interdisciplinary and international collaboration can drive innovation and open new therapeutic perspectives. The event was organized by DZL scientist Prof. Mareike Lehmann (Institute of Lung Biology and Immunology (LHI) at Helmholtz Munich and Institute for Lung Research at the University of Marburg) and Prof. Suzanne Cloonan (Trinity College Dublin).

One Key Insight: COPD Starts Early

A key message from the meeting was that COPD begins early in life. Factors such as prematurity and early-life infections can have long-term effects on lung development and function. As Mareike Lehmann emphasized in her opening remarks: “We need to understand these early origins of disease to not only cure but prevent COPD”.

Several talks explored why some individuals can recover from early life injuries and how this “catch-up” process can be decoded at the molecular level. Participants agreed that there is a critical window of opportunity to understand and potentially harness this regenerative capacity for therapy.

Towards Better Markers of Disease Activity

Standard diagnostic metrics such as FEV1 and GOLD stages are not sufficient to fully capture disease activity and progression. Advances in molecular imaging and biomarker discovery are therefore key. Spatial molecular profiling and cell-specific targeting could help determine when and where to intervene.

Dr. Stijn Verleden (Belgium) presented imaging tools to track lung regeneration, while Dr. Daniel Weiss (US) discussed the potential of gene- and cell-based therapies to promote tissue repair.

Breakout sessions focused on translational research tools, including human organoids, lung-on-chip systems incorporating immune cells, and AI-based platforms such as digital twins – all contributing to a deeper understanding of COPD mechanisms and potential treatments.

Patient Perspectives and Recognitions

Patient advocate Michael Drohan shared his personal experience, illustrating the complex nature of COPD and the possibilities for recovery through rehabilitation.

The seminar also recognized outstanding early-career researchers with poster awards:

• Maria Camila Melo Narvaez (LHI, Helmholtz Munich/Institute for Lung Research, Marburg University, DZL)
• Hanne Voet (University Antwerpen)
• Ayu Hitami Syarif (Medical University Graz)

Collaboration as the Key to Progress

The meeting concluded with a clear call for continued international collaboration through networks such as COPD-iNET. As Prof. Önder Yildirim, Director of the DZL Munich site (CPC-M), summarized:

“Only together we can prevent and cure COPD. The two days here in Prague once again demonstrated how important this network is in addressing this serious disease.”

About COPD-iNET:

The international network, co-founded by Önder Yildirim, Thomas Conlon, Theo Kapellos, Roxana Wasnick (all DZL CPC-M), Mareike Lehmann (DZL sites CPC-M and UGMLC) and international colleagues, continues to foster collaboration across disciplines and countries. The network’s primary focus is the advancement of translational COPD research by discussing ongoing projects, cutting edge human in vitro models, state-of-the art systems biology approaches and clinical cohorts.

Learn more: copd-inet.com