A breath of fresh air: finding a cure for bronchiectasis

For most of us, breathing is a process that occurs without thought or the knowledge that it is even happening. We take the health of our lungs for granted as they fulfil their role, whether we are sleeping in our beds or pushing our physical limits during exercise. 

But for an increasing number of people around the world, this seemingly simple act is impeded by bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition which causes breathlessness, a dry cough and pulmonary exacerbations. Around 1500 people in the UK die every year due to bronchiectasis, while millions worldwide live with its symptoms every day. 

However, in a development that will transform the lives of those who are afflicted by the condition, the University’s School of Medicine has helped to identify the first treatment for bronchiectasis following 15 years of pioneering research. 

Findings published earlier this year revealed that the drug brensocatib significantly reduces pulmonary exacerbations in people affected by the illness. Following a trial sponsored by biotech company Insmed and led by Dundee’s Professor James Chalmers, the world’s leading authority on bronchiectasis, the first-ever treatment for the condition has been identified. 

"With the numbers of people receiving a diagnosis increasing steadily across the world, and increasing awareness of bronchiectasis, the need to address this is urgent," said Professor Chalmers, Lead Investigator of the trial. 

"The results we have published show that the brensocatib was effective across a wide range of ages, sex and lung functions."

Exacerbations can occur in bronchiectasis patients over several days, with symptoms causing extreme discomfort and distress, including breathlessness. 

The University of Dundee is the world’s leading research centre into bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease. While a small percentage of cases are genetic, little is known as to how and why people are impacted by the condition, which is often indicated by a persistent cough. 

“Many people have not heard of bronchiectasis, and yet they or a family member could easily be living with it,” continues Professor Chalmers. 

“It is often referred to simply as a ‘lung condition,’ which means that many people are unaware of how impactful it can be. 

“Our work here has led the way in global bronchiectasis research and we are incredibly proud to have been able to work with Insmed on this trial. Identifying the first treatment for bronchiectasis is revolutionary for those living with the illness and highlights our role as the world-leader in revealing the secrets of this cruel illness.” 

Insmed is currently seeking regulatory approval for brensocatib so that it can be made available to the public in the United States, with further applications to be made in Europe and Japan.