|
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically target and destroy bacteria. These microscopic entities outnumber all other organisms on Earth and thrive in diverse environments, including ponds, lakes, and oceans.  Phages exhibit a unique structure, often resembling tiny robotic explorers with a 20-sided head mounted on a tail equipped with leg-like fibers. This design enables them to attach to specific bacterial hosts, inject their genetic material, and hijack the bacterium’s machinery to produce new phages, ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacterial cell. (Microbe Notes – Bacteriophage Structure & Function) A Brief History of Phage Therapy The discovery of bacteriophages dates back to 1915 when British bacteriologist Frederick Twort observed their antibacterial properties. Two years later, Félix d’Hérelle independently identified these viruses and recognized their potential as antibacterial agents. D’Hérelle pioneered phage therapy, establishing treatment centers across Eastern Europe. However, the advent of antibiotics—particularly penicillin, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928—led to a decline in the popularity of phage therapy in Western medicine. (ScienceDirect – History of Phage Therapy) The Resurgence of Phage Therapy Amid Antibiotic Resistance With the alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, phage therapy is experiencing a renaissance. Phages offer a targeted approach to combating bacterial infections, especially those resistant to conventional antibiotics. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, phages can be tailored to attack specific bacterial strains, reducing collateral damage to beneficial microbiota and minimizing the risk of resistance development. (ScienceDirect – Phage Therapy and Antibiotic Resistance) Recent Advances: Armata Pharmaceuticals’ AP-PA02 A notable advancement in phage therapy is the development of AP-PA02 by Armata Pharmaceuticals. This inhaled bacteriophage therapy targets Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The Phase 2 Tailwind study demonstrated that AP-PA02 was well-tolerated and showed potential in reducing reliance on chronic antibiotics. Encouraged by these results, Armata is progressing toward a Phase 3 clinical trial, marking a significant step forward in the application of phage therapy for respiratory infections. (PR Newswire – Tailwind Study Results) The Future of Phage Therapy The renewed interest in phage therapy underscores its potential as a viable alternative or adjunct to antibiotics. As research advances, phage therapy may play a crucial role in personalized medicine, offering targeted treatments for bacterial infections that are unresponsive to traditional antibiotics. Continued clinical trials and regulatory support will be essential to integrating phage therapy into mainstream medical practice. (Journal of Intensive Care – Current Status of Phage Therapy) #PhageTherapy #Bacteriophage #Bronchiectasis #Phage #Pseudomonas #Biologic
0 Comments
FDA Grants Priority Review to Brensocatib: A Potential Breakthrough for Bronchiectasis Treatment  On February 6, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted Insmed Incorporated’s New Drug Application (NDA) for brensocatib, granting it Priority Review status.This designation accelerates the regulatory timeline, setting a target PDUFA action date of August 12, 2025, under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA). Brensocatib: A First-in-Class DPP1 Inhibitor Brensocatib is an oral, reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP1), an enzyme responsible for activating neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) such as neutrophil elastase. By blocking DPP1, brensocatib aims to reduce NSP activity, which in turn may help decrease inflammation and tissue damage in the lungs. Addressing an Unmet Need in Bronchiectasis Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease marked by permanent airway dilation, frequent infections, and excessive inflammation. Despite its rising prevalence—affecting over 500,000 people in the U.S.--there are currently no FDA-approved treatments specifically for this condition. Brensocatib has the potential to:
Promising Results from the ASPEN Study The NDA submission is backed by data from the Phase 3 ASPEN study—the largest clinical trial ever conducted in patients with bronchiectasis. The study showed that both 10 mg and 25 mg doses of brensocatib significantly reduced the annualized rate of pulmonary exacerbations compared to placebo over a 52-week period. 📄 View Insmed’s ASPEN Study press release. Brensocatib also demonstrated consistent benefits across diverse patient subgroups, suggesting wide applicability. Looking Ahead With FDA Priority Review, brensocatib could soon offer a long-awaited, disease-modifying treatment for patients living with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. If approved by August 2025, it would mark a major advancement in care, offering hope to those affected by this underrecognized and difficult-to-treat condition. 🧠 Learn more about brensocatib’s mechanism and development on ClinicalTrials.gov. #Brensocatib #Bronchiectasis #FDAReview #DPP1Inhibitor #PulmonaryHealth #Insmed #ASPENStudy Biologics are therapies made from living organisms or their components—such as proteins, cells, or bacteria.  Unlike traditional drugs made through chemical synthesis, biologics are developed using biotechnology. This allows them to target disease processes more precisely, often resulting in better outcomes and fewer side effects for certain conditions.
