Renowned international speakers and healthcare professionals from 17 countries gathered at the third annual RespiVerse meeting on December 13-14 in Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss pressing global challenges in respiratory diseases, innovative solutions, and collaborative strategies to advance respiratory health worldwide.
This year’s RespiVerse meeting featured prominent international speakers and experts from regions including Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Central America. It integrated science, technology, and talent to identify the main clinical challenges in the respiratory area with the aim of developing scientific content that enhances the knowledge and professional practices of pulmonologists.
The expert panel focused on four respiratory pathologies: moderate asthma, severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Increasing health challenges
At this GSK-hosted event, experts from Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia highlighted the growing burden of respiratory diseases.
Dr. Le Khac Bao, deputy head of the Lung Disease Department at Gia Dinh People’s Hospital, noted that individuals with COPD have an increased risk of infection. He explained that inflammation weakens the immune system, creating an inverse relationship between inflammation and immune strength.
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| Dr. Le Khac Bao, deputy head of the Lung Disease Department at Gia Dinh People’s Hospital. Photo: GSK |
Dr. Fariz Nurwidya from Universitas Indonesia emphasised the prevalence of viruses and bacteria, stating that while many infections heal spontaneously, viruses like adenovirus can cause severe symptoms in COPD patients.
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| Dr. Fariz Nurwidya from Universitas Indonesia. Photo: GSK |
Dr. Pailin Ratanawatkul from Khon Kaen University pointed out the lack of effective treatments for some viruses, such as RSV, in Thailand. She advocated for prevention over treatment to avoid complications, noting that RSV can affect both the respiratory system and heart function.
Experts also addressed the low immunity rates, attributing it to a lack of awareness. Patients often underestimate the severity of infections and may not realise the importance of vaccinations. Despite government support for free vaccinations in some countries, uptake remains low, highlighting the need for increased community awareness about prevention.
The way forward
According to experts, prevention could be the key to improving the situation. Dr. Le Khac Bao said that there are three common risk factors for COPD exacerbation. Firstly, continued exposure to tobacco smoking and air pollution. His study found that at least 34 percent of COPD patients continue to smoke.
Secondly, non-compliance with treatment is another factor. COPD patients often discontinue their medication when their symptoms improve. Moreover, many COPD patients do not know how to use inhalers correctly, particularly for maintenance treatment. Therefore, enhanced disease education about the importance of prevention is needed so that patients comply with treatments and proactively seek advice about vaccinations.
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| Dr. Pailin Ratanawatkul. Photo: GSK |
Dr. Pailin Ratanawatkul added, “We need to encourage physicians and researchers to conduct qualitative studies demonstrating the value of investment in vaccinations to stakeholders. This is crucial because we must consider indirect costs, such as hospitalisation and the potential for further infection.”
“For instance, in Thailand, a single COPD exacerbation can cost upwards of $500. Preventing hospitalisation through a $2-$5 vaccination could be a compelling argument for investment. Prevention is always the better strategy.”
At the event, Dr. Gur Levy, a respiratory medical expert at GSK, said, “For decades, we have been promoting the development of new therapeutic alternatives, setting the standard for next-generation treatments and redefining the future of respiratory medicine for millions of people with respiratory diseases.”
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| r. Gur Levy, Respiratory Medical Expert at GSK. Photo: GSK |
Through collaboration with leading specialist physicians and experts worldwide, GSK has developed a world-class programme to achieve excellence in clinical practice and optimise respiratory treatment outcomes for millions of patients.
“At GSK, we research and develop a portfolio of vaccines, targeted biological products, and inhaled medicines at the forefront of respiratory care, aiming to improve outcomes and enhance the lives of people with asthma, COPD, and RSV. GSK leverages the latest scientific and technological advances to address the underlying causes of these diseases and prevent their progression,” said Levy.
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| Dr. Arnas Berzanskis, VP and regional medical affairs head – vaccines. Photo: GSK |
“At GSK, we are dedicated to advancing innovative solutions to protect vulnerable populations, particularly older adults with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, and heart disease, from the significant health risks posed by RSV and other acute respiratory infections. By prioritizing prevention, we aim to reduce the burden on healthcare systems and promote healthier communities worldwide, especially in the context of an ageing global population,” said Dr. Arnas Berzanskis, VP and regional medical affairs head – vaccines.
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