Brensocatib (BRINSUPRI) and Verducatib: What Patients Need to Know About These Emerging Bronchiectasis Treatments

There is growing excitement in the bronchiectasis community around new medications that may help reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.

Two of the most talked about therapies right now are brensocatib (BRINSUPRI®) and verducatib.

These medications represent a new class of treatment known as DPP1 inhibitors, designed to target inflammation at its source.
At the same time, it is important to understand how these medications work, who they may help, and what options exist if they are not accessible.

How Brensocatib Works and What to Expect

During a recent patient webinar, Prof. James Chalmers from the University of Oxford shared important insights about brensocatib.

It Does Not Work Instantly

One key takeaway is that brensocatib does not provide immediate results. It typically takes about four weeks to begin having an effect.
This is because the medication works at the level of the bone marrow. It influences inflammatory cells before they enter the bloodstream. Those cells then travel to the lungs, which takes time.

​Understanding this timeline can help set realistic expectations when starting the medication.
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Early Patient Experience

Some early patient reports have been encouraging.

One individual shared:

“I’ve been on it for almost two months. I feel like a normal person for the first time in four years. No side effects. I’ve been on 25 milligrams since September. No wheezing or chest congestion anymore. I still cough, but there is less in my lungs.”
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Of course, not every experience has been entirely positive. Some individuals have reported side effects, including skin changes.
As with any new medication, responses can vary from person to person.
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What We Still Do Not Know

Even with FDA approval of brensocatib for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, several important questions remain.
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• How effective is it for people without frequent exacerbations?
• What about individuals with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections, who were excluded from trials?
• Could earlier use help slow lung function decline?
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While early feedback is promising, we still need real-world data to better understand long-term outcomes.

Verducatib and the AIRTIVITY™ Clinical Trial

If brensocatib is not available or affordable, another option to explore is the AIRTIVITY™ clinical trial studying verducatib.
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Verducatib is a similar DPP1 inhibitor and is currently being studied worldwide.

Clinical trials like this are essential for:
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• Expanding treatment options
• Understanding how these medications perform in different populations
• Improving access in the future
  
  

If you are interested, speak with your doctor to see if participation may be appropriate for you.

An Established Option: Azithromycin Prophylaxis

While new therapies are emerging, existing treatments remain an important part of care.

During a recent support group discussion, Dr. Ed Chan a researcher at National Jewish Health, in Denver, Colorado, emphasized the continued role of azithromycin.

​Why Azithromycin Is Used

Azithromycin is often prescribed on a regular basis, such as weekly or several times per week, to:

• Reduce inflammation
• Decrease exacerbations
• Help stabilize symptoms
  
  

This approach is supported by international bronchiectasis guidelines and has helped many patients.

Important Safety Consideration: NTM Monitoring

Long-term azithromycin use requires careful monitoring.
Patients should be regularly tested for nontuberculous mycobacterial infections.
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Why This Matters

If an NTM infection develops:
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• Azithromycin is typically discontinued
• This helps prevent antibiotic resistance
• It preserves azithromycin as an effective treatment
  
  

Azithromycin is a key medication for treating NTM infections. Using it when an infection is present could reduce its effectiveness when it is truly needed.
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Balancing Hope with Reality

​There is real momentum in bronchiectasis research, and that brings hope. At the same time, not everyone has access to newer therapies yet.
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It is important to:
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• Stay informed about emerging treatments
• Explore clinical trials when appropriate
• Continue optimizing current therapies
  
  

Every person’s situation is different, and treatment decisions should always be made in partnership with your care team.
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Looking Ahead

Medications like brensocatib and verducatib represent an exciting step forward in bronchiectasis care. At the same time, established therapies such as azithromycin remain valuable tools.

The future of bronchiectasis treatment will likely involve a combination of:

• New targeted therapies
• Proven existing treatments
• Personalized care approaches
  
  

While also recognizing that access and unanswered questions remain, there is hope for those of us living with bronchiectasis!!