🧬 Learn more about how biologics are made and approved from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). You’ve Probably Already Had a Biologic If you’ve received a vaccine, you’ve already experienced a biologic therapy in action. Vaccines for:
A Personal Note: How the HPV Vaccine Changed My Perspective More than 25 years ago, I had a hysterectomy following a diagnosis of cervical carcinoma in situ caused by HPV. At that time, the HPV vaccine didn’t exist. Today, it gives me peace of mind knowing that my grandchildren are protected against this cancer-causing virus, thanks to the development of preventive biologics. 📖 Read more about the HPV vaccine’s role in cancer prevention from the National Cancer Institute. Biologics in Chronic Illness Care Biologics aren’t just for disease prevention—they’re also used to treat a variety of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including:
Are Biologics Being Studied for Bronchiectasis? Yes—and that’s where it gets exciting. While no biologics are currently FDA-approved specifically for bronchiectasis, researchers are exploring their potential role in managing bronchiectasis with asthma, allergies, or eosinophilic inflammation—a common combination in clinical practice. Biologics currently being studied or used for off-label treatments have shown promising results in small studies and case reports involving: Patients with these conditions may experience:
While biologics are powerful, they’re also extensively tested. As with any treatment, side effects are possible—but today’s biologics are held to high safety standards. In fact, biologics are often used when standard treatments fail or when precision is needed to avoid broader immune suppression. Biologics Are Already Changing Lives From vaccines to advanced immune therapies, biologics are transforming how we prevent, treat, and manage disease. And while they may sound “new” or “intimidating,” they’ve been part of mainstream medicine for decades—and they’re only getting better. If you live with bronchiectasis, asthma, or a chronic inflammatory condition, biologics may be an option worth discussing with your care team—especially if standard therapies aren’t enough. #BiologicsExplained #BronchiectasisCare #FutureOfMedicine #AsthmaOverlap #ChronicInflammation  I used to think I was eating healthy—until I got diagnosed.
Pasta and veggies. Rice and veggies. Potatoes and veggies. That was my go-to. But after my bronchiectasis and MAC diagnosis, I learned the hard way that protein is critical when dealing with inflammation and infection. Those days of carb-heavy meals? They’re long gone. One of my biggest lessons came from Michelle MacDonald, a nutritionist at National Jewish Health. In a webinar series sponsored by Bronchiectasis and NTM Info & Research, Michelle emphasized not only the importance of protein but also the need for a well-balanced diet—including protein, carbs, and fats—with a special focus on getting enough calories. 💥The Power of Protein💥 According to Michelle, protein should anchor every meal. And no, that doesn’t mean tossing a handful of garbanzo beans into your stir-fry. It means making a deliberate effort to get 20–30 grams per meal. Personally, I aim for the high 20s, four times a day. I think of protein as “spackle”—filling in the damage caused by inflammation and infection. I truly believe this was one of the key reasons I was able to clear a MAC infection without antibiotics—my body had what it needed to repair and rebuild. 💥Don’t Forget Carbs & Fats💥 While protein is essential, carbs and fats also play a crucial role in immunity and energy. If you’re not consuming enough, your body will start using protein for fuel instead—wasting it on energy instead of healing. 💥Trying to Gain Weight? Be Smart About Fiber💥 If you struggle with appetite or need to gain weight, Michelle recommends limiting fiber from fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and whole grains. These foods fill you up too quickly, so don’t make salads your main course! At the end of the day, airway clearance, exercise, and good habits all matter, but none of it works if your body doesn’t have the nutrients it needs to heal. #HealthyEating #EatForHealing #ProteinPower #Bronchiectasis #NTMLungDisease #NutritionMatters #RespiratoryHealth  For me, educating people about bronchiectasis isn’t just about explaining the disease—it’s also about advocating for early diagnosis. The sooner people receive the right care, the better their outcomes.
