EuroMIT 2026 confirmed that, thanks to technological innovations, knowledge about mitochondria is becoming more refined, and the diseases resulting from their dysfunction are becoming amenable to treatment. A look back at the conference with Vincent Procaccio, one of its key contributors.
In terms of attendance, did the 2026 edition of EuroMIT meet expectations?
Vincent Procaccio: Undeniably. The conference welcomed more than 900 participants – researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and patient organizations – and featured more than 500 posters and dozens of oral presentations. Most of the attendees were, of course, from Europe, but 45 countries were represented, some, such as China for example, to a greater extent than previously. EuroMIT 2026 was truly an international conference, and its very high scientific quality was emphasized by many participants.
Were there any “scoops”?
V. P.: I wouldn’t call them scoops, but the speakers presented a great deal of unpublished information and data. This certainly reflects a desire to advance knowledge and science as quickly as possible for these rare and ultra-rare diseases.
In that regard, were any advances in basic research presented?
V. P.: The mitochondrion remains a complex organelle, particularly because of the multiple copies of its DNA. Nevertheless, there have recently been major technological innovations in genome sequencing, single-cell multi-omics analyses [that is, the analysis within a cell of “all” genes, their expression, and the proteins they encode, editor’s note], and even imaging of these organelles. These are key innovations that make it possible to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms and dynamics of these energy powerhouses that are essential to cells.
What about therapeutic approaches and their development?
V. P.: The conference illustrated the existence of a wave of clinical trials, some of which are very advanced. Thus, the studies that enabled Kygevvi® (doxecitin and doxribtimine) to obtain marketing authorization for TK2 deficiency in Europe and the United States were extensively documented.
Another presentation focused on sonlicromanol, which is currently being evaluated in a phase 3 trial for MELAS syndrome. We also chose to trace the entire story of sildenafil, from fundamental studies to the clinical trial currently being organized for Leigh syndrome.
Furthermore, with regard to gene therapy, it was shown that technological innovations should make it possible to address the complexity of diseases associated with abnormalities of mitochondrial DNA. It does indeed appear possible to correct this DNA using gene-editing techniques.
Finally, thanks to new mouse models of Leigh syndrome developed as part of the MitoDrug project, which I coordinate and which is supported by AFM-Téléthon, we demonstrated the value of alverine citrate, an intestinal antispasmodic from the pharmacopoeia. This drug could be proposed for mitochondrial diseases associated with complex I deficiency. This work will continue in order to confirm its therapeutic potential in these conditions.
How did the session dedicated to patients, organized for the first time as part of EuroMIT, go?
V. P.: Here again, it was a success. The room was full, and many people followed the livestream online from all over the world. The presentations were therefore in English. But we had chosen researchers and doctors who were bilingual in English and French in order to facilitate exchanges with the patients present on site. Finally, together with AMMi, we have planned to subtitle the entire livestream in French, Italian, and Spanish; it will be freely accessible.
Interview conducted by MitoGether
EuroMIT 2029: heading to Newcastle
At the closing ceremony of EuroMIT 2026, the organizers passed the torch to Laura Greaves from Newcastle University.
The researcher will now be responsible, together with her British colleagues, for preparing the 2029 edition, which will take place in Newcastle upon Tyne, in North East England.