Medipan & GA Generic Assays at the 14th International Congress on Autoimmunity in Ljubljana

Some weeks ago, from May 17-19, 2024, we had the privilege of participating in the 14th International Congress on Autoimmunity in Ljubljana, Slovenia. This event brought together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest advancements in autoimmune diseases. The congress provided an exceptional forum for scientific exchange, updates, and the reinforcement of the necessity for the autoimmunity community to collaborate towards consensus, harmonization, and standardization in diagnosis.

Congress Highlights

The congress was a dynamic forum for knowledge sharing, with a comprehensive range of topics addressing some of the most relevant and challenging issues in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases. These included the most common diseases, with dedicated sections on lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune conditions. The congress addressed a wide range of autoimmune diseases, including arthritis, myositis, antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren syndrome, liver and gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases, and vasculitis. Additionally, novel autoimmune diseases, particularly the autoimmune syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA or Shoenfeld’s Syndrome), were discussed in depth.

A comprehensive overview of the most pertinent diagnostic strategies was presented. Sessions delved into the predictive value of autoantibodies in these conditions, emphasizing the latest research and clinical implications. The 2023 ACR/EULAR Antiphospholipid Syndrome Classification Criteria [1] were accorded significant importance.

New insights into SARS CoV2 and its relationship to the COVID-19 pandemic and Post-COVID Syndrome in the context of autoimmunity were shared.

The treatment and management of autoimmune patients were discussed, with particular emphasis on established therapies and the introduction of new applications, including the use of big data, artificial intelligence, and ChatGPT.

Finally, the ICAP session focused on the clinical relevance of the HEp-2 IFA (ANA) test, with an anticipation of new ANA patterns in the nomenclature and classification tree [2].

Networking and Collaboration

One of the most rewarding aspects of the congress was the opportunity to network with professionals from around the world. Informal discussions during breaks and meals led to the exchange of ideas and potential collaborations, underscoring the importance of such gatherings in advancing the field of autoimmunity.

Our Presence at the Congress

Our company was honored to have a prominent presence at Autoimmunity 2024 with our own booth. The booth was a focal point of activity, attracting a multitude of attendees interested in our latest products and innovations in autoimmune disease diagnostics. The event proved to be a fruitful platform for direct engagement with industry professionals, the opportunity to disseminate our latest advancements, and the receipt of invaluable feedback. The positive interactions and interest generated have further reinforced our commitment to advancing the field of autoimmunity.

Our Experience

Participating in the 14th International Congress on Autoimmunity proved to be an enriching experience. The event was notable for the wealth of knowledge shared, the innovative ideas presented, and the collaborative spirit that pervaded the proceedings.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on the success of Autoimmunity 2024, we are already looking forward to the next congress in 2026 in the wonderful city of Prague [3]. The progress made and connections formed during this event will undoubtedly contribute to the continued advancement of autoimmune disease research and treatment.

We extend our gratitude to the organizers, speakers, and fellow participants for their contributions to the success of Autoimmunity 2024.

[1] Barbhaiya et al. 2023 ACR/EULAR Antiphospholipid SyndromeClassification Criteria

[2] International Consensus on Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Patterns (ICAP)

[3] 15^th International Congress on Autoimmunity, 14-17 May, Prague, Czech Republic