That’s why I actively share insights on LinkedIn, where I’ve built a strong community of over 8,000 connections, including many respiratory therapists and clinicians. Engaging with this network is another way I advocate for early detection, ensuring that more people recognize the signs of bronchiectasis and get the care they need as early as possible. ⭐️⭐️This is my latest LinkedIn post:⭐️⭐️ There are people who have bronchiectasis (BE) and also have asthma and/or COPD. However, according to Dr. Charles Daley, one of the top BE and NTM doctors in the world, there are others who are incorrectly diagnosed with asthma or COPD when, in fact, they have bronchiectasis. As he recently said: (This transcription may contain minor errors.) “I would go out on a limb here and say, even though I can’t prove this point, I think most people with bronchiectasis have never been diagnosed, because to get diagnosed, the clinician, the provider, has to order a CT scan. And if you don’t do that, then they’re going to just say your chronic cough is asthma, or it’s COPD, or as allergies is something else, but until you get the chest CT, you can’t see the dilated airways. And once you do that, then you can call this bronchiectasis. There are many paths that lead to the condition bronchiectasis, but the symptoms are really what should drive the thinking about bronchiectasis. So a person has a chronic cough for months, often it’s producing sputum. They often have recurrent infections, and we call those exacerbations… So those are the things that should key the clinician to say, maybe this isn’t asthma. Maybe I should get an imaging study and figure out if this is bronchiectasis.” Respiratory therapists: If you’re working with patients who are coughing, have sputum and are not improving on their current treatment, they might have bronchiectasis. Please bring it to the attention of your team physician. New bronchiectasis treatments are in the pipeline with some becoming available this year. These treatments could greatly improve the quality of life for your patients. #RespiratoryCare #PulmonaryHealth #RespiratoryTherapist #Bronchiectasis #NTM #Asthma #COPD  For the first and only time in 2025, I’m offering 10% off all my services for February—or until my schedule is fully booked. This won’t happen again this year‼️
Even at my regular rates, the value I provide is significant—which is why I don’t offer discounts often. When you book an initial consultation, here’s what you get: ✅ A detailed review of your questionnaire responses before we meet. ✅ A 75-minute deep dive into your concerns. ✅ A personalized set of resources curated just for you. But it doesn’t stop there. Once you become my client, you’re not just getting a one-time consultation—you’re gaining a trusted partner in your bronchiectasis journey. Who Am I? I’m Linda Cooper Esposito, MPH—Yale-educated, highly experienced, and fully dedicated to helping people with bronchiectasis live better lives. I currently work exclusively with bronchiectasis clients, and my LinkedIn recommendations span over a decade. Most importantly, I’m a good listener. Managing bronchiectasis isn’t one-size-fits-all, and I take the time to understand your lifestyle, your goals, and your challenges—no cookie-cutter templates. What I’m Not: ❌ I’m not ‘Coach Linda.’ I use my full name because I stand behind my work with credibility and integrity. ❌ I’m not a clinician, and I don’t give medical advice. Instead, I empower you with knowledge so you can make informed decisions with your healthcare team. ❌ I’m not here to judge. I support you, encourage best practices, and help you navigate your health—without shame or pressure. Ready to Get Started? Whether you’re booking for the first time or returning as a client, this is your chance to lock in my only all-services discount of 2025. Here’s how to book: 1️⃣ Visit LetsBeClearToday.com (link in bio) 2️⃣ Go to the Consultation page 3️⃣ Select a service and complete your booking https://www.letsbecleartoday.com/store/p2/Comprehensive_75_minute_consultation.html?#/ Once you book, I’ll personally reach out to schedule our Zoom or phone session—whichever you prefer! ‼️ Important: This is my only site-wide discount in 2025. Buy now, use it whenever—your purchase has no expiration date! Let’s connect and take the next step together! #Bronchiectasis #BronchiectasisCoach #NTMLungDisease #MACLungDisease #BeProactive #BeClearMethod https://www.letsbecleartoday.com/store/p2/Comprehensive_75_minute_consultation.html?#/  This year we anticipate having the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for bronchiectasis—brensocatib.
