EAS Newsletter March 25, 2025

Society:

Announcing Young Investigator Awards 2025

The EAS Young Investigator Awards 2025 celebrate outstanding early-career researchers for their exceptional contributions to atherosclerosis and related metabolic disorders. Each award, valued at €2,000, honors groundbreaking publications that advance scientific knowledge in these fields.

This year’s winners in both the Basic and Clinical categories will present their papers on the EAS Stage in the exhibition area during the EAS Congress in Glasgow on Tuesday, May 6.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about their impactful work!

We are delighted to announce this year’s winners for their outstanding research:

Basic Science Award

NK2R Control of Energy Expenditure and Feeding to Treat Metabolic Diseases

Published in: Nature
Awardee: Frederike Sass, Novo Nordisk Center for Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08207-0https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08207-0

Frederike Sass received her PhD from the University of Copenhagen under the mentorship of Zach Gerhart-Hines in 2024. Her doctoral work established the Neurokinin 2 Receptor (NK2R) as a novel therapeutic target for obesity and metabolic diseases. In 2025, Frederike joined the laboratory of Martin Myers at the University of Michigan as a Michigan Pioneer Postdoctoral Fellow.

Her research focuses on integrating peripheral and central mechanisms of metabolic control to identify new therapeutic strategies for cardiometabolic diseases.

Dr. Frederike Sass is awarded the 2025 EAS Young Investigator Award for her groundbreaking research on NK2R agonism as a novel therapeutic approach for cardiometabolic diseases. Her work provides a transformative strategy for addressing diabetic dyslipidemia, demonstrating an innovative dual mechanism that reduces food intake while increasing energy expenditure, without the common side effects of existing treatments. With an impressive interdisciplinary approach and exceptional scientific maturity, Dr. Sass has already made significant contributions to the field, positioning herself as a future leader in metabolic disease research.

Clinical Science Award

Lipoprotein(a) Is Markedly More Atherogenic Than LDL: An Apolipoprotein B-Based Genetic Analysis

Awardee: Elias Björnson, University of Gothenburg, Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
Published in: Journal of the American College of Cardiology
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.10.03

Dr. Björnson’s research focuses on apoB-containing lipoproteins in cardiovascular disease, using Mendelian randomization to assess the atherogenicity of remnant lipoproteins, LDL, and Lp(a). His work in SCAPIS explores subclinical atherosclerosis and risk prediction.

His PhD research investigated lipoprotein metabolism, including kinetic modeling of apoB100- and apoB48-containing lipoproteins and the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and PCSK9 inhibitors.

Disclosures: Consultancy for Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals and Ribocure Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Björnson’s study provides groundbreaking insights into the atherogenicity of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], demonstrating that it is significantly more atherogenic than LDL on a per-particle basis. By employing a novel Mendelian andomization approach, the research offers crucial implications for cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment strategies. This impactful work advances our understanding of Lp(a) as a key therapeutic target, making it a deserving winner of the EAS Young Investigator Award.

Collaborations:

Global synergy: I EAS-LatAm Congress kicks off a new chapter in collaboration

The inaugural EAS-LatAm Congress was a groundbreaking event that brought together experts, researchers, and clinicians from Latin America and the European Atherosclerosis Society. It provided an incredible platform for exchanging knowledge, fostering collaboration, and broadening scientific horizons across continents.

The synergy between Latin American peers and EAS members created a vibrant environment for discussions, innovation, and new partnerships in the field of atherosclerosis research.

Huge congratulations to the organizers for making this historic event a reality! We look forward to many future collaborations that will continue to strengthen these valuable connections. Thank you!

Education:

Register for the next EAS Webinar and learn more about the role of ultraprocessed foods and the Nordic diet in CVH

The next EAS webinar is already scheduled. After a succesful event last week, this session will focus on two key topics: the impact of ultraprocessed foods on CVD and the role of the Nordic dietary pattern in cardiovascular health.

The first presentation, Ultraprocessed foods and CVD: separating facts from fiction, will be given by Jacob J. Christensen, exploring the evidence behind these foods and their effects on cardiovascular health.

Following this, Professor Ursula Schwab will present on The Nordic dietary pattern in CVD, providing insights into how traditional Nordic eating habits influence heart health.

The session aims to provide an evidence-based perspective on these dietary factors and their relevance to cardiovascular disease.

To the registration page

Outreach:

This is the final month to submit your research for the ELC Annual Meeting 2025!

The European Lipoprotein Club (ELC) is still accepting abstracts for its annual meeting, but time is running out! This is the final month to submit your research. Scientists and students from Europe and neighboring countries are encouraged to apply. Selected abstracts will be considered for oral and poster presentations.

