Develop a Multi-omic Signature for Accurate ILD Endotyping Integrated into Clinical Pathways
Lead: Prof Phil Hansbro and Prof Dan Chambers
Our group leads an international collaboration which has demonstrated differential biomarker profile in progressive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We have also demonstrated brain natriuetic peptide, fibulin-1 and IL-6 levels to be prognostic in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
We are now taking our biomarker work to a new level, performing complete profiling of all genes and proteins in single cells. Using integrative bioinformatics to define specific factors that control entire disease-causing pathways, we will focus on networks that can be targeted specifically to develop effective therapies.
- We are developing a multi-omic signature for accurate pulmonary fibrosis endotyping.
- We are using novel animal models to define drivers of pulmonary fibrosis and test new therapies.
- We are integrating molecular endotyping into clinical care.
Development of Disease Modifying Treatments for Interstitial Lung Disease
Lead: Prof Dan Chambers
Available antifibrotic therapies do not reverse or halt progression of pulmonary fibrosis; they merely slow it. This muted efficacy reflects their non-specific modes of action and their targeting of the final, fibrotic, step in the pathogenic pathway.
Guided by an ever-improving understanding of pathogenesis, drug development has evolved across other complex diseases, with pulmonary fibrosis treatment poised to undergo a similar transformation.
We are developing a portfolio of novel precision-medicine therapeutics targeting upstream pulmonary fibrosis pathogenic events.
We are carrying out the TELO-SCOPE Clinical Trial (NCT04638517). The world-first, MRFF funded ‘TELO-SCOPE’ study, is a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating whether danazol reduces telomere attrition, leading to better lung function and improved survival in patients with short telomere-related pulmonary fibrosis.
We are conducting the SHIELD Clinical Trial: A world-first program of whole lung lavage (WLL) for silicosis, SHIELD is a randomised clinical trial assessing efficacy of WLL for treatment of silicosis, a type of pulmonary fibrosis driven by environmental exposure. This study provides hope for many workers who have developed silicosis, a potentially fatal form of pulmonary fibrosis.