Many have asked me about the criteria for brensocatib eligibility and it remains uncertain. The FDA will ultimately determine who can access it, whether by restricting it to high-risk populations or allowing clinicians more discretion in prescribing it. For the clinical trial, participants had to be classified as frequent exacerbators—those experiencing two or more exacerbations per year requiring antibiotics. But that was just the trial’s criteria. Going forward, clinicians will most probably ask for an open policy that will allow them to determine who might benefit most. After all, the mechanism of brensocatib in bronchiectasis is to reduce inflammation—and inflammation is at the core of this disease, regardless of exacerbation frequency. In fact, many of us experience significant symptoms even without frequent exacerbations. So it stands to reason that reducing symptoms would improve quality of life and be a major benefit to our community. Does this give you hope? Are you someone who likes to try new treatments right away, or do you prefer to wait, see how others respond, and then decide? www.letsbecleartoday.com #Bronchiectasis #brensocatib #clinicaltrials #AspenStudy #exacerbations #flareups #hopeisintheair  Living with bronchiectasis means walking a tightrope. Every single day, we’re managing so much: airway clearance, equipment sterilization, battling fatigue, and still trying to live a full, vibrant life.
It can feel like a lot - because it IS a lot. But here’s the truth: we’re not alone in this journey. Each of us is trying to find that delicate balance between being vigilant about our health and actually ENJOYING our lives. Some days that balance feels impossible, and other days? We proudly hit all our marks. Right now, there’s frustratingly little scientific research about our daily self-care practices. How do we really sterilize equipment? What’s the best approach to drinking water or showering? We’re often left piecing together advice from manufacturers, healthcare providers, and our own community’s shared experiences. My advice? Listen to your body. Follow your device instructions carefully. Talk to your medical team. And most importantly - be kind to yourself. If you’re someone battling frequent infections, you’ll naturally be more cautious. If infections have been rare for you, you might take a more relaxed approach. But no matter where you are on this journey, remember: we’re in this together. ❤️ #BronchiectasisWarrior #ChronicIllness #SelfCare  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were only one way to do airway clearance? The truth is, there isn’t—and that’s okay. In fact, airway clearance is highly individualized, and as much an art as a science.
At every professional bronchiectasis conference I’ve attended, the message about airway clearance has been consistent: it should be taught by a respiratory professional and tailored to each person.Unfortunately, many people don’t have access to specialized education. While progress is being made, we’re not there yet. In the meantime, peer education and webinars have become invaluable resources. A frequent topic in these discussions is the use of devices like the Ombra compressor with AeroEclipse nebulizer cups. One advantage of this system is that the nebulizer cup can connect directly to an Aerobika OPEP (Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure) device. This combination is taught by National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado—a leading lung hospital. Their method involves inhaling medicated mist and exhaling into the Aerobika, which creates lung vibrations. They believe this helps the saline mist penetrate deeper into the airways. Alternatively, specialists like Dr. Pamela McShane recommend a different sequence: nebulizing first to coat the airways with saline, followed by tools like the Aerobika, vibration vests, or breathing techniques to mobilize mucus. So, which method do I use? It depends. If I have plenty of time, I’ll nebulize first. If I’m in a hurry, I’ll attach the nebulizer cup to my Aerobika to save time. The key takeaway is that airway clearance isn’t one-size-fits-all. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others or feel like we’re doing something wrong if one technique doesn’t work for us. One tip from experts: avoid exhaling too forcefully or coughing harshly to expel mucus. Doing so can cause floppy airways to collapse, making it harder to clear our lungs. Instead, aim for slow, steady breaths—easy does it. Do you have a preferred method? Share your experience below! (BE CLEAR has a consulting relationship with Monaghan Medical) #bronchiectasis #airwayclearance #removingmucus #phlegm #sputum #nebuliser #Aerobika  Keep your devices functioning properly, make de-scaling a monthly habit!
How to De-Scale Your Equipment: ✔️ Soak the disassembled device in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water for 1 hour ✔️ Wash and disinfect as usual Important: De-scaling is not the same as sterilizing—vinegar only provides low-level sterilization. ✅ Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to check your compressor filter—it may be time for a change! Check out my YouTube channel for helpful airway clearance videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv0bQel-IptGJS3KoAuOsyt7ia0_AkBW&si=jr5A0b1LvwkkDRmk Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more tips‼️ (Consulting relationship with Monaghan Medical) #Bronchiectasis #AirwayClearance #Aerobika #Acapella #Nebulizing #Nebuliser #Nebulizer |
AuthorLinda Cooper Esposito, MPH is a health educator with bronchiectasis. She developed the BE CLEAR Method to Living with Bronchiectasis and writes with compassion and humor about this chronic lung disease. Archives
April 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed