AIRNET: A clinical trial to find new treatments for bronchiectasis

Overview

The AIRNET (Anti-Inflammatory Repurposing Network) project is a multi-million-pound clinical trial funded by LifeArc to investigate whether existing drugs can be repurposed to treat bronchiectasis, a common chronic lung condition. The trial is a collaboration between researchers from EMBARC, a European research network for bronchiectasis, and will be led by Professor James Chalmers at the University of Dundee.  

About bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition that causes permanent damage and widening of the bronchi, leading to persistent breathing difficulties and recurring lung infections. Despite being the third most common lung disease in the UK, affecting approximately 200,000 people, it is often considered a ‘hidden’ disease due to the lack of public awareness, research, and dedicated treatments.  

The condition has seen a 40% rise in cases over the last decade, with further global increases of 20% expected in the next 10 years, particularly due to an aging population. Currently, there is no specific cure or treatment for bronchiectasis, and patients rely heavily on antibiotics to manage flare-ups, which raises concerns about antibiotic resistance. 

About AIRNET

The AIRNET trial aims to address the urgent need for new treatments for bronchiectasis by repurposing existing drugs that are already approved for other conditions. This approach can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with bringing new treatments to market.  

Patients across the UK will be monitored to determine the effectiveness of three anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing lung inflammation caused by bronchiectasis. The project will not only test these drugs but also develop new laboratory tests to enhance future bronchiectasis research.  

We are providing financial support and our translational science expertise to support this trial in the hope of finding new treatments that will improve the lives of patients with bronchiectasis.  

Impact of AIRNET

This research has the potential to significantly advance the development of new anti-inflammatory treatments for bronchiectasis, which could dramatically improve patients’ quality of life. 

If the trial is successful, it will be a step in the right direction towards a future where patients could manage their condition with simple daily tablets or inhalers, cutting down on the need for antibiotics. This is important because overusing antibiotics can make them less effective over time. 

The trial has been designed to be faster and more efficient, thanks to lessons learned from COVID-19 research, with initial results expected in just 18 months. This could bring new treatments to patients much sooner.