From Heterogeneity to Biology: ECM Remodeling and Precision Trials in Pulmonary Diseases

Watch this ECM Pharmacology Symposium to explore whether current approaches truly capture the underlying biology of pulmonary diseases such as COPD and lung cancer. This session focuses on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling as a central disease mechanism, its role in disease heterogeneity, and how ECM-derived biomarkers may support precision trials and improved prognostic assessment.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is traditionally defined and monitored using functional parameters such as airflow limitation. However, COPD is biologically heterogeneous, reflecting distinct pathological processes that are not fully captured by spirometry alone. Structural remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is increasingly recognized as a central mechanism underlying disease progression.

Agenda

COPD heterogeneity and extracellular matrix remodeling as a core disease mechanism | Dr. Janette Burgess
ECM biomarkers as tools for disease activity and prognosis – Assessing critical pathways of disease | Dr. Diana Julie Leeming
From COPD to Lung Cancer – The ECM as a pro-tumor environment | Dr. Martin Pehrsson
Live discussion and questions from the chat

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Scientific topics

ECM remodeling is not background biology—it is a measurable disease process that cuts across organ systems and indications. A substantial share of the population lives with ECM changes, and fibrosis remains a dominant contributor to mortality. This webinar focuses on the practical question: how do we quantify fibroblast-driven matrix turnover in a way that predicts outcomes and can guide therapy development?

Across liver, lung, skin, intestinal, cardiovascular, kidney disease, and across solid tumors, fibroblast activity is repeatedly associated with prognosis. Regulatory momentum also reflects this direction: fibroblast activity biomarkers such as PRO-C3 and PRO-C6 (type III and type VI collagen formation) are supported for prognostic use.

We connect mechanistic framing (what fibroblasts are doing) with translational readouts (what biomarkers capture in blood), then move into two applied deep dives:

Chronic liver disease: prognostic performance of ECM biomarkers, with emphasis on PRO-C3
Solid tumors: CAF-linked matrix signatures, including collagen type XI, and how baseline fibroblast activity stratifies survival

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Speakers

Dr. Janette Burgess

Dr. Janette Burgess is Professor of Extracellular Matrix in Disease Pathogenesis at the University Medical Center Groningen and a Rosalind Franklin Fellow.
Her research focuses on the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in lung diseases, particularly how structural changes in lung tissue and airways drive disease development and progression.
She investigates whether ECM alterations are causal drivers or consequences of pathology in chronic lung conditions.
Dr. Burgess leads translational research integrating primary human lung cells, patient tissue samples, and clinical data to characterize ECM remodeling.
Her group employs advanced in vitro models, ex vivo human lung tissue systems, and high-resolution microscopy to study ECM regulation and mechanics.
She is embedded within the Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), contributing to interdisciplinary respiratory research.
Her work aims to identify ECM-driven mechanisms as therapeutic targets for lung diseases affecting large patient populations.
Dr. Burgess is actively involved in international scientific leadership, including chairing and speaking at major conferences such as the European Respiratory Society Lung Science Conference.
She has received multiple recognitions, including the Solbert Permutt Trailblazer Award (2025) and Fellowship of the American Thoracic Society (2021).
In addition to research, she contributes to education and mentorship in matrix biology and tissue regeneration at the graduate level.

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Dr. Diana Julie Leeming

Dr. Diana Julie Leeming is the Senior Director of Fibrosis, Hepatic, and Pulmonary Research at Nordic Bioscience.
She joined Nordic Bioscience in 2004 and assumed the role of Director of Fibrosis in 2010, later being promoted to Senior Director in 2024.
Dr. Leeming focuses on developing serologically assessed markers to evaluate extracellular matrix remodeling in patients with pulmonary or hepatic fibrosis, aiding in diagnosis and pharmacodynamic evaluation.
She is a principal inventor of the PRO-C3 assay, a fibrogenesis marker utilized in multiple clinical trial studies.
Dr. Leeming has authored over 280 peer-reviewed publications, demonstrating her extensive contributions to the field.
Her H-index is 69, her I10-index is 195, and her research has garnered over 15,736 citations as of February 2026.

Dr. Martin Pehrsson

Dr. Martin Pehrsson, a Senior Scientist and Scientific Alliance Manager working with Pulmonary Research at Nordic Bioscience.
He joined Nordic Bioscience in 2017, assumed the role of Senior Scientist in 2023 and Manager in 2025.
Dr. Martin Pehrsson focuses on the application of extracellular matrix remodeling biomarkers in clinical trials of patients with respiratory diseases, such as IPF and COPD, aiding in mode of action and pharmacodynamic evaluation.
He was part of the initial development of the CTX-III biomarker, a marker used to assess fibrosis resolution.
Dr. Martin Pehrsson have authored 38 peer-reviewed publications with an H- and i10-index of 8 and 287 citations as of April 2026

On our website you can find our other previous webinars, which cover various ECM-related topics.

We are also excited to inform you about our upcoming in-person event, The Extracellular Matrix Pharmacology Congress, taking place in Copenhagen in June 2026. This congress will be a unique opportunity to gather with leading experts in the field and explore the latest advancements in extracellular matrix research and pharmacology.

Please stay tuned for updates as we prepare to bring you another engaging and educational webinar experience. Thank you for your patience, and we look forward to connecting with you soon!

The ECM Pharmacology Symposium Series is a close collaboration with our industry sponsor Nordic Bioscience.