Patients throughout the UK will be administered one of three drugs and monitored over a month at various trial sites. Credit: University of Dundee.

The University of Dundee in the UK is set to lead a clinical trial investigating whether existing medications can effectively treat bronchiectasis (BE), a chronic lung disease.

Dubbed Anti-Inflammatory Repurposing Network (AIRNET) project, the study is conducted by researchers from the European Research Network for bronchiectasis (EMBARC).

Under the leadership of Professor James Chalmers from the University’s School of Medicine, the trial secured funding from the non-profit organisation LifeArc.

Patients throughout the UK will be administered one of three drugs and monitored over a month at various trial sites to assess the impact on lung inflammation.

This trial is scheduled to commence next month, with the anticipation of publishing initial results within 18 months.

This accelerated timeline is attributed to the trial’s efficient design, which is expected to yield faster outcomes compared to traditional clinical trials, the institution noted.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

LifeArc supports the trial as part of its Chronic Respiratory Infection Translational Challenge, which aims to advance medical breakthroughs for patients with bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis.

In addition to evaluating the three repurposed drugs, the AIRNET trial will also develop new laboratory tests to study anti-inflammatory treatments for bronchiectasis.

This initiative is set to enhance the efficiency of future trials and strengthen the research capabilities within the UK.

University of Dundee Respiratory Medicine professor James Chalmers said: “This research will make a major contribution to the development of new anti-inflammatory treatments for bronchiectasis. 

“Our future vision is that bronchiectasis will one day be managed with daily tablets or inhalers which control inflammation in the lungs, reducing flare-ups and symptoms, without the need to use antibiotics so frequently. This will help to improve quality of life for people with bronchiectasis as well as reducing antibiotic resistance.”