Research teams at the Freeman Hospital have become the first in the world to recruit a patient to a clinical trial for bronchiectasis (brong-key-ek-tah-sis).
Bronchiectasis, sometimes referred to as non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, is a long-term condition where the airways of the lungs become widened, leading to a build-up of excess mucus that can make the lungs more vulnerable to infection.
The most common symptoms include a persistent cough that usually brings up phlegm and shortness of breath.
The damage caused to the lungs associated with bronchiectasis is permanent, but treatments such as medicine, devices to remove excess mucus from lungs, and exercise can prevent it from getting worse.
Finding effective treatments
The trial, sponsored by Sanofi, will evaluate the efficacy and safety of a type of drug known as a monoclonal antibody, which works by blocking proteins that cause inflammation in the lungs.
Professor Tony De Soyza, honorary consultant respiratory physician at Newcastle Hospitals, is UK lead for the trial. He said:
“Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition that can be difficult to live with, especially when symptoms flare up.
“The aim of this study is to find out if this investigational product reduces the frequency of bronchiectasis symptoms and how the body responds to the drug.
“Our hope is that this investigational treatment can eventually be used along current treatment options for bronchiectasis and improve quality of life for patients living with this debilitating condition.”
Left to right: Kasim Jiwa, Gillian Curry, Jamie Brown, Gareth Davies, Ben Robson, Amanda Young, Tony De Soyza, Henil Upadhyay, Kate McRoberts, Kathleen Bayani
Patients on the trial will be randomised, meaning that they will be allocated randomly to either receive the study drug or a placebo (dummy) dose. Both will be given by an injection under the skin.
Prof De Soyza, who is also professor of pulmonary medicine at Newcastle University, added:
“I am very grateful to the respiratory research team and pharmacy staff at the Freeman Hospital, who have worked hard to get this study up and running. My thanks also go to the patients who have kindly volunteered their time to take part in the study.”
- Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals are both part of Newcastle Health Innovation Partners (NHIP). NHIP is one of eight prestigious Academic Health Science Centres (AHSCs) across the UK, bringing together partners to deliver excellence in research, health education and patient care.
