EU Funded Research for New Pulmonary Fibrosis Therapy
An international team has launched a project to develop immune cell therapy for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Asthma
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The European Union has invested 10 million euros into the BREATH-EC project to create a new immune cell therapy for pulmonary fibrosis. This four-year international initiative aims to develop a treatment that could potentially halt or reverse the tissue scarring associated with the condition.
Why it matters
Pulmonary fibrosis currently has no cure, and this research aims to provide a new pathway to address the progressive scarring of lung tissue. If successful, these methods could eventually extend to treatments for other fibrotic diseases affecting the heart and liver.
The four-year BREATH-EC project is funded by 10 million euros in European Union grants. This preclinical research effort involves partners from eight countries and aims to validate the development of genetically modified immune cells.
The players
Hannover Medical School
A German medical research university leading the international consortium responsible for developing the macrophage-based therapy.
European Union
An international political and economic union providing 10 million euros in funding to support the development of novel medical therapies.
The details
Researchers are developing a therapy that uses macrophages, which are immune cells capable of being generated from induced pluripotent stem cells or isolated from donor blood. The team intends to modify these cells to recognize signs of fibrosis and produce antibodies that inhibit the scarring process. The final therapy is designed to be administered directly to the lungs via a procedure known as a bronchoscopy.
Timeline
The BREATH-EC research project is scheduled to run for 4 years.
Health Landscape
The BREATH-EC project represents a move toward advanced cell-based interventions for conditions that have historically lacked effective treatments. This research sits at the intersection of immunology and regenerative medicine as scientists seek to address the underlying cause of tissue fibrosis.
Because this research is currently in the early development phase, there are no changes to existing clinical care or available treatments for pulmonary fibrosis. Patients interested in how these emerging therapies might eventually fit into their long-term care plans should discuss them with a pulmonologist.
The takeaway
This international research project is focusing on using the body's own immune cells to stop the progression of lung scarring. Patients living with pulmonary fibrosis should continue to follow their current treatment protocols while monitoring for future developments in clinical trials.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in lung health research in our Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Informationdienst Wissenschaft e.V. - idw.
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