Warsaw, Poland — The Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) is proud to announce that Professor Isabelle Meyts has been awarded the prestigious Joachim Hilfenhaus Award at this year’s International Plasma Protein Congress (IPPC).
Professor Meyts, a globally recognized expert in primary immunodeficiency and former President of the European Society of Immunodeficiencies, founded the Division of Primary Immunodeficiency at the University of Leuven in 2007. Under her leadership, the division became a Jeffrey Modell Foundation Diagnostics and Research Center in 2011. Her pioneering work in translational research has deepened understanding of both known and novel immunodeficiencies, particularly Adenosine Deaminase Type 2 deficiency.
“Professor Meyts is widely lauded as a compassionate clinician and mentor,” said Anita Brikman, President and CEO of PPTA. “She embodies the spirit and legacy of Dr. Hilfenhaus through her commitment to scientific rigor, evidence-based medicine, and an understanding of rare immunological disorders.”
Meyts joins a distinguished lineage of recipients including Drs. Charlotte Cunningham-Rundles, Pier Mannucci, Ann Gardulf, Flora Peyvandi, and Thomas R. Kreil — all leaders with significant contributions to shaping the plasma protein therapeutics field that have improved the lives of patients around the world.
The award was presented at the 20th Annual IPPC in Warsaw, Poland. While Professor Meyts was unable to attend the IPPC in person, she shared a heartfelt video message expressing her gratitude to the PPTA and her colleagues worldwide.
Established in 1998, the Joachim Hilfenhaus Award is presented annually to an individual whose work has significantly advanced the development and provision of safe and effective plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs). It honors the legacy of Dr. Joachim Hilfenhaus, a visionary virologist and founding leader in viral safety within the plasma industry, who dedicated his life to advancing science and improving safety standards in patient care.