Drug-repurposing in lymphedema research – using
reverse translation to identify tangible pharmacological approaches

Description: The main focus of this presentation is to explain what reverse translation means, exhibit the outcome of direct translational research (bench to bedside) and the advantages of reverse translations as a methodology itself (along with all data gathered so far) This presentation is intended to all audiences but geared toward medical professionals, researchers and policymakers. Key takeaways from this presntation: -Reverse translation holds higher promises to bring tangible pharmaceutical candidates in the battle against lymphedema -We need to learn primarily from our patients and not attempt to verify animal model findings to humans. -Medication taken by patients has usually more effects than the targeted one - drug repurposing is the most promising emerging strategy to identify new yet existing drugs for known conditions, some of which are fully deprived from a pharmaceutical treatment. 

About the speaker: Dr. Gousopoulos, MD PhD is a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon and Head of the Researcher Lab of his clinic in Zurich, Switzerland. After his medical studies he pursued a Master's degree in Medical Biology and a PhD at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, in the laboratory of Prof. Michael Detmar, with a particular focus on the pathophysiology of lymphedema and the identification of lymphatic vascular activators. Following his research, Dr. Gousopoulos completed his training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the University Hospital in Zurich, whilst maintaining his research activity with his own research group, publishing on both lymphedema and lipedema research. His research focuses on the molecular players underlying lipedema and lymphedema development, as well as potential drug-repurposing application against these diseases. At the same time, he co-founded IRAYE, a skincare company that uses proprietary technology developed at ETH to topically activate the lymphatic system of the skin, opening a new era in functional skincare.