We are moving towards a more patient focussed value-based healthcare system and in this endeavor research is vital. Thus, ATS Foundation along with Insmed has announced a research award in Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Lung Disease. It’s a one-year funding, which amounts to $50,000 awarded to researchers who are studying to find better ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating NTM Lung Disease.

In 2010, an estimate of 86,244 cases of NTM Lung Disease was recorded in the United States. Much to the worry of the healthcare professionals, this number is growing by approximately 8% every year. Thus, Insmed along with ATS Foundation has joined hands to fund the study of this complex challenge.

Insmed is a global pharmaceutical company, which is involved in the development of therapeutic products for patients suffering from rare diseases. Its prime product is amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (Alis), which is in the late stage of development and it’s meant for adult patients with treatment-refractory NTM Lung Disease.

Patients suffering from lung disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma are most likely to get NTM Lung Disease, which is caused due to mycobacteria, commonly found in the environment. These disorders can easily damage the lungs and make them less resistant to NTM bacteria.

Applications have opened in mid-April and the funding period covered is from December 2018 to November 2019. Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of varied parameters like the relevance of the study, its innovative aspects, scientific merit and viability to the field of NTM Lung Disease.