At Breathing Matters, every day is a step forward in our journey to find better treatments for interstitial lung disease (ILD) and lung infections. On International Clinical Trials Day, we pause to reflect and celebrate. This is a moment to honour the scientific breakthroughs, the dedicated researchers and most importantly, you – the patients and supporters who make it all possible.
Since our founding in 2011, we have pushed boundaries—from launching the first UK cryoscopic lung biopsy (CLB) service, to pioneering PET imaging in ILD, to testing novel therapies like C21 and dabigatran in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). These trials don’t just represent science—they represent lives touched, hope renewed and futures reimagined.
Here are just a few of the ways your support has helped shape the future of care in ILD and lung infection:
A Safer Way to Diagnose – Thanks to the continuing generosity of the friends and families of Ana Timberlake and Lawrence Matz, we remain proud to have pioneered the UK’s first cryoscopic lung biopsy service. This safer, less invasive alternative to surgical biopsy changed how patients with ILD are diagnosed, and its legacy continues today with robotic enhancements that make it even safer. We are deeply grateful to the families who helped make this innovation possible—it continues to benefit patients across the country.- Turning a Simple Blood Test into a Powerful Tool – The Lawrence Matz Clinical Fellow’s work on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has shown that a basic blood test can offer powerful insights into how idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) progresses. With further funding support from the NIHR BRC, and thanks to our patients who contributed their samples and time, we have demonstrated that NLR can help predict how well someone might do with IPF—information that could guide treatment decisions in the future. This research, published in The Lancet eClinicalMedicine, is a shining example of how clinical trials can change treatment management.
Seeing the Invisible with PET Imaging – Our FDG-PET imaging programme—the first of its kind in the UK—is changing how we understand and track disease in ILD. From IPF to post-COVID lung changes, our imaging research is uncovering critical biomarkers that may one day predict who responds best to treatment. Special thanks to the Whitaker family, whose support helped launch this visionary work.- Understanding Autoimmune ILD – Through work led by Dr Akif Khawaja and now expanded by Dr Richard Beatson, we are uncovering why some patients with rheumatoid arthritis develop lung fibrosis. By targeting neutrophil activity—white blood cells that can worsen scarring—we are working towards developing new blood or sputum tests that could help diagnose or even prevent disease progression.
- Novel Treatments, New Frontiers – Whether it’s trialling C21, an oral medication designed to help the lungs repair, or investigating anticoagulation therapy in IPF, we continue to seek out and test therapies that have the potential to transform lives. Every trial brings us closer to treatments that are better tolerated, easier to take and more effective.
Shedding Light on Muscle Loss in Lung Disease – When we think about lung disease, we often focus on breathlessness—but what about the rest of the body? We are working on exploring sarcopenia, or muscle wasting, in people with ILD, and how it may influence survival and quality of life. With support from Breathing Matters and funding for PhD student Osama Alsuhimi, we are running one of the first dedicated studies to understand how common sarcopenia is in ILD and what can be done about it. By exploring the link between muscle health and lung disease, we aim to help patients stay stronger, longer.- Could a Breath Test Shake Up IPF Care? – Partnering with Owlstone Medical, we are developing a revolutionary breath test for IPF that could replace hospital visits and invasive procedures. By detecting specific molecules in exhaled breath, this test aims to diagnose, monitor and personalise treatment—all from home.
- Protecting Lungs During Cancer Treatment – Many patients undergoing cancer treatment face a hidden danger: pneumonitis, a serious inflammation of the lungs triggered by life-saving therapies. This risk is even greater for those with underlying ILD. Our team has long studied drug-induced lung disease, and thanks to the generous sponsorship from the family of Norman Smith, we are able to continue this vital work.
Infection and Immunity: A New Era in Lung Protection – In 2024, the infection team highlighted how pneumonia continues to impact patients with chronic lung disease, especially those with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, who may have weaker immune responses due to their treatments, and continue their work in developing a pneumonia vaccine. The clinical team continues to contribute to Bronch-UK, a major study on bronchiectasis, as well as looking into the lasting effects of COVID-19 with the PHOSP-COVID study. Our infection clinical lead, Professor Jeremy Brown, has collaborated with national health bodies. Recently, a new RSV vaccine was introduced for older adults—part of a growing list of adult vaccines now protecting those most at risk. Together, these advances are shaping a future where infection prevention is central to lung health.
Thank You for Breathing With Us
None of this would be possible without you—our patients, families, fundraisers, donors and research champions. Every clinical trial is a story of courage, of people saying “yes” to something new, something hopeful, something better.
As we look ahead, we’re excited about:
- Publishing new studies on sarcopenia, MUC5B genetics and NET inhibition.
- Expanding our work in remote patient monitoring.
- Developing projects in post-TB ILD and cancer therapy-related pneumonitis.
- Potential new vaccinations.
On this International Clinical Trials Day, we celebrate you, and we invite you to stay connected, stay hopeful and stay involved.
💙 Want to make a difference?
- Join a trial: Speak with your consultant if you are interested in participating.
- Support our work: Donate today
Together, we’re not just researching—we’re rewriting the story of lung disease.
📘 Learn more about our work and impact in ILD: Read our ILD Research Impact Report 2024
[Published May 2025]