The US Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) hosted its 15th international Pulmonary Hypertension conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, from August 15-18, 2024. This event gathered approximately 1,100 healthcare professionals, researchers, patients, and advocates from across the globe.
The event aimed to strengthen connections and promote collaboration within the pulmonary hypertension community. Key sessions included a joint presentation by the PHA and the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute (PVRI) on the differences between traditional randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and real-world data (RWD), highlighting the value of RWD in reflecting the diverse experiences of patients. Another session reviewed the role of the PHA Registry and pulmonary hypertension care centers, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, improving patient outcomes, and expanding the patient registry.
Discussions also focused on emerging therapies, including the potential of gene therapy and the promising effects of the new drug sotatercept, which could mark a new era in pulmonary hypertension treatment. Patients actively engaged in the conference, attending sessions originally designed for healthcare professionals and participating in research studies, such as one involving Fitbit tracking to explore the relationship between physical activity and quality of life in patients. The conference also featured a fashion show, where patients, including children, showcased creative outfits designed to accommodate their medical devices, underscoring the resilience and hope within the community.
The event reinforced the importance of global collaboration in advancing pulmonary hypertension care, research, and advocacy, setting the stage for continued progress in improving the lives of those affected by this condition.
Read more about the conference in Hall Skaara’s excellent report, online on the PHA Europe website at this link.
