Abstract
Since the launch of Asia Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver Diseases (APASL) in 1978, its main objective has been to promote the scientific advancement and education of hepatology in the Asia-Pacific region, including the exchange of information and the development of consensus in the field of hepatology. It coordinates scientific studies between scientists and clinicians living in this region and encourages the practice of medicine in liver diseases. APASL has continued to fulfill its objective by conducting academic meetings in the field of liver diseases. One of the meetings is APASL Single Topic Conference (STC), which was held recently in Thailand for the second time during November 22–24, 2007, by the Liver Society (Thailand). The APASL STC 2007 aimed to raise the chronic hepatitis B issue among the experts and find more efficient medical treatment. The comprehensive scientific program of this conference was carefully drawn by the scientific committee to cover and update all advancing knowledge on various important aspects of hepatitis, especially “Innovation in Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment.” The opening session started with update in natural history of HBV infection and symposium on HBV treatment and followed by many interesting topics, including symposia, workshop, and debates with well-known invited speakers. In addition, 20 abstracts were submitted, of which 2 were selected for presidential awards. Although the number of abstracts were small, we hope that young investigators will be able to present their works in the future APASL STC meetings. Besides the intensive scientific program, the social events were highlighted by Thai cultural shows, especially the Moonlight Loy Kratong to celebrate Loy Kratong Festival (“Loy Kratong” means to float a banana leaf vessel on the river). The local organizing committees were given a good opportunity to host such a special event. The committees have put their efforts and dedicated their time to organize the event and it can be assured of its success by the acceptance of sponsors, namely, GlaxoSmithKline (Thailand) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Thai Ltd. (BMS), Schering-Plough, Roche Thailand Ltd., and Novartis (Thailand) Ltd., exhibitors from 27 pharmaceutical companies, and 818 participants from 28 countries: Thailand (380), China (236), Vietnam (42), Singapore (28), the Philippines (17), Pakistan (16), Saudi Arabia (14), India (13), Myanmar (12), Hong Kong, Japan, and many more countries. Finally, we are honored to host the APASL STC 2007 in Pattaya, Thailand. The success of holding this conference provided an excellent opportunity for sharing a wealth of knowledge and experience in hepatology. A sign of closer cooperation among our field appears evident, and assures us that our further collaboration in the next conferences can bring together all liver societies in the Asia-Pacific region, including the good response from participants and the pharmaceutical companies, to the conference every year from this moment onward.
Published Version
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