scientific program - World Allergy Organization

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WAO Congress–XVIII ICACI Final Program
It is with great pleasure that I present the Final Program of the World Allergy Organization (WAO)
Congress—XVIII ICACI. This WAO Congress offers a unique opportunity to hear the most up-to-date
information regarding the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of diseases we traditionally associate with
“Allergy and Clinical Immunology” as well as discussions and debates where controversy exists. We are
fortunate to have speakers, chairpersons and submitted abstracts that are truly international, with substantial
representation from every continent (and most countries), so the common and the unique facets of allergy
and clinical immunology can be explored. The therapeutic modalities we employ are about to undergo
considerable change with the addition of new approaches to immunomodulation including use of cloned
allergens, modification of immunotherapy to include agents that enhance immunodeviation from a Th2 to Th1 response and
production of monoclonal antibodies to interrupt the inflammatory response. These approaches and other similar ones represent the
therapy of the future. The future is near and the prospects for improved treatment of our patients are exciting indeed. We must,
however, not lose sight of the fact that most therapies are the result of years of basic studies regarding the mechanisms for initiation and
perpetuation of the immune response. Our program will present a fine balance between the basic and clinically relevant.
We are fortunate to host this meeting in Vancouver, one of the world’s most enjoyable cities. We have planned a social event program
that we hope will be enjoyed by all.
We are particularly indebted to our many sponsors, including the Platinum Supporters - Aventis Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline,
Merck Sharp & Dohme, Novartis Pharma and UCB Pharma and the Gold Supporters - Alcon Laboratories and MedPointe
Pharmaceuticals. Each has contributed not only resources for the meeting, but also to the development of excellent symposia and the
exhibits displaying the latest in pharmacotherapeutics. The Local Arrangements Committee, chaired by Drs. Robert Schellenberg and
Donald Stark, did an excellent job in providing for our stay while in Vancouver. The expertise of our Scientific Program Committee
was invaluable for development of the overall program. I wish to thank the WAO Secretariat and in particular Denise Lemke, Andi
Raabe and Kay Whalen for their hard work and support to make this Congress a success. Finally, a special thanks to Drs. Estelle
Simons and Michael Kaliner who co-chaired the Organizing Committee. Their dedication, enthusiasm and ability are unmatched
and they have had a major role in every aspect of this Congress.
We all wish you a productive and enjoyable time in Vancouver. Our next WAO Congress will be held jointly with EAACI in
Munich, Germany from 26 June -1 July 2005.
Sincerely,
Allen P. Kaplan, MD
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE