Biography: Professor James D Chalmers is Asthma and Lung UK chair of Respiratory Research at the University of Dundee. His laboratory studies the immunology of inflammatory airway disease to identify new treatments for conditions like bronchiectasis and COPD. He is the Chief Editor of the ERJ and has chaired 5 international guideline committees including the upcoming ERS bronchiectasis guidelines.

Abstract: Neutrophilic inflammation is central to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, including the airway diseases bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, COPD and T2 low asthma. Despite being a core “treatable trait” neutrophils were considered by most pharmaceutical companies as “undruggable” due to their important role in host defence and the failure of many treatments targeting neutrophils. This has now changed through the identification of mechanisms that can reduce neutrophilic inflammation without inhibiting host defence. This has culminated in a recent positive phase 3 trial for the dipeptidyl peptidase-1 inhibitor brensocatib, which is set to be licensed for bronchiectasis in the next few months. In this presentation I will discuss the role of neutrophilic inflammation are a core treatable trait and discuss current and future therapies that are set to improve outcomes for patients.