Join us as leading experts discuss key data and perspectives from ATS 2026
The American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2026 International Conference brought together the latest research and clinical insights across respiratory medicine, highlighting advances in diagnosis, treatment and patient care. In this collection of expert interviews, leading clinicians share their perspectives on key data presented at the meeting, covering topics including pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, COPD, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and global oxygen access, while exploring the potential impact of these findings on future research and clinical practice.
New insights are added regularly, covering a broad range of subspecialties and evolving clinical scenarios. Sign up below for Free Access to the latest clinical updates in your specialty!
Preclinical Findings Support Progression of Lithium into Clinical Trials
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
AATD is a rare genetic disorder that can lead to progressive, early-onset emphysema, with no current therapies able to reverse established lung damage. In this interview, Dr Karina A. Serban and Dr Maria Magallon Serrano discuss the unmet needs in AATD-related emphysema, the rationale for investigating lithium as a potential treatment, key findings from their preclinical study presented at ATS 2026, and the implications for future clinical trial development.
→ Read: Restoring lung tissue regeneration pathways in AATD-related emphysema
 Promising Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety Data for Inhaled Treprostinil
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Inhaled treprostinil, a synthetic prostacyclin analogue approved for PAH and PH-ILD, was investigated in the phase 3 TETON-1 trial in patients with IPF. In this interview, Dr Steven Nathan discusses the unmet needs in the treatment paradigm for IPF, the rationale for evaluating inhaled treprostinil in this indication, while highlighting the study design and key findings from TETON-1.
→ Read: Inhaled treprostinil delivers promising phase 3 results in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Evolving Approaches to PAH Assessment and Management
Pulmonary arterial hypertension
What were the key advances in pulmonary arterial hypertension at ATS 2026? In this interview, Dr Namita Sood shares her personal highlights from the meeting, discusses the importance of incorporating the patient perspective into care and research, and reflects on emerging treatments and evolving approaches to PAH assessment and management.
→ Read: The evolving PAH landscape: Highlights from ATS 2026
Potential of IL-33 Inhibition Demonstrated in Phase 2b & 3 Studies
COPD
The phase 2b ALIENTO and phase 3 ARNASA studies investigated the efficacy and safety of astegolimab, an IL-33 inhibitor, for patients with COPD. While the primary endpoints showed mixed results, further analysis of patient-reported outcomes has shown promising results. In this Q&A, Dr Frank Sciurba outlines the objectives and findings of the health-related quality of life analysis he presented at ATS 2026, and what the results could mean for the clinical development of astegolimab.
→ Read: Astegolimab shows promising HRQoL signals in ALIENTO and ARNASA
ATS International Health Committee on Global Oxygen Access
Hypoxemia
The ATS International Health Committee brought together experts from diverse healthcare settings to discuss barriers to diagnosis, disparities in oxygen access and the challenges of delivering care across high-, middle- and low-income countries. In this interview, Prof. Richard Van Zyl-Smit reflects on the session’s key discussions and the need for greater awareness, collaboration and investment to improve global lung health.
→ Read: International perspectives on hypoxemia assessment and oxygen access
Small Molecules, Biologics and Combination Therapies
Vascular and fibrotic lung disease
During the annual conference, attendees shared new research and clinical advances through scientific sessions, abstract presentations, and collaborative discussions aimed at improving respiratory care and patient outcomes. In this interview, Dr Jean Elwing breaks down the key presentations, sessions and abstracts from the conference, highlighting the substantial progress made in the field and the challenges that still remain
→ Read: Inching closer to a cure in pulmonary hypertension & interstitial lung disease
This content has been developed independently by Touch Medical Media for touchRESPIRATORY. Views expressed are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Touch Medical Media.
Cite: Spotlight on ATS 2026: Expert perspectives from Orlando. touchRESPIRATORY. July 02 2026.
Editor: Victoria Smith, Senior Content Editor.
