Author
Marion Wilkens, Alpha1 Germany eV, as published in Alpha1 Journal 1/2022.
The 62nd Congress of the German Society for Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine in Leipzig was held as a hybrid event. We were there live – for the first time officially as a member of the DGP. In fact, there were significantly fewer participants on site than initially expected, but many of the physicians from the Alpha world who are important to us came to Leipzig to look back together, in keeping with the congress motto "Development and Progress," but of course also to look to the future.
Pulmonologists are asking themselves similar questions to those we raised at our members' meeting. Dr. Stefan Kluge asked in his welcoming address: "What will we encounter in pulmonology in the coming years and decades, and what challenges will we have to overcome?"„
Unfortunately, no comprehensive answer was found during the congress. However, the many discussions and the information from the presentations gave us a number of ideas. Digitalization, in particular, is an important topic, and we need to pay close attention to it to ensure it isn't developed without considering the needs of patients.
During the CSL Behring industry symposium, we had the opportunity, together with Professor Koczulla, to present "new companions in the information labyrinth of Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency." This allowed us to once again draw the attention of physicians to ourselves and our services, and to demonstrate our future-oriented and dedicated work.
At the end of the symposium, the Alpha1 Science Award 2022 was presented, honoring two young scientists.
- The project „Polymerization of misfolded Z alpha-1-antitrypsin protein lowers CX3CR1 expression in human PBMCs” was awarded the Alpha1 Science Award 2022 for best basic science work, along with a prize of €5,000. The prize went to Srinu Tumpara, M.Sc., from Hannover Medical School, a member of Prof. Sabina Janciauskiene's team.
- The project „Hepatobiliary phenotypes of adults with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency“ was awarded the Alpha1 Science Award 2022 for best clinical work, along with a prize of €5,000. The prize went to Dr. Malin Fromme from Dr. Strnad's team in Aachen.
Ms. Fromme was present and accepted the prize with a radiant smile, which we also consider deserved.
We, the patients, warmly congratulate both scientists and thank them for their special commitment to patients with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
