FDA Approves First Medication for Chronic Lung Disease Bronchiectasis

In a landmark development for respiratory health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first-ever drug targeting non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB), a persistent lung condition that impairs the airways and promotes mucus buildup. The newly approved medication, insmed's daily oral pill branded as Brinsupri, offers a new treatment option for patients suffering from this chronic disease.

Brinsupri was approved following successful results in a Phase 3 clinical trial conducted last year, demonstrating its efficacy in reducing lung exacerbations associated with bronchiectasis. The drug works by inhibiting the enzyme DPP1, which is involved in neutrophilic inflammation—a core component of the disease’s pathology. By targeting this enzyme, Brinsupri addresses a fundamental cause of lung damage and recurrent infections in affected individuals.

According to the American Lung Association, bronchiectasis affects approximately 350,000 to 500,000 adults in the United States. The condition results from damaged or scarred airways, commonly after infections or other lung injuries, leading to impaired mucus clearance. This creates a conducive environment for persistent bacterial infections, further damaging lung tissue.

Insmed acquired Brinsupri from AstraZeneca for $30 million and is actively exploring its application for other conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis. The company plans to price the drug at an annual list cost of $88,000 in the U.S. and has already sought approval for markets in Europe, the UK, and Japan.

Experts are optimistic about Brinsupri’s potential to transform bronchiectasis treatment. Dr. Doreen Addrizzo-Harris from NYU Langone Health highlighted that this medication might establish a new standard of care by directly targeting inflammation and addressing a root cause of disease exacerbations.

This approval marks a significant advance in respiratory medicine, providing hope for improved management and quality of life for individuals living with bronchiectasis.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-fda-drug-chronic-lung-condition.html