A total of 50 patients from Styria, Vienna and Lower Austria came to us in order to listen to the exciting talks in the frame of the patient meeting. We have chosen this location because the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research (LBI-LVR) in Graz actively investigates different lung diseases such as lung fibrosis. The institute works closely together with the Division of Pulmonology of the Medical University of Graz (MUG).

The director of the institute, Andrea Olschewski, introduced the LBI-LVR which exists since 2010 and its research groups and explained the pathomechanisms of lung fibrosis. Her major concern was that also patients without medical background are able to understand the latest research developments. Horst Olschewski, the Chair of the Division of Pulmonology of the MUG, explained important changes in the recent therapy of lung fibrosis. Finally, after many years of research, two drugs which can slow down the processes of lung fibrosis are available. Gabor Kovacs informed about the origin and effects of pulmonary hypertension in COPD patients.

After the interesting talks, the patients could visit the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research and see where and how the different lung diseases are investigated. Then, a small lunchtime snack for all participants and speakers was organised.

Copyright: LBI-LVR/ Kleinschek