Pfizer Breakfast Symposium: ACE2, Inflammation and COVID-19: How are they all linked?
| Friday, August 7, 2026 |
| 7:15 AM - 8:15 AM |
Details
COVID-19 pathophysiology is driven by SARS-CoV-2 binding to ACE2, leading to its depletion and disruption of the renin–angiotensin system. Loss of ACE2 shifts the balance toward vasoconstriction, inflammation, and thrombosis, contributing to multi-organ damage. Widespread ACE2 distribution explains the systemic nature of disease. This mechanistic framework supports prevention, vaccination, and early antiviral therapy to reduce viral replication and limit downstream complications.
Session breakdown/Learning outcomes:
• Explain the role of ACE2 within cardiovascular physiology and RAAS balance
• Describe how SARS-CoV-2–mediated ACE2 depletion drives endothelial dysfunction, vasoconstriction, and thrombosis
• Recognise the cardiovascular implications of COVID-19, including vascular injury and thrombotic risk
• Apply this understanding to optimise prevention and early treatment strategies in high-risk cardiac patients"
Speaker
Dr Peter Lin
Director of Primary Care Initiatives
Canadian Heart Research Centre
ACE2, Inflammation and COVID-19: How are they all linked?
7:15 AM - 8:15 AMBiography
Dr Lin has lectured extensively on dyslipidaemia, PCSK9 inhibitors, HFrEF, HFpEF, drug interactions, herbal interactions, vascular effects of microplastics, diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP1-RA effects in cardiovascular disease and works with KDIGO to help improve care for CKD patients. He is a contributing author to the Canadian Diabetes Guidelines 2013 and 2018 on vascular protection and is the past Associate Editor for the Elsevier Web Portal – Practice Update Primary Care.
Dr Lin has been tracking and providing information on COVID-19 to the public since the beginning of the pandemic and teaching about the ACE2 pathway and how it is the driving force in COVID-related vascular damage.
