The Alpha-1 Europe Alliance (A1EA) held its Annual General Assembly and Members Meeting on 18 April 2026 in Warsaw, bringing together member organizations, clinicians, researchers, and industry partners from across Europe in a hybrid format. The meeting served as a key moment to reflect on progress, share knowledge, and strengthen collaboration across the Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) community.
Annual General Assembly: reviewing progress and setting priorities for 2026
The day began with the Annual General Assembly, attended by A1EA members only. During the session, the Alliance presented a review of activities and outcomes from 2025, alongside financial updates and the strategic plan for 2026. Key achievements were highlighted, together with priorities aimed at further strengthening patient advocacy, awareness, and cross-border collaboration.
The meeting also included the election of the Board of Directors. All current members were renewed for a new term, reflecting continued trust and continuity in leadership. The Board comprises:
- Fernanda Aspilche Ferro – President
- Heinz Stutzenberger – Vice-President
- Cristina Barbiero – Secretary
- Elena Goyanes – Treasurer
- Karen O’Hara – Board member
- Frank Willersinn – Board member
Members Meeting: advancing dialogue between science, care, and patients
The Members Meeting that followed opened the session to a wider community of researchers, healthcare professionals, industry partners, and friends of the Alliance, joining both in person and online. The discussions focused on advancing understanding of AATD across clinical areas and strengthening research collaboration.
The scientific programme featured expert contributions on key disease areas and emerging research:
- AATD & Bronchiectasis – Dr Luciano Corda, Associazione A1ATODV / ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia
- AATD & the Liver – Dr WJH Griffiths (virtual), Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
A dedicated session on the AATD research landscape provided updates and perspectives from global industry and research leaders:
- Dr Susana González (virtual), Global Clinical Lead, Takeda
- Andy Thurstan, Senior Director, Patient Services, Wave Life Sciences
- Dr Nate Thibault (virtual), Global Medical Lead, Sanofi
The session concluded with a discussion on how A1EA members are engaging in research initiatives and promoting the exchange of best practices across countries and organisations.
Closing remarks: strengthening a shared mission
In closing the meeting, Fernanda Aspilche Ferro, President of the Alpha-1 Europe Alliance, thanked all speakers and participants for their engagement and commitment throughout the day.
She highlighted four key messages emerging from the discussions:
- The importance of sustained collaboration across all stakeholders to drive meaningful progress in research and care
- The value of sharing knowledge and lived experience to better understand patient needs and priorities
- The strong momentum in research and innovation, and the need to keep patients at the centre of these developments
- The continued strength of the Alpha-1 community, built on trust, engagement, and shared purpose
She also extended a heartfelt thank you to the re-elected Board members for their leadership and ongoing commitment, to A1EA members for being the foundation of the Alliance, and to partners for their continued collaboration and support.
