In late June, Darcey Black (Director, Translational) attended and presented at the ECM2024 meeting in Copenhagen. This conference brought together speakers and experts from industry and academia to discuss the latest advances in fibrosis and related research.
ECM2024 covered a range of topics around the theme of the “ExtraCellular Matrix” (hence the title!), and the advancements since the last ECM conference in 2022. Basic and clinical research in diseases including IBD, skin conditions such as psoriasis, liver and kidney fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, and oncology all featured in keynote and poster presentations. The pathophysiology of matrix diseases and basic science were discussed in sessions on imaging, in vitro and in vivo models, cell signalling, autoimmunity, and mechanism of tissue destruction.
Applying this knowledge to drug discovery was not forgotten either, with lively sessions on translational science, development of biomarkers and precisions medicine and their use in drug discovery and development. In this session, Darcey presented a talk on “Biomarkers in IPF: How can they help drug discovery?”. His talk brought together several conference themes , in the context of the various challenges now facing drug discovery in lung fibrosis. A key point is the recommendation of an integrated approach, where animal studies are designed to support human trials and tailored to each project’s needs – not only in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), but in a wide range of diseases where fibrotic tissue remodelling occurs.
The meeting organisers are already planning ECM2026. They also intend to publish the proceedings from ECM2024, with articles written by the speakers reviewing the main topics – so watch this space!
In the meantime, reach out to us to discuss your drug development projects in IPF, fibrotic disease, and beyond.