#ATS24 Recap

The National Scleroderma Foundation was honored to represent our community at the American Thoracic Society meeting in San Diego this week. This annual conference featured presentations on the latest research and advancements in pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary hypertension. It was wonderful to see presentations from leaders in the field, including Drs. Elizabeth Volkmann, Bob Lafyatis, and Kristin Highland.

One of the Foundation’s Early Career Investigator grant recipients, Dr. Sean Fortier from the University of Michigan, also presented his Foundation-funded research at the meeting. Dr. Fortier was joined by his mentor, Dr. Marc Peters-Golden, and Jared Baas, all from the University of Michigan.

There were 17 posters and one scientific session highlighting work in scleroderma research. In addition, there were 65 sessions and posters on pulmonary fibrosis, 68 featuring pulmonary hypertension, and 65 highlighting interstitial lung disease. And of course, many more on clinical trial design, increasing diversity in studies, and the importance of patient-centered care and research.

The highlight of the meeting for me was hearing Dr. Carol F. share scientific accomplishments from her lab over the last decade as part of the session honoring this year’s ATS Recognition Award for Scientific Achievement recipients. ?This Award recognizes outstanding scientific contributions to enhance the understanding, prevention and treatment of respiratory disease and critical illness, and recognizes exemplary professionalism, collegiality and citizenship through mentorship and scientific involvement in the ATS community.

Dr. Feghali-Bostwick’s research has focused on mechanisms mediating the development and resolution of fibrosis in disorders such as Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Her research has resulted in the identification of novel pro- fibrotic and anti-fibrotic factors. Her research team led the initial gene expression profiling of SSc lung tissues, identified novel autoantibodies associated with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease, and contributed to a better understanding of fibroblast biology in fibrosis. She conducted the only study of twins with SSc, and findings of low concordance in both monozygotic and dizygotic twins led to the observation that the disease is likely multifactorial with environmental factors playing an important role in the development of the SSc phenotype. Dr. Feghali-Bostwick has authored and co-authored over 170 original manuscripts and several patents. In addition to research, Dr. Feghali-Bostwick is actively engaged in mentoring junior investigators. Her service includes the ATS RCMB advocacy, planning, and program committees. She also serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Scleroderma Foundation . ?

Dr. Feghali-Bostwick has received numerous awards for her research, service, and commitment to mentoring. Her recent honors and awards include the Association for Clinical and Translational Science Award for Contributing to the Diversity and Inclusiveness of the Translational Workforce and the ATS RCMB Andy Tager Award for Excellence in Mentoring. She was also elected to the National Academy of Inventors in 2023. We are so grateful for her leadership.

It was encouraging to see so many of our corporate partners on site as well, sharing updates on their research and development of new therapeutics in service of those living with these life-threatening diseases.

We are so grateful to the scientists, clinicians and partners who are committed to helping those living with scleroderma breathe easier!

>> If you're interested in learning about the latest scleroderma research, I hope you'll join us for our Advances in Scleroderma Research Global Webinar next Friday, May 31. You can register now at https://scleroderma.org/global-webinar/.