According to the World Health Organization, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately five percent (3.5 million) of deaths worldwide in 2021 alone.

The ATS 2025 International Conference is a rare opportunity for health specialists from around the globe to meet, share insights, and collectively address the most prevalent challenges in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, such as COPD. Attendees can expect a myriad of symposia, abstract presentations, and timely discussions centered on the latest investigative findings and clinical practices for treating the disease.

“Investigation and findings of emerging biologic therapies will be a hotly discussed topic again this year as they have the potential to directly impact the evolving treatment landscape in COPD,” said Christopher Mosher, MD, MHS, assistant professor of medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine. “This year, the results of several early phase clinical trials of novel biologics will be presented along with follow-up studies investigating sub-populations and novel outcomes using approved therapy.”

Dr. Mosher highlighted the mini symposium, “Advances in COPD,” hosted at 2:15 p.m. PT on Sunday, May 18. He described that the session would cover a broad range of studies investigating novel diagnostic, therapeutic, genetic, biomarker, and risk factors relevant to cutting-edge COPD science.

Those interested in further exploring the latest findings and research methods related to COPD should prioritize attending the scientific symposium, “COPD Clinical Trials – Where Do We Go From Here?” at 2:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20. The session will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including novel pathogenic mechanisms, recent study designs, new imaging outcomes, non-pharmacologic interventions, and challenges in COPD trials to guide research priorities and integrate clinical trials with clinical practice.

“The broad array of key stakeholders responsible for the design and conduct of COPD clinical trials can expect to find this an engaging and thought-provoking discussion,” Dr. Mosher said.

Also on Sunday, starting at 9:15 a.m., the scientific symposium, “Evolving Landscape of Respiratory Outcomes in Survivors of Premature Birth” will examine the lifelong pulmonary effects of premature birth with a focus on the relationship between catch-up growth, environmental exposures, and genetic factors in determining the risk of chronic COPD and other respiratory conditions later in life.

“Investigations into the mechanisms underlying COPD and associations with health outcomes is sure to garner a lot of interest,” Dr. Mosher said. “Specifically, a key theme of investigation is the relationship between mechanisms of aging and COPD development and progression.”

The Clinical Year in Review series is always a staple event at the International Conference, discussing core topics in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine through carefully curated presentations of the current literature from emerging leaders in their respective fields. The final Clinical Year in Review session will be held at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21, and open with a presentation focused on COPD.

“This year’s COPD session is scheduled to occur in the same session as Pulmonary Rehabilitation,” Dr. Mosher explained. “Both, I suspect, will provide highly relevant information that will be of interest to clinicians caring for patients with COPD.”

For the full listings of COPD-related educational sessions, scientific symposia, Meet the Expert sessions, and abstract presentations at ATS 2025, visit https://ats2025.d365.events/.