LifeArc

Dr Arietta Spinou, Lecturer in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Practice and Research at King's College London, emphasises the crucial role of collaboration among healthcare professionals, charities, and other organisations in advancing knowledge and research into bronchiectasis - a common yet often overlooked chronic lung condition. Currently, bronchiectasis has no licensed treatments, and diagnosis is often prolonged and inaccurate due to limited awareness and symptom overlap with other lung conditions such as COPD and asthma. With a better understanding of this disease, we can help accelerate the development of innovations that can improve the lives of patients. But we can't do this alone! We are eager to collaborate with others in this field. Find out how we can support your work and get in touch: https://lnkd.in/eMDiNj84

Hear from Paul Wright, Head of our Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Translational Challenge, about our plans in MND and some of the projects we have already initiated. This video was recorded for the Australia and New Zealand MND Research Symposium taking place over the last couple of days in Melbourne, an event that LifeArc has sponsored. We're always seeking out global collaborations to help us on our mission towards finding a cure for MND. Learn more about our Translational Challenge and get in touch to explore a collaboration: https://lnkd.in/ehirxW7y

Could AI be used to spot the early signs of dementia? With an ageing population and associated healthcare issues on the rise, such as dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, new solutions are needed. NEURii is a global collaborative partnership, combining the expertise and resources of Eisai US, Gates Ventures, researchers from The University of Edinburgh, Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) and LifeArc, that aims to advance three innovative, data-focused projects targeted at improving brain health across the neurodegenerative disease spectrum. Introducing the first project: Scottish AI in Neuroimaging to predict Dementia and Neurodegenerative Disease (SCAN-DAN) https://t.ly/r7n_v In this project, a team from the Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee are utilising AI to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease by examining millions of brain scans. The goal is to build a digital healthcare tool that radiologists can use when scanning for other conditions to determine a person's dementia risk, and to diagnose early stages of related diseases, such as Alzheimer's. "There are treatments coming down the line for Alzheimer's that are exciting, but they work in the early stages of the disease, which is why early diagnosis is so important. With long waiting lists for diagnosis, as well as relatively low funding for dementia research in general compared to cancer, a project like this to predict a person's risk is extremely important." Says Willy Gilder, a former journalist from Edinburgh, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's three years ago. The digital innovations being trialled by the NEURii programme could save the NHS more than £37m a year by speeding up diagnosis and treatment - ultimately enhancing quality of life for people living with dementia.

Today’s approval of lecanemab (Leqembi®) from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is a great step in the right direction for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s heartening to see progress, and while the decision from NICE - National Institute for Health and Care Excellence not to make the drug available on the NHS is difficult, we hope more people will have access to this potentially life-changing drug over time.  We’re proud of our contributions to the humanisation of lecanemab, and while it signifies a significant breakthrough in the future treatment of Alzheimer's and similar diseases, we acknowledge that early diagnosis remains a crucial challenge. This is why we are committed to advancing our efforts with partners like the UK Dementia Research Institute and continue to invest in innovative research to improve early detection and intervention. 

We're funding a new clinical trial to find out whether existing drugs can be repurposed to treat bronchiectasis – a "hidden" lung condition affecting over 200,000 people in the UK. Despite being the third most common lung condition in the country, affecting people of all ages, there has historically been a lack of awareness of the condition. There are no specific treatments for bronchiectasis, and research and investment into new treatments has been limited. Through the AIRNET (Anti-Inflammatory Repurposing Network) project, led by Professor James Chalmers at the University of Dundee, we're exploring the potential of repurposing 3 existing anti-inflammatory drugs to treat this condition. Patients across the UK will receive one of the 3 drugs and be monitored over a month at various trial sites to assess the drug's impact on lung inflammation. Alongside funding, we're contributing our expertise in translational science to support this trial as part of our Chronic Respiratory Infection Translational Challenge. If successful, this trial could significantly fast-track the availability of new treatments, offering hope to over 200,000 people who suffer from bronchiectasis in the UK. Read more: https://t.ly/zhU5U

Bronchiectasis is the UK's third most common chronic lung condition, affecting 1 in 200 adults. Despite its prevalence, it remains poorly understood and is surrounded by many misconceptions. Here, Prof. James D Chalmers, Asthma + Lung UK Chair of Respiratory Research, University of Dundee, debunks these common misconceptions and shares the facts. 🚫 Myth: It is a rare disease. 🚫 Myth: It is a subtype of asthma and COPD. 🚫 Myth: You can apply the same knowledge from cystic fibrosis This lack of understanding from both the public and healthcare professionals is frustrating for patients and has contributed to the neglect of this condition. Patients currently face delayed diagnoses, limited effective treatment options and sometimes improper care, which can impact their quality of life and cause their condition to worsen. Are you passionate about transforming the lives of those with bronchiectasis? Learn how we can work together and get in touch! https://lnkd.in/eMDiNj84

We are seeking a new Partnerships Operations Manager to support our Partnerships division! In this role, you will support the work of the Partnerships team ensuring a high-quality, consistent approach to partnerships management and proposal development. You will also play a key role in preparing external proposals to support partnerships growth.  More here: https://lnkd.in/eKfzbYCX Skills and experience: - Operations management in life sciences or healthcare. - Knowledge of partnerships and alliances. - CRM systems experience. - Strong analytical and communication skills. - Experience in scientific R&D healthcare organizations. - Scientific undergraduate degree; advanced degree in science or business preferred. What we offer: We provide a supportive, inclusive environment with excellent growth opportunities and benefits such as flexible working options, a substantial pension scheme, private health insurance, and generous annual leave.

We've teamed up with MND Scotland to offer up to £100,000 in funding for one PhD studentship to advance research in improving MND diagnosis or identifying biomarkers for MND research and care. The selected student will be based at the host university, with placement periods at LifeArc laboratories, gaining access to leading facilities and technologies, insights into industrial work, and knowledge of translational science. Find out more here and submit your applications through the MND Scotland online portal: https://bit.ly/4dxyO4N 📅 Applications close: 31st October

As part of our Chronic Respiratory Infection Translational Challenge, we've heard a lot about non-tuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) and the challenges around diagnosing and monitoring it, especially for those with long-term lung conditions. Today is World NTM Awareness Day, and our Clinical Development Manager, Rachel Dakin wrote a blog outlining why we feel this is an important area for research and celebrating the recent launch of the new Standards of Care, published by the NTM Network UK: https://lnkd.in/eVi388cF Rachel added: "The new Standards of Care are a much-needed step in the right direction for people living with NTM disease, including those with underlying respiratory conditions. I hope these Standards are embraced and quickly taken through into implementation so that they start to have a positive impact on the healthcare provision given to people living with this serious disease."

Help shape the future for people who struggle to breathe! Fill out Asthma + Lung UK's survey and share your thoughts on what research needs to address to improve our understanding of why some people suffer from breathlessness.