Join us and be part of a dynamic program featuring cutting-edge research on lipids, lipoproteins, and lipid-related diseases. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your work and connect with leading experts in the field!

To the abstract submission

Education:

Prof. Alberto Zambon on triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and residual risk

As part of the EAS-LatAm webinar, Professor Alberto Zambon (University of Padova, Italy) provided an insightful overview of the role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in atherogenesis, supported by evidence from genetic studies, clinical trials, and epidemiology.

He reviewed the 2021 ESC Guidelines for treating hypertriglyceridemia, discussing the effectiveness of fibrates and omega-3 fatty acids, and presented a recently published treatment algorithm for high- and very high-risk patients.

This is a must-watch lecture for anyone interested in the latest advancements in the field!

To the Open Lecture by Prof. Alberto Zambon

Outreach:

First-ever Global Summit on elevated Lp(a) – addressing one of the biggest unmet needs in cardiovascular health

Brussels, March 24, 2025: One in five people globally—over 1.4 billion individuals—are living with elevated Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a significant, yet widely undetected inherited cardiovascular risk factor. Despite its clear link to premature heart attacks, strokes, and aortic stenosis, only 1%-2% of the population is tested, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable, life-threatening cardiovascular events.

The economic and healthcare burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is staggering, with CVD costing the EU €282 billion annually [1]. Of this, €155 billion (55%) is spent on health and long-term care, accounting for 11% of total EU health expenditure. Productivity losses contribute €48 billion (17%), while informal care costs amount to €79 billion (28%). The economic impact translates to an average cost of €630 per person, with national variations ranging from €381 in Cyprus to €903 in Germany. Within these costs, coronary heart disease accounts for 27% (€77 billion), and cerebrovascular diseases account for 27% (€76 billion). These figures underline the urgent need for improved early detection and prevention strategies.

To address this urgent public health crisis, 50 leading global experts, policymakers, and patient representatives will convene for the first-ever Global Summit on Elevated Lp(a), coinciding with Lp(a) Awareness Day. This landmark event, hosted under the patronage of the Polish EU Presidency, is a direct response to growing EU and international commitments to tackle cardiovascular disease through prevention, early detection, and data-driven healthcare policies [2].

A Policy-Driven Scientific Summit to Address Lp(a) as a Public Health Priority

Living with elevated Lp(a) presents a significant emotional and practical burden for affected individuals and their families. Recent research highlights that many people with high Lp(a) levels only learn about their condition after experiencing a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, or due to a family history of cardiovascular disease. Despite medical guidelines advocating once-in-a-lifetime Lp(a) testing, many healthcare professionals are hesitant to test, often citing the lack of approved Lp(a)-lowering therapies. Patients and caregivers report frustration with the inconsistent and conflicting lifestyle advice they receive, with many feeling that their condition is largely invisible to the public and under-recognized by the medical community. The psychological impact of living with an increased, yet poorly understood, cardiovascular risk is significant, with many expressing anxiety, helplessness, and a desire for clearer, more structured medical guidance and emotional support. Patient Ambassadors underscore the urgent need to integrate Lp(a) testing into routine cardiovascular risk assessments and provide comprehensive support for those affected. [3]

Despite scientific consensus on the importance of once-in-a-lifetime Lp(a) testing [4], testing rates remain critically low due to a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals, as well as systemic barriers within health systems, including financial disincentives for preventive testing. There is also a misconception that testing is unnecessary in the absence of approved Lp(a)-specific therapies. Missed opportunities to leverage global risk management strategies further exacerbate the failure to prevent early cardiovascular events.

EU Leadership in Advancing Cardiovascular Health & EHDS Alignment

This Summit aligns with the EU’s emerging health policy developments, including the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and the recent Council Conclusions on Cardiovascular Health (December 2024), which emphasize the integration of cardiovascular disease risk assessments into national health policies, systematic data collection on CVD risk factors, including Lp(a), for better prevention and care, and investment in precision medicine and digital health tools to improve early detection and patient outcomes. The Summit will reinforce Lp(a) testing as a cornerstone of effective, personalized cardiovascular prevention, ensuring that health systems shift from reactive disease treatment to proactive and preventive health management.

Summit Highlights & Key Policy Announcements

A major highlight of the Summit will be the unveiling of the International Cost-Effectiveness Study on Lp(a) Testing, led by Prof. Zanfina Ademi (Monash University). This study provides irrefutable evidence that Lp(a) testing is economically viable and cost-effective, reinforcing its necessity as part of standard CVD risk assessment. Another key outcome will be the launch of the Brussels International Declaration on Lp(a), a policy blueprint outlining concrete steps for governments, policymakers, and health systems to implement routine Lp(a) testing. The Declaration is expected to be endorsed by leading global cardiovascular and patient advocacy organizations and serve as a reference for future cardiovascular health policies at the national, European, and international levels.

