LifeArc

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.

We are seeking 2 dynamic leaders to join our Global Health team in London! 1️⃣ Director, Global Health: https://lnkd.in/dYP_HekF This role will lead our ambitious global health portfolio, ensuring the successful delivery of strategies for 3 Translational Challenges in antimicrobial resistance, neglected tropical diseases, and emerging viral threats. Collaborate with strategic partners, contribute to our broader global health strategy, act as main science lead, and drive innovation to tackle complex healthcare challenges. Closing Date: 5 August 2024 2️⃣ Head of Global Health: https://lnkd.in/dxyfBS79 This role will create and execute the global health and associated Translational Challenges direction and strategy and deliver a portfolio of projects. Responsibilities include advocating for strategic initiatives, delivering corporate objectives, resource optimisation, budget allocation, communicating plans to external partners, building an advisory board, engaging with patient and public voices, and leading multi-disciplinary teams. Closing Date: 5 August 2024 Why work with us? At LifeArc, you will thrive in an inclusive environment that prioritises health, wellbeing, and professional growth. We also offer exceptional benefits, such as pension employer contributions of up to 12%, private health insurance, and annual leave of 31 days plus bank holidays. Apply now and discover what you can achieve with us!

The first patient has been recruited to the FARGO clinical trial – testing a new treatment to improve quality of life for patients living with a rare liver disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The hope is that the new treatment could slow or even reverse the progression of PSC: https://t.ly/xsFcO LifeArc is co-funding the trial with PSC Support, which is being run by the University of Birmingham at the Birmingham Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit. The FARGO trial will investigate the potential of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to correct gut microbiome imbalances in PSC patients. If successful this could be a huge breakthrough, as currently there are no treatments for PSC. "I strongly believe there will be some good data coming out of this trial to benefit everyone in the PSC community" says Rick Dallaway, the first patient to take part after being diagnosed with PSC and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 2016.

Did you know that bronchiectasis (BE) research has unrealised commercial and research potential? With no licensed treatments and rising cases globally, there is a big gap in the market for new BE drugs and investing in BE R&D could yield substantial financial returns. Experts in chronic lung disease, infection, and inflammation - especially those experienced in cystic fibrosis research - can make a significant impact. The similar underlying mechanisms between BE and other lung diseases allow for the repurposing of existing products, streamlining development processes, reducing costs, and improving treatment effectiveness. There's also a pressing need for quicker, more affordable, and accurate diagnostic tools to reduce reliance on costly CT scans. Improved diagnostics can speed up patient access to treatment, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. We are dedicated to BE as part of our Chronic Respiratory Infection Translational Challenge. We're always looking for new projects to collaborate on, especially in repurposing or diagnostics. If you have a promising project and need support progressing it, we want to hear from you! Find out more about our work in BE: https://t.ly/YeIsK