Latest news on lung regrowth Lung disease patients may one day breathe easier: Scientists have built a rat’s lung in the lab and successfully transplanted it into the animal
Read more: http://tinyurl.com/39ec4jf
Stem cell breakthrough offers new hope for lung disease patients
For the first time researchers have found a type of stem cell that could prove crucial in reducing injury and scarring in the lung and even generate new lung cells. A recent study has revealed that human cells isolated from the placenta could potentially heal lung injuries in patients. Lead researcher, associate professor Yuben Moodley said: ‘The investigation could provide hope for patients suffering from lung damage. ‘In Australia one in four are affected by serious lung conditions. Globally lung diseases cause many deaths and disabilities, with most lung conditions responding poorly to traditional medicines. Cellular therapies, although in the early stages of development, may form a vital part of future life-saving treatments.’ The research carried out in collaboration with Dr Ursula Manuelpillai, from the Monash Institute of Medical Research, is published in the June issue of the prestigious American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Co-author Emeritus Professor Alan Trounson, President of the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (and former Director of Monash Immunology and Stem Cell laboratories) said: ‘This study makes a very significant contribution to the potential repair of lung injury. It adopts a new approach to cell therapy utilising a type of cell that is available in large numbers and is particularly effective in lung repair.’
Pharmaxis today announced significant headline results for the final stage of its international Phase III trial of Bronchitol (inhaled mannitol) in people with cystic fibrosis. Pharmaxis website
Research into drugs to reduce fibrotic process in lungs Currently, there are no drugs that reduce the fibrotic process in lung disease or other organs. See link. http://tiny.cc/go08b
Rare Disease UK is an alliance of key stakeholders brought together to develop strategic planning for rare diseases in the UK. It is a joint initiative of the Genetic Interest Group (the UK alliance of patient organisations with a membership of over 130 charities which support children, families and individuals affected by genetic disorders) and others in response to unmet health care needs of hundreds and thousands of families who currently struggle to get access to integrated care and support from the NHS. It will help ensure the efficient use of scarce expertise, and the targeted use of health care resources to maximise the benefits for all patients and families affected by rare disease across the UK. http://www.raredisease.org.uk/index.htm
British Paediatric Orphan Lung Diseases (BPOLD) Last year a nationwide survey began to try and establish the numbers of families affected by OB in the UK. The research intended to look at characterisation of the disease in each individual patient, and to determine aetiology, severity and the impact of the disease on the patients and their family. The initial call for patients identified 307 patients across the UK with a provisional diagnosis of OB. Unfortunately the study has been terminated because of lack of funds or support from any local research governance committee. For more information go to: British Paediatric Orphan Lung Diseases (BPOLD) www.bpold.co.uk BPOLD aims to establish a registry of nine rare lung diseases in children in the UK. (OB is one) The registry will provide data on the prevalence and incidence of individual rare lung diseases and inform research projects which will increase our understanding of these diseases and ultimately improve treatment strategies for these children.
To date there has been no other publicised research about OB in the UK, however we will endeavour to include any new information if it becomes available.
Bronchitol Pharmaxis (ASX:PXS) announced that an advisory committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has voted to recommend the approval of Aridol™ (mannitol bronchial challenge test) for use as a bronchial test to assess bronchial hyperresponsiveness to aid in diagnosing patients who have symptoms of asthma or symptoms that are suggestive of asthma. The recommendation was made by the FDA’s Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee following a meeting on 20 November 2009. The FDA often seeks the advice of its advisory committees when evaluating potential new products but is not required to follow its recommendation. If approved, the FDA will determine final prescribing information. Pharmaxis filed an NDA for Aridol in March 2009 and the FDA is scheduled to advise the result of its review by 27 December 2009. The full release is available on the Pharmaxis website. Pharmaxis today announced that it has filed an application with the European Medicines Agency (EMeA) to market Bronchitol in Europe for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. The media release is available on the Pharmaxis website.
OB Research in Australia The Queensland Centre for Pulmonary Transplantation are carrying out research, the main focus of which is on obliterative bronchiolitis, particularly after lung transplantation and the condition following bone marrow transplantation with the obvious links to post infectious OB. Most of the research is laboratory based as yet. You can follow progress at the Prince Charles Hospital site:
Bronchitol trials news Pharmaxis today announced positive results from its Phase 3 cystic fibrosis trial. The media release is available on the Pharmaxis website at http://www.pharmaxis.com.au/library/2009_05_04_CF301_Top_Line.pdf. Dr Alan Robertson will host a conference call at 8.00am Sydney time on Tuesday 5 May to discuss the results. Details of the call are included in the announcement.
New Drug Trial- Bronchitol Latest news from Pharmaxis, an Australian drug company is that they are trialing 'Bronchitol'. Bronchitol hydrates the lungs, helps restore normal lung clearance and allows patients to clear mucas more effectivley. At this stage Parmixis are conducting trials with cystic fibrosis patients over the age of six and bronchiectasis patients over the age of eighteen. As they progress with the development of Bronchitol they will be investigating other disease areas where excess mucus impacts on patients quality of life. This may well have a positive impact for OB sufferers and Breathtakers will be following the progress. You can visit the Pharmaxis web below. www.pharmaxis.com.au
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