Boehringer Ingelheim has breathed life into an American Lung Association campaign, providing support for a new push to educate people with bronchiectasis about how to better manage the disease.
Bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disease, is characterized by the widening and scarring of airways because of repeated inflammation and infection. Patients can develop persistent coughs, shortness of breath and decreased lung function, because the airway damage hinders the clearance of mucus from the lungs. No treatments are currently approved, but companies including Boehringer and Insmed are trying to enter the market.
The American Lung Association campaign, which launched Tuesday in tandem with World Bronchiectasis Day, is intended to help patients better manage the condition using existing options. Patients can access information on managing flare-ups and guidance on coping with the condition’s psychological impact, among other resources.
American Lung Association CEO Harold Wimmer said in a statement that, “while there is currently no cure for bronchiectasis, early diagnosis, effective management and a solid support system can help people with the disease lead healthy and active lives.” The campaign materials are therefore designed to “help patients better manage their symptoms and prevent serious complications,” he added.
The campaign, which also includes education around exploring treatment options, comes at a big moment for the bronchiectasis field. The FDA is set to rule on whether to approve Insmed’s brensocatib in the indication next month. Insmed is planning to immediately launch brensocatib in the U.S. if the FDA authorizes the DPP-1 inhibitor.
Boehringer has a rival DPP-1 inhibitor in development. The German drugmaker began a phase 3 trial last month, putting it on track to wrap up the study in 2028.
Meanwhile, Haisco Pharmaceutical is running a phase 3 trial of another DPP-1 inhibitor in China. Chiesi Farmaceutici licensed the candidate outside of Greater China in 2023 and is running a phase 1/2 trial of its own.