A New Medication for Non–Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

Non–cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis is a frustrating disease that is associated with poor quality of life, and exacerbations can accelerate declines in lung function. Management has been focused on secretion-clearance strategies and judicious use of antibiotics. Now, in an international, industry-funded trial, researchers have evaluated the effectiveness of brensocatib, which reduces the activity of neutrophil proteases that contribute to airway inflammation. Brensocatib is not yet U.S. FDA-approved.

Investigators enrolled about 1700 patients (nearly all adults) with symptomatic, radiographically confirmed bronchiectasis and ≥2 exacerbations in the preceding year. Patients were randomized to receive 10 mg or 25 mg of brensocatib or place…