The 10th Chinese Extracorporeal Life Support Association (ChELSA) meeting was held in Wuhan, China, and featured a special session on Advances in Pharmacology on October 25, 2025.
During this session, ECMOPharmNet members Dr. Haifa Lyster, Dr. Bin Lin, and Dr. Yuetian Yu delivered presentations on emerging pharmacological insights in ECMO and infection management, while Dr. Zhengliang Zhang served as the session moderator.

The session highlighted collaborative efforts between ECMOPharmNet and Chinese ECMO centers to advance pharmacology-focused research, foster educational exchange, and promote evidence-based practice in critical care.

 The 36th Annual Conference of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO 2025) was held in Washington, DC, bringing together global experts to exchange advances in ECMO science, clinical practice, and education.

ECMOPharmNet members participated in two major breakout sessions.

Sedation: The Future of Tailored Therapy

This session explored innovations in sedation strategies for ECMO patients, from pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling to precision medicine approaches. Key speakers included our ECMOPharm representatives Diana Morales Castro, Benjamin Hohfelder, and Patrick Wieruszewski.

The discussion emphasized the importance of individualized sedation management and the evolving role of pharmacological innovation in ECMO care.

ECMO Cases Around the World: Unique Indications for ECMO

This session showcased rare and complex ECMO cases, including a presentations from our member Julian Arias Ortiz, highlighting global collaboration and lessons learned from diverse ECMO programs worldwide.

These sessions highlights:

Expanding Beyond ECMO: Exploring PK/PD in other extracorporeal therapies and critical care settings.

Forging Global Collaborations: Strengthening connections between International ECMONet & ECMOPharm Net to drive impactful research.

Translating Research to Bedside Care: Assessing the feasibility of integrating pharmacology recommendations into real-world ICU settings.

Global Data Collection for PK/PD & Dose Simulations: Expanding worldwide data acquisition efforts and incorporating findings into existing registries.

Advancements in Drug Dosing & Precision Medicine: Presenting cutting-edge research on drug dosing, monitoring, and personalized medicine in ECMO and critical care.

Our team led the insightful session “Demystifying Pharmacology” at this year’s ELSO conference, featuring key topics:

Anticoagulation Reversal Strategies: Before, During & After ECMO

Cardiovascular Optimization: Vasopressors & Inotropes in ECMO

Tailoring Optimal Sedation: Moving Beyond Sedation Scores

Inhaled Sedation

Panel: Research Priorities on ECMO Pharmacology