Insights from National Jewish Health

Last Wednesday, I had the honor and pleasure of attending a lunch with Dr. Daley, renowned bronchiectasis and NTM expert, sitting at the head of the table.

Here are some key takeaways I’d like to share with you:

⭐ Brensocatib and the ASPEN Clinical Trial

The Phase 3 ASPEN clinical trial for brensocatib was the largest bronchiectasis study ever conducted. Dr. Daley shared that brensocatib has shown a favorable safety profile, was generally well-tolerated. A full report on the trial will be published soon.

⭐ NTM Lung Disease Trials

Unfortunately, two clinical trials for NTM lung disease had to be discontinued because the drugs being tested were not effective in clearing NTM infections. While disappointing, this is the nature of research—some trials are bound to fail.

⭐ Phage Therapy Progress

Dr. Daley spoke enthusiastically about phage therapy. Currently, NJH has about half a dozen patients receiving phage therapy alongside standard treatment. Despite ongoing regulatory hurdles, there’s hope that engineered phages could become valuable treatment options for M. abscessus and Pseudomonas infections.

⭐ Global Impact of NJH

Dr. Daley is proud that hundreds of physicians and scientists have conducted clinical research and postdoctoral fellowships at NJH and now practice medicine around the world.

⭐ Biotech Guidance

What amazed me most was learning how much time Dr. Daley spends counseling start-up biotech companies that are exploring potential novel treatments. I had no idea this was such a significant part of his work!

I left the luncheon feeling even more inspired and committed to supporting National Jewish Health. Although I’ve never been there, I’ll be including them on my annual donation list. 

#Bronchiectasis #NTMDisease #ClinicalResearch #Brensocatib #ASPENTrial #PhageTherapy #HealthAdvocacy #LungHealthMatters