Every seat was taken, but someone was missing. A record-breaking 750 healthcare professionals, patient leaders, and industry representatives packed into a vast room in Copenhagen, yet one absence was noted.

Professor Marcus Maurer, inspirational clinical leader, ally, and friend to the global HAE community, died in a tragic accident in late July 2024. As HAEi’s Chief Medical Advisor and the driving force behind the scientific forum of this meeting, Marcus would have opened proceedings. Instead, his colleague and friend Professor Markus Magerl stood on stage with HAEi’s Tony Castaldo and Henrik Balle Boysen.

Professor Magerl opened his tribute to his friend by acknowledging it should have been Marcus on stage. Prof. Magerl shared how Marcus ended up studying the mast cell and how he’d remained loyal over all the years, describing Marcus as an outstanding clinical allergy researcher and one of the most brilliant minds in dermatology and allergology. Prof. Magerl told the audience that Marcus’ contributions were so significant that angioedema research would be unthinkable without him, ‘He was in a class of his own.’

Speaking to Marcus’ dynamism and drive, Prof. Magerl felt that for Marcus, there must have been more than 24 hours in his day because there were no areas in which he wasn’t active. Marcus led the development of national and international guidelines for angioedema; he developed diagnostic devices; he found new ways to assess disease activity and quality of life; and above all, thanks to his immense perseverance, we now have effective drugs and more to come.

Beyond his clinical achievements, Prof. Magerl painted a picture of a unique and extraordinary person. Talking about his ‘dear colleague and loyal friend,’ Prof. Magerl, at times his voice breaking with emotion, spoke about Marcus as a man who was always communicative, friendly, and never condescending. He allowed others to shine and was happy about it, Professor Magerl told the hushed audience. He concluded by asking all present to continue Marcus’ legacy.

At the end of his emotional eulogy, the audience offered their tribute with a prolonged standing ovation.

You can read more about Marcus Maurer’s life in our Memories of Marcus feature.

After thanking Prof. Magerl for his inspiring tribute, Tony Castaldo told the audience that the best way to honor Marcus Maurer’s remarkable academic and advocacy efforts was to continue the programs and activities he initiated.

Welcoming all parties to the joint 2024 HAEi Global Leadership Workshop (GLW) and ACARE Global Angioedema Forum 2024 (GAF), Tony and Henrik drew attention to the generous support of the pharmaceutical company sponsors, and how this demonstrates the shared commitment to collaboration, which is such an important element of these meetings.

Both groups would unite in a unique cooperation between the physician and patient communities when “GAF meets GLW” to Navigate the Future.

Tony and Henrik ended their welcome by dedicating the event to the enduring legacy of Prof. Marcus Maurer, whose leadership and passion will continue to inspire everyone and to follow Marcus’ mantra, ‘Never Give Up.’