Medical advancements highlighted at SIP/IRS Congress and by AIFA

The XXVII National Congress of the Italian Society of Pulmonology (SIP/IRS) recently concluded in Rome, highlighting significant advancements in respiratory medicine. Key discussions focused on shifting the treatment goals for severe asthma and COPD from mere symptom management to clinical remission. Experts emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence, the importance of environmental history in patient assessment, and the development of new biological therapies, such as depemokimab, which offers a more patient-friendly administration schedule every six months.

In gastroenterology, the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) has approved the reimbursement of mirikizumab, developed by Eli Lilly, for treating moderate to severe active Crohn's disease in adults. This monoclonal antibody targets the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 to reduce inflammation. Clinical studies indicated that the drug can help achieve clinical remission and mucosal healing.

Additionally, medical professionals addressed the evolving landscape of immunotherapy for immune-mediated neuropathies. New research is targeting specific biological markers, such as B lymphocytes and the FcRn receptor, to prevent disability progression in rare neurological conditions.