The 2026 IPOPI Global Stakeholders’ Summit took place in Cascais, Portugal, on 29–30 June, bringing together experts, clinicians, researchers, patient advocates and industry representatives from around the world to discuss the future of Primary Immunodeficiencies (PIDs) and associated conditions. Hosted annually by the International Patient Organisation for Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI), the Summit provides a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange to advance PID care globally.
Looking ahead to 2036, this year’s discussions explored how scientific and technological advances could shape the future of PID diagnosis, treatment, and care. The Summit opened by encouraging participants to think outside the box and consider innovative therapies currently being developed for other indications that could be proposed as treatments for PIDs. These included nanoparticles for gene therapy delivery, broad-spectrum antiviral platforms to block infections, and CAR T cells for immunodeficiencies. Despite challenges such as cost and the need for specialised infrastructure and professionals, these pioneering therapies have the potential to transform the landscape of PID treatment over the next decade.
The summit also considered the ‘patient of tomorrow’ by brainstorming the impact of ageing, immune resilience, infection burden, and antimicrobial resistance in patient lives and proposing future approaches to mitigate these hurdles. On the second day, the final session focused on shaping the future of PID diagnosis and prognosis, looking into genomic innovations and the potential of Newborn Screening, inflammaging and mitochondria link with T cell dysfunction. Novel diagnostic approaches in genetic diseases of the immune system were also explored, including the need to study variables of unknown significance, penetrance, and how these affect immunodeficient patients and the general population. The summit concluded with interactive discussions that identified key priorities and recommendations for the years ahead.
By bringing together experts from across disciplines, the Summit continues to foster collaboration and drive innovation to improve outcomes for people living with primary immunodeficiencies worldwide. The proceedings from the 2026 Summit will be published in the coming months, ensuring that the insights and recommendations shared during the meeting reach the wider scientific and patient communities.
IPOPI gratefully acknowledges the continued support of CSL Behring, Grifols, Kedrion, and Takeda for this summit. IPOPI remains committed to advancing innovation, strengthening partnerships, and improving the lives of people living with primary immunodeficiencies and associated conditions.
