1st ELA International symposium

World experts on leukodystrophies brought together by ELA International to advance research.

At the initiative of ELA International, eminent specialists from several disciplines and countries (USA, Italy, Spain, England, Germany, Holland, France, etc.) are gathered on 4 and 5 December 2017 in the presence of patient representatives to enrich their mutual approaches on leukodystrophies (degenerative brain diseases that affect 40 births per week in Europe). The event was opened by Guy Alba Founder of ELA, President of ELA International and Claude Meisch, Minister of Education and Research. Guy Alba reminded the progress made during these 25 years (discovery of new genes, biomarkers, new therapeutic approaches, etc.) that researchers can be proud of. However, the mobilization must not weaken, despite this progress there is urgency because the hopes of treatments remain too rare. Claude Meisch welcomed the initiative of ELA International and recalled Luxembourg’s commitment to support research on rare diseases in connection with European networks. ELA International brought together biologists, doctors, pharmacists, industrialists, scientists, who brainstormed new therapeutic approaches. This symposium was organized with the assistance of:

The ATOZ Foundation
MedDay Pharmaceuticals
Hôtel Le Royal – Luxembourg

The topics discussed were:
• Promising treatments for microglial function and innate immunity in the brain
• Role and potential impact of these treatments in leukodystrophies
• Possible clinical trials in patients with leukodystrophy

Since its creation, ELA has invested 42.6 million euros in medical research corresponding to the funding of 497 programs, making ELA the first funder of research on leukodystrophies.

In 2015, ELA International was created in Luxembourg to leverage its action in Europe and worldwide. Behind Zinédine Zidane many sponsors and personalities are mobilizing.

ELA exists today in Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Indian Ocean and Switzerland to gather, unite and multiply the fight against leukodystrophies.