On 7–8 May 2026, the International ME/CFS Conference 2026 took place in Berlin. Researcher Peter van de Wetering attended on behalf of NMCB. Peter recently started his PhD project within NMCB, where he investigates whether MRI scans and other measurements can help improve our understanding of ME/CFS. His research focuses on identifying measurable signals in the body, for example in the brain, blood, or other biological data.
The conference brought together researchers, clinicians, and other experts from around the world to discuss the latest developments in ME/CFS research. Potential treatments currently under investigation were also a major topic of discussion.
The first day focused primarily on the biological mechanisms underlying ME/CFS. Presentations covered the immune system, blood vessels, the nervous system, genetics, cellular energy production, and potential biomarkers. A biomarker is a measurable characteristic in the body, such as a substance in the blood that may help identify or better understand a disease.
The second day focused more on treatment approaches. Researchers presented ongoing studies as well as trials that are expected to begin soon. Particular attention was given to treatments targeting the immune system. Studies investigating therapies that suppress or modulate specific immune cells were discussed. These studies aim to determine whether such treatments are safe and whether they may benefit certain groups of patients.
Immunoadsorption was another topic of interest. This treatment involves filtering specific substances from the blood. Researchers are investigating whether it can reduce symptoms in some patients, particularly those with certain antibodies present in their blood. Early findings suggest that some patients experience improvement, while others do not, highlighting the need for further research.
The conference also featured presentations on other potential treatments, including medications already used for different diseases. Studies examining therapies aimed at inflammation, blood flow, the autonomic nervous system, and cellular energy production were discussed as well. Some studies reported promising early results, while others showed no clear benefit or had to be discontinued due to side effects.
Several recurring themes throughout the conference included POTS, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, sleep disturbances, blood flow abnormalities, and exercise intolerance. These are issues that many people with ME/CFS will recognise, including symptoms such as dizziness when standing, heart palpitations, severe fatigue, prolonged recovery after exertion, and difficulties with concentration.
A key message from the conference was that ME/CFS is a serious disease involving multiple body systems. Speakers also repeatedly emphasised that patients are not all the same. The biological mechanisms involved may differ between individuals. As a result, many researchers believe that future treatments are likely to be most effective for specific subgroups of patients rather than for everyone with ME/CFS.
This has important implications for patients. As long as it remains unclear which biological processes are involved in different patient groups, developing effective diagnostic tests and treatments will remain challenging. This is why much of the conference focused on identifying measurable differences between patient subgroups.
There was also considerable attention for people with very severe ME/CFS and for children with the disease. The sense of urgency was clear throughout the meeting. Despite the significant impact of ME/CFS on patients’ lives, there is still no treatment that is effective for everyone.
Throughout both days, the atmosphere was hopeful and firmly grounded in science. Many new studies were presented, but researchers were also careful to acknowledge what remains uncertain. Much of the current research is still small-scale or ongoing, meaning that findings should be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, the conference clearly demonstrated that international ME/CFS research continues to move forward.