UK Inhaler Group to Discuss Inhaled Therapies at Asthma and COPD Conference in March

Speakers at the 13th Annual Asthma & COPD Conference on March 29-30 in London, England will discuss the latest developments in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

This year’s event will gather industry leaders, scientists, and members of the community to debate and talk about the latest challenges in asthma and COPD. The 2017 agenda will focus on novel approaches to treatment, exploring biomarkers and targeted therapies. Participants will identify obstacles to device development and drug delivery, and discuss the implementation of electronic health monitoring.

Monica Fletcher, CEO of education for health and chair of the UK Inhaler Group, will join this event’s speaker panel. The UK Inhaler Group is a coalition of nonprofit organizations that joined forces to promote the correct use of inhaled therapies.

Fletcher will speak on the first day of the meeting with a presentation titled “Maximizing the use and impact of inhaled therapies: addressing the true needs of patients and HCPs.”

She will explore critical points concerning the use of inhalers, like patient compliance and educating patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Specifically, Fletcher will focus on how patients and HCPs describe inhalers, if technology will help or harm adherence, and how patients and HCPs can be educated.

According to a press release, the Asthma & COPD conference will include communications from GSK, Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Novartis, AstraZeneca, MedImmune, Imperial College of London, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Teva, among others.

Speakers attending the event year include Neil Barnes from GSK; Christopher Stevenson from Janssen; Outi Vaarala from AstraZeneca; Stefan Leiner from Boehringer Ingelheim; and Wisia Wedzicha from Imperial College London.

The conference will also host two certified workshops on March 28: “The Future of Asthma & COPD Management; from Connected Inhalers to Therapy Management,” and “Innovative Approaches to COPD – Proactive, Not Reactive Strategies.”

COPD and asthma are considered two of the most common, and fatal, diseases in the UK. The main issue concerning these conditions is their under diagnosis and incorrect use of medicine. Personalized therapies and cutting-edge developments in targeted drugs are revolutionizing the way in which asthma and COPD are currently being addressed.