Translational Innovation Hub Network for Lung Health and Infection in Cystic Fibrosis
LifeArc and Cystic Fibrosis Trust have launched the UK’s first Translational Innovation Hub Network to accelerate the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics for lung infections.
Overview
LifeArc and Cystic Fibrosis Trust have jointly invested £15 million in the Translational Innovation Hub Network for Lung Health and Infection. The network consists of 4 hubs in Cambridge, Liverpool, Manchester and London.
These hubs focus on research into chronic respiratory infections and pulmonary exacerbations, with the goal of transforming how lung infections are diagnosed, treated and managed in cystic fibrosis patients.
About the Translational Innovation Hub Network for Lung Health and Infection
The Translational Innovation Hub Network is dedicated to improving lung health for people with cystic fibrosis. Through research programmes that leverage innovations like machine learning and app technology, the network seeks to predict exacerbations earlier and develop novel treatments.
By combining expertise from a variety of fields, this national infrastructure aims to support cutting-edge solutions to address unmet medical needs in lung health and enable faster translation of discoveries into clinical practice.
This initiative also plays a critical role in training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, ensuring long-term improvements in cystic fibrosis care.
About cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting inherited condition that affects over 11,000 people in the UK and nearly 200,000 globally. The disease is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, leading to the accumulation of thick mucus in the lungs and digestive system, which causes chronic infections and inflammation. Though recent therapies like Kaftrio have provided hope, there is still no cure, and the average life expectancy for people with CF remains low.
Lung infections are a major complication of the disease, often resulting in hospitalisations, intensive treatment, and long-term lung damage. These infections evolve over time, becoming resistant to antibiotics, and requiring ongoing research into new approaches for detection and treatment.
Cambridge Innovation Hub
The Cambridge hub focuses on using machine learning to predict pulmonary exacerbations. By analysing breath, cough, sputum and blood samples, researchers will develop predictive models to better manage lung infections.
The hub will also work on optimising antibiotic treatments, ensuring that patients receive the most effective combinations tailored to their needs.
Imperial College London Innovation Hub
At Imperial College London, the focus is on detecting pathogens that are prevalent in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, using novel approaches such as breath analysis and even the use of trained sniffer dogs.
By studying the interaction between different bacteria and fungi, researchers aim to develop new diagnostic tools that can predict infections before they become severe, allowing for earlier and more targeted interventions.
Liverpool Innovation Hub
The Liverpool hub is advancing phage therapy as a solution to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in CF lung infections. By developing new phage combinations and exploring optimal delivery methods, the team will ensure that phage therapy can be implemented in medical practice.
This hub will also focus on identifying the microbiological causes of pulmonary exacerbations and training the next generation of CF researchers and clinicians.
Manchester Innovation Hub
At the University of Manchester, researchers are studying the causes of pulmonary exacerbations by analysing a range of biological samples, such as blood, saliva and sputum, and collecting spirometry data.
They will also use smartphone apps to track symptoms and understand why some individuals respond differently to IV treatments. The findings will inform future clinical trials aimed at preventing exacerbations and optimising antibiotic use in CF patients.
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