Bronchiectasis is a lung condition where airways become permanently widened and scarred, making it hard to clear mucus. About 350,000 people in the U.S. have it. Treatment focuses on airway clearance, antibiotics for flare-ups, and managing underlying causes like immune problems or prior infections.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing inhaled antibiotics to prevent infections, anti-inflammatory drugs to slow lung damage, mucolytics to help clear thick mucus, and treatments targeting the immune response. Researchers are also studying whether macrolide antibiotics taken long-term reduce flare-ups, and whether airway clearance devices improve outcomes compared to standard techniques.
Inhaled antibiotics
Several inhaled antibiotics are in trials to prevent bacterial infections in people with frequent flare-ups. These deliver medication directly to the airways, potentially reducing infections without the side effects of oral antibiotics.
Anti-inflammatory approaches
Drugs that reduce airway inflammation may slow the cycle of infection and damage in bronchiectasis. Trials are testing whether blocking specific inflammatory pathways preserves lung function over time.
Mucoactive therapies
New treatments aim to thin mucus or help the airways clear it more effectively. These include inhaled dry powder mannitol and newer mucolytic agents being tested in people with thick secretions.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on how often you have flare-ups, lung function test results, which bacteria grow in your sputum, and whether you have specific underlying causes like immune deficiency.
What types of trials are currently open
- Prevention trials — Testing inhaled or oral antibiotics taken regularly to prevent infections and reduce flare-ups in people with frequent exacerbations.
- Anti-inflammatory trials — Testing drugs that reduce airway inflammation, including targeted biologics and repurposed medications, to see if they slow disease progression.
- Airway clearance trials — Comparing different techniques and devices for clearing mucus from the lungs to determine which work best for different types of bronchiectasis.
- Mucolytic trials — Testing medications that thin mucus or help the body break it down, making it easier to cough up and reducing infection risk.
- Observational studies — Following people with bronchiectasis over time to understand disease progression, identify predictors of flare-ups, and track quality of life.
Recently added Bronchiectasis trials
Chronic Respiratory Disease Participant Engagement Study
This study is designed for adults who have, or suspected to have, a long-term respiratory (lung) condition such as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis, or interstitial lung disease (ILD). The aim of the study is to help participants become familiar with the clinical trials unit environment and research team before deciding whether they would like to take part in future clinical trials. Participants will attend a study visit at the clinical trials unit, where they will receive a guided tour of the facilities and undergo a range of routine health assessments. These may include a review of their medical history, measurements of height, weight, blood pressure and oxygen levels, breathing tests, blood tests, heart tracing (ECG), liver assessment, and questionnaires about their symptoms and quality of life. Some participants may also undergo genetic testing if it is clinically appropriate and previous results are not available. The information collected will help establish a clinical baseline and improve understanding of how respiratory diseases affect people in everyday life. The study will also explore how symptoms and quality of life relate to clinical measurements and other health information. Participants will be contacted after their visit to discuss any clinically relevant findings and to answer any questions they may have. If a previously unrecognised condition is identified, participants will be advised appropriately and, with their consent, their GP may be informed to support any further care that may be needed. The findings from this study may help improve the design of future clinical trials and support the development of more patient-centred research.
Phase 1 Study to Assess the Effects of HSK31858 on the QT/QTc Interval in Healthy Chinese Participants
This study is a concentration-QTc interval clinical study of HSK31858 tablets in healthy participants.
Find Bronchiectasis trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.