Brinsupri™: First medicine licensed for bronchiectasis in the UK

Breaking news: On 23 February 2026, the MHRA approved Brinsupri™ (brensocatib) to treat patients aged 12 and older with non‑cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) who have experienced two or more flare-ups or worsening symptoms in the past 12 months.

Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director, Healthcare Quality and Access, said: “This is the first medicine licensed in the UK that specifically treats patients living with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.”

Brinsupri™ is a once-daily tablet that works by blocking a protein (DPP1) involved in airway inflammation, helping prevent flare-ups and supporting lung health

Why this matters

Bronchiectasis is a long-term lung condition where the airways become widened and filled with mucus. This makes infections more likely and can cause:

• Chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Frequent flare-ups

Until now, treatments focused on:

• Airway clearance techniques or devices
• Antibiotics for infections
• Lifestyle measures such as exercise, healthy eating, vaccinations, and avoiding smoking

Brinsupri™ is different — it targets one of the root causes of the disease: the inflammatory response to the presence of bacteria in the lungs.

What did the research show?

A global study of over 1,700 people showed that Brinsupri™:

• Reduced the number of flare-ups
• Increased the time until the first flare-up
• Helped maintain lung function

Read more about the findings here.  

Availability

• In the US: Brinsupri™ is already approved and available.
• In the UK: As the drug is now licensed by the MHRA it could be used in some patients with bronchiectasis. But it is a very new medicine of a different type to those used in bronchiectasis before, and doctors will have to learn how best to use it and which patients may benefit the most. It is most likely to be used in patients who have recurrent exacerbations despite effective use of antibiotics and chest clearance techniques.

What should patients do now?

• Continue your current treatment plan: airway clearance, exercise, nutrition, sleep and vaccinations remain essential.
• Talk to your doctor about whether Brinsupri™ may be suitable in the future.
• Stay connected: Sign up to our website for updates. 

Brinsupri™ marks a historic milestone — the first medicine specifically designed to target inflammation in bronchiectasis.

Read the MHRA press release here.

 

[Published February 2026]