A longer version of this content appeared in our members-only newsletter, Conquering Sjögren’s. exclusive content, become a member today.
The Sjögren’s Foundation’s th and 12th brought together Sjögren’s patients, experts, and advocates from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and 20 countries. The conference’s virtual format and programming provided attendees with ample opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive — the theme for the 2025 conference.
A Look Back at This Year’s Event
Attendees got to strengthen their living with Sjögren’s.
Deepening Understanding of Sjögren’s Disease
Anyone living with Sjögren’s knows that the disease is much more than the often-quoted it’s a disease that impacts many different body systems and has a significant impact on Sjögren’s patients’ lives.
At the conference, Sjögren’s experts:
- Explained what we know about how Sjögren’s impacts different body systems
- Discussed the types of symptoms patients might experience
- Provided actionable tips to help patients live well with Sjögren’s
Highlighting Advances in Sjögren’s Research
The field of Sjögren’s research is always changing — and there’s still plenty that we don’t know about this complex disease. However, experts around the world are conducting research to improve our understanding of Sjögren’s causes, manifestations, and treatments.
In this year’s main stage sessions, attendees learned about the state of Sjögren’s research — including some exciting developments in the field, like new clinical practice guidelines and new findings on genetics.
Answering Patients’ Sjögren’s Questions
Many Sjögren’s patients attend the National Patient Conference because they want to do all they can to better understand the disease.
To help address that need, speakers at the conference’s main stage offered Q&As with attendees at the end of their presentations. The 2025 conference also featured “Chat with a Doc” sessions with Dr. Donald Thomas, rheumatologist and Sjögren’s expert. These sessions created a venue for attendees to get answers to their unique Sjögren’s questions.
Fostering Connections
Living with a disease like Sjögren’s can have a big impact on patients’ daily lives and mental health. Many people with the disease feel isolated — or even misunderstood by their loved ones, friends, or coworkers who don’t have Sjögren’s disease.
At the 2025 conference, attendees had opportunities to connect with others with the disease through virtual Sjögren’s community areas. Attendees used chat and video to offer support, share their stories, and give advice for
Advocating on Behalf of Sjögren’s Patients
Part of the Sjögren’s Foundation mission is working to shape policies that affect Sjögren’s patients. Eli Greenspan, the Foundation’s advocacy expert, educated conference attendees about how public policies are formed and highlighted the advocacy work the Foundation has done on behalf of Sjögren’s patients. He also shared ways that the Sjögren’s community can , such as contacting elected representatives.
Spotlighting our Sponsors
The National Patient Conference was made possible by generous support from our sponsors — Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Amgen, Argenx, and Johnson & Johnson. Conference attendees had the opportunity to connect with sponsors in a virtual exhibit hall and learn about the work these organizations do to support Sjögren’s patients and research.
Access the 2025 Conference
The 2025 National Patient Conference may be over, but you can still access recordings of the event until October 12, 2025 — including presentations on managing Sjögren’s and new Sjögren’s research:
- If you attended the conference, you can access recordings of all main stage events. Simply sign into Accelevents using your registration credentials: accelevents.com/e/2025npc/portal
- If you didn’t attend the conference, you can purchase access to the conference recordings for $100. Get details and purchase the recordings: sjogrens.org/npc
Thank you to our attendees for another successful and impactful National Patient Conference. We look forward to welcoming the Sjögren’s community to next year’s event!
A longer version of this content appeared in our members-only newsletter, Conquering Sjögren’s. To access that article and other exclusive content, become a member today.
The Sjögren’s Foundation’s National Patient Conference on April 11th and 12th brought together Sjögren’s patients, experts, and advocates from all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and 20 countries. The conference’s virtual format and programming provided attendees with ample opportunities to connect, learn, and thrive — the theme for the 2025 conference.
A Look Back at This Year’s Event
More than 1,200 people registered for this year’s virtual conference. The event schedule included:
Attendees got to strengthen their understanding of Sjögren’s disease, learn about advances in research, and access tips for living with Sjögren’s.
Deepening Understanding of Sjögren’s Disease
Anyone living with Sjögren’s knows that the disease is much more than the often-quoted symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth. Rather, it’s a disease that impacts many different body systems and has a significant impact on Sjögren’s patients’ lives.
At the conference, Sjögren’s experts:
Highlighting Advances in Sjögren’s Research
The field of Sjögren’s research is always changing — and there’s still plenty that we don’t know about this complex disease. However, experts around the world are conducting research to improve our understanding of Sjögren’s causes, manifestations, and treatments.
In this year’s main stage sessions, attendees learned about the state of Sjögren’s research — including some exciting developments in the field, like new clinical practice guidelines and new findings on genetics.
Answering Patients’ Sjögren’s Questions
Many Sjögren’s patients attend the National Patient Conference because they want to do all they can to better understand the disease.
To help address that need, speakers at the conference’s main stage offered Q&As with attendees at the end of their presentations. The 2025 conference also featured “Chat with a Doc” sessions with Dr. Donald Thomas, rheumatologist and Sjögren’s expert. These sessions created a venue for attendees to get answers to their unique Sjögren’s questions.
Fostering Connections
Living with a disease like Sjögren’s can have a big impact on patients’ daily lives and mental health. Many people with the disease feel isolated — or even misunderstood by their loved ones, friends, or coworkers who don’t have Sjögren’s disease.
At the 2025 conference, attendees had opportunities to connect with others with the disease through virtual Sjögren’s community areas. Attendees used chat and video to offer support, share their stories, and give advice for living with Sjögren’s.
“It's been a very enlightening and validating experience to be part of this conference. Thank you for making us all feel seen and heard!” —2025 Conference Attendee
Advocating on Behalf of Sjögren’s Patients
Part of the Sjögren’s Foundation mission is working to shape policies that affect Sjögren’s patients. Eli Greenspan, the Foundation’s advocacy expert, educated conference attendees about how public policies are formed and highlighted the advocacy work the Foundation has done on behalf of Sjögren’s patients. He also shared ways that the Sjögren’s community can get involved in advocacy, such as contacting elected representatives.
Spotlighting our Sponsors
The National Patient Conference was made possible by generous support from our sponsors — Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Amgen, Argenx, and Johnson & Johnson. Conference attendees had the opportunity to connect with sponsors in a virtual exhibit hall and learn about the work these organizations do to support Sjögren’s patients and research.
Access the 2025 Conference
The 2025 National Patient Conference may be over, but you can still access recordings of the event until October 12, 2025 — including presentations on managing Sjögren’s and new Sjögren’s research:
Thank you to our attendees for another successful and impactful National Patient Conference. We look forward to welcoming the Sjögren’s community to next year’s event!