For many diaspora families in the UK, managing long-term health conditions can feel isolating. Between work, family responsibilities and navigating the NHS, chronic illnesses are often endured quietly. That is why a new treatment approval for a serious lung condition could offer hope to patients who have struggled for years with repeated infections and exhausting flare-ups.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has granted marketing authorisation for brensocatib, branded as Brinsupri, marking the first medicine licensed in the UK specifically to treat non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The treatment is approved for patients aged 12 and older who have experienced two or more flare-ups within the past year.
Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, often shortened to NCFB, is a chronic lung condition in which the airways become permanently widened and damaged. This damage makes it harder to clear mucus from the lungs, leading to persistent coughing, frequent chest infections and repeated inflammation. Over time, flare-ups can become more frequent and more severe, affecting work, school and everyday life.
Although the condition can affect anyone, it is more common among older adults. For some in African and Asian diaspora communities, bronchiectasis may also be linked to previous untreated infections, underlying immune conditions or delayed access to specialist care earlier in life. Living with constant coughing and fatigue can take a toll not just physically but emotionally, especially when the illness is not widely understood.
Brensocatib works by targeting a protein known as dipeptidyl peptidase 1, or DPP1. This protein plays a key role in activating enzymes that drive inflammation in the lungs. By blocking DPP1, the medicine helps reduce inflammatory damage and may lower the frequency of flare-ups. For patients who have been hospitalised multiple times in a year due to worsening symptoms, this could represent a significant step forward.
Julian Beach, Executive Director for Healthcare Quality and Access at the MHRA, described the approval as an important milestone, noting that this is the first medicine in the UK specifically licensed for patients living with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. He also confirmed that the MHRA will continue to monitor its safety and effectiveness closely.
The medicine is taken as a once-daily tablet, making it relatively straightforward compared to treatments that require inhalation devices or complex routines. However, like all medicines, it can cause side effects. The most commonly reported include infections of the nose and throat, diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches, gum problems, skin reactions such as rash or dermatitis, small areas of skin thickening, and hair loss. Patients are advised to read the Patient Information Leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if they experience concerning symptoms.
The MHRA encourages anyone who suspects they are having side effects to report them through the Yellow Card scheme, either online or via the official app. Reporting helps regulators monitor real-world safety and protect patients across the country.
For diaspora families, particularly those who may not be familiar with bronchiectasis terminology, it is important to distinguish this condition from asthma or tuberculosis, which are more commonly discussed in some communities. Bronchiectasis is not contagious, but it can be serious if left unmanaged. Recurrent infections can lead to long-term lung damage and reduced quality of life.
Access to new treatments like brensocatib may also depend on NHS prescribing guidelines and specialist referral pathways. Patients who believe they may qualify should speak to their GP or respiratory consultant. Early conversation is key, especially for those who have experienced multiple flare-ups in the past year.
In communities where chronic illness is sometimes endured in silence, awareness matters. Persistent cough with daily mucus production is not something to ignore, especially if it is accompanied by repeated chest infections. Seeking medical advice early can lead to diagnosis and, where appropriate, access to treatments such as brensocatib.
As health systems evolve and new medicines are approved, staying informed empowers families to ask the right questions. At Chijos News, we remain committed to highlighting health developments that affect diaspora communities across the UK, ensuring that vital information reaches those who need it most.