The Summit will be hosted by MEP Romana Jerkovic, Vice-Chair of the SANT Committee on Public Health and Chair of the MEP Cardiovascular Health Group, alongside MEP Adam Jarubas, Chair of the SANT Committee, and MEP András Kulja, with a welcome address from EU Commissioner for Health, Olivér Várhelyi, who has been invited.

A Multisectoral Call to Action

This unprecedented Summit is a flagship initiative of the Lp(a) International Taskforce, chaired by Prof. Florian Kronenberg (Austria), a lead author of the EAS Consensus Paper on Lp(a) Testing [3], and is organized by the FH Europe Foundation, an umbrella patient organization dedicated to inherited lipid conditions and cardiovascular risk factors. Leading scientific, advocacy, and patient organizations backing the Summit include the World Heart Federation (WHF), the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), the Global Heart Hub, the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH), and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS).

A Paradigm Shift: From Cardiovascular Disease to Cardiovascular Health

This Summit marks a seismic shift from merely treating cardiovascular disease to proactively safeguarding cardiovascular health. It is an opportunity for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and patient organizations to ensure that preventable heart disease remains preventable.

Voices from the Summit

Prof. Florian Kronenberg, Chair of the Lp(a) International Taskforce, emphasized that “This Summit unites scientific, political, and advocacy leaders to ensure that Lp(a) testing becomes a global standard. We must not only normalize testing but also support individuals in managing their health effectively.”

Magdalena Daccord, CEO of FH Europe Foundation, added that “The Summit sets a powerful precedent. It amplifies the voices of people living with elevated Lp(a) and solidifies their role in shaping policies. The launch of the Brussels Declaration is just the beginning—our goal is to secure systematic Lp(a) testing and risk-based cardiovascular prevention for all.”

Prof. Børge G Nordestgaard, President of the European Atherosclerosis Society, concludes that “Widespread screening for high Lp(a) is timely, as many drugs that lower Lp(a) 80-99% to reduce cardiovascular disease are currently being tested. We need to identify the persons that could benefit from such therapies before the first results become available in 2026.”

Summit Funding & Support

The work of the Lp(a) International Taskforce and the 1st Global Lp(a) Summit is supported through a collaborative effort, driven by the dedication of passionate experts, volunteers, and advocates who generously contribute their time, knowledge, and expertise as in-kind support and by funding from Amgen, Novartis, Roche Diagnostics, and Silence Therapeutics, in line with FHEF’s framework for cooperation with industry.

Further Information & Media Contact

For media inquiries, contact

Magdalena Daccord,

CEO, FH Europe Foundation

[email protected]

More details about:

Lp(a) Global Summit: https://fhef.org/lpa-globalsummit/
Lp(a) International Taskforce: https://fhef.org/lpa-international-taskforce/
FH Europe Foundation: www.fhef.org

About the Summit:

This high-level, invitation-only Summit is the first global event of its kind, bringing together leading international experts in Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], key policymakers, and patient organisations to address one of the most overlooked yet critical issues in cardiovascular health.

We are honoured to announce that the Summit is hosted by MEP Romana JERKOVIĆ, is being held under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union and in partnership with the World Heart Federation (WHF), the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS) and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS), the Global Heart Hub, the European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (EACH).

Among valued quests speakers Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, MEP Adam JARUBAS, MEP András Tivadar KULJA.

From EAS we are delighted to have among speakers Prof. Borge Nordestgaard and Prof. Kausik Ray. These esteemed endorsements underscore the significance of addressing elevated Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in global cardiovascular health initiatives.

[1] Economic burden of cardiovascular diseases in the European Union: a population-based cost study, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37632363/

[2] Conclusions on the improvement of cardiovascular health in the European Union, 2024.12.03 – https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-15315-2024-INIT/en/pdf

[3] Living with Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Levels: The Experiences of Patients and Caregivers https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40008374/

[4] Lipoprotein(a) in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis: a European Atherosclerosis Society consensus statement https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36036785/

Society:

EAS Calendar – March-May 2025

From insightful webinars to groundbreaking announcements, this section is your gateway to staying connected and up-to-date with the latest developments within the EAS Society.

March 24-25, Lp(a) Global Summit

April 24, Abstract submission deadline for ELC Meeting 2025

May 4-7, 93rd EAS Congress 2025 in Glasgow, United Kingdom

May 30-31, 1st Cyprus Conference on Atherosclerosis, organized by the Cyprus Atherosclerosis Society