Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a progressive inflammatory respiratory disease characterized by irreversible enlarged airways, which prevent proper mucus clearance. This excessive mucus build up increases the risk of lung infections, leading to a continuous cycle of airway dysfunction, chronic inflammation, infection, and progressive structural lung damage, known as the 'vicious vortex'. The disease can occur in patients with various underlying conditions, such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD. However, in up to 50% of cases, the cause remains unknown (idiopathic bronchiectasis). Bronchiectasis symptoms include coughing and production of large volumes of sputum, which can greatly impact quality of life. Effective bronchiectasis treatments are needed to address the existing high unmet need for those living with this disease.

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