A PVRI Symposium: Genetics-inspired Therapeutics for Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)

Join us for this one-day Symposium to review our current understanding of the genetics of PH, the impact on therapeutic drug development and the potential to deliver further therapeutic gains. The Symposium will be held at the Royal College of Physicians in London from 09:00 - 18:30 GMT.

Programme

Genetic discovery has transformed how we understand PAH. This Symposium brings together global experts to examine what that means in practice – for biology, clinical trials, and future therapies.

Across the day, the programme will explore four core themes:

• 08:00 - 09:00: Registration and refreshments
• 09:00 - 10:05: Genetic insights into pulmonary vascular disease
• 10:05 - 10:45: Therapeutic agents targeting the TGF-β/BMP pathway – Part 1
• 10:45 - 11:15: Refreshment break
• 11:15 - 12:30: Therapeutic agents targeting the TGF-β/BMP pathway – Part 1
• 12:30 - 13:30: Buffet lunch
• 13:30 - 15:30: Therapeutic agents targeting the TGF-β/BMP pathway – Part 2
• 15:30 - 16:00: Refreshment break
• 16:00 - 17:00: Developing therapeutic agents to target other genetically validated pathways
• 17:00 - 18:30: Networking reception

The programme combines scientific depth with practical discussion, creating space for critical thinking, collaboration, and forward-looking debate.

Our speakers

• Patrick Andre, Diagonal Therapeutics 
• Ardeschir Ghofrani, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen/ University Clinic Giessen 
• Marie-Jose Goumans, Leiden University 
• Rachel Gurrell, Apollo Therapeutics 
• Lars Harbaum, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf 
• Kevin Hart, Pfizer 
• Wei Li, VPD-Heart and Lung Research Insitute, University Of Cambridge 
• Maureen O’Connor, 35Pharma 
• Chris Rhodes, Imperial College London
• Alex Rothman, The University of Sheffield & Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 
• Ana-Maria Tanase, Novartis 
• Khodr Tello, Justus Liebig University Giessen 
• Richard Trembath, King's College London 
• Paul Yu, Mass General Brigham 

Our moderators

• Michaela Aldred, Indiana University 
• Stefan Graf, University of Cambridge 
• Luke Howard, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust 
• Jane Leopold, Harvard University 
• Brad Maron, University of Maryland 
• Nick Morrell, University of Cambridge
• Laura Southgate, University of London 

Explore the full programme
 

Want to know more? Watch this short video of Martin Wilkins, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, Imperial College London

Event location and getting there

The Royal College of Physicians is in Regent’s Park in central London. It is easily accessible - we recommend travelling by public transport, as parking in the area is limited.

• Underground: Great Portland Street (Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines), Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line), and Warren Street (Victoria and Northern lines) are all within walking distance
• Mainline rail: London Euston and London King’s Cross St Pancras are a short taxi or Underground journey away
• Airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City Airport all offer direct rail links into central London

There are numerous accommodation options nearby in Regent’s Park, Marylebone, Fitzrovia, and the wider central London area to suit a range of budgets. If you’re travelling internationally, we encourage you to book accommodation early, as June is a busy period in London.

Registration will open soon

We’ve kept registration fees accessible to encourage broad participation across the global PH community. 

• Early career / trainee / low- or middle-income country / non-profit / nurse rate - £80

• Senior career level in a high-income country - £160

• Pharmaceutical / industry rate - £280

If you’re a PVRI member, you’re entitled to a discounted rate. 

Access your PVRI member discount code

To check if you are in a low- or middle-income country, please visit unstats.un.org/sdgs/indicators/regional-groups. 

If you have any questions about registration, contact us at events@pvrinstitute.org and we’ll be happy to help.