2025 COPD-iNET Symposium in Prague

Regenerating the lung is possible. But an early and multidisciplinary approach to combat COPD is needed. Insights from the ERS–COPD-iNET Seminar 2025 in Prague.

The European Respiratory Society / COPD-iNET Research Seminar in Prague brought over 120 clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in respiratory medicine: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Over two days, the seminar demonstrated how collaboration across disciplines and borders can drive innovation and hope. It was organized by Mareike Lehmann (Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich and Institute for Lung Research, Marburg University and German Center for Lung Research, DZL) and Suzanne Cloonan (Trinity College, Dublin).

One key insight: COPD starts early.

Events such as prematurity and infections shape lung health for life. As Mareike Lehmann emphasized in her opening remarks: “We need to understand these early origins of disease to not only cure but prevent COPD”. Multiple speakers highlighted that there are individuals who can recover from early life injuries. Researchers discussed how to decode this “catch-up” process at the molecular level. The participants agreed that there is a window of opportunity with the need to understand how this catch-up is possible – and whether this can be therapeutically leveraged.

Need for better markers of disease activity.

The participants agreed that standard metrics like FEV1 and GOLD stages are not sufficient. Advance imaging and molecular biomarkers are central to this effort. Spatial molecular profiling and cell-specific targeting could help identify when and where to intervene. Or, as Enid Neptune from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine proposed: “We, as investigators, must ensure that we clearly define the specific phenotypes and disease trajectories we aim to model and strategically leverage AI-based approaches to guide this process.”

Stijn Verleden (Belgium) presented imaging tools for tracking regeneration. Daniel Weiss (US) showed how gene- and cell therapies might enhance repair.

Breakout sessions focused on translational tools. Human organoids, lung-on-chip models with immune cells, and AI-based platforms like digital twins are advancing our understanding of COPD pathology and treatment.

Patient advocate Michael Drohan added a personal perspective. His story – childhood asthma, later COPD, and improvement through rehabilitation – highlighted the complexity of the disease and the potential for recovery.

Last, but not least, congratulations to the poster prize winners:

Maria Camila Melo Narvaez (LHI, Helmholtz Munich/Institute for Lung Research, Marburg University)

Hanne Voet (University Antwerpen, visited with an ERS Fellowship of LHI, Helmholtz Munich)

Ayu Hitami Syarif (Medical University Graz)

International collaboration is needed

The seminar ended with gratitude to all contributors and the clear message: Collaboration in networks like COPD-iNET is not optional – it’s essential. As Yohannes Tesfaigzi from Harvard Medical School said: “COPD-iNET is a true grassroots initiative that, for the first time, has brought together international basic and clinical researchers in the field of COPD. We are proud of how the network has evolved and of the collaborative spirit.” Önder Yildirim, Director LHI/Helmholtz Munich summed it up: “Only together we can prevent and cure COPD. The two days here in Prague showed again how important this network is to combat the terrible disease”.