Introduction: Progress in Bronchiectasis Care

Living with bronchiectasis brings daily challenges — from breathlessness and persistent coughing to frequent infections. For many years, treatment options remained limited to physiotherapy, antibiotics, and symptom control. However, the landscape is beginning to shift. Several new treatments for bronchiectasis are under clinical investigation or have recently become available, offering fresh hope for improved management and better quality of life.

If you’ve asked, “Are there any new treatments for bronchiectasis?” — the answer is yes. Medical research is moving forward, and both traditional therapies and cutting-edge science are playing a role in changing how this condition is treated.

Understanding Bronchiectasis Before Exploring New Therapies

Bronchiectasis occurs when the airways become damaged and widened, making it harder to clear mucus. This can lead to chronic infections and inflammation. In many cases, the condition is linked to repeated chest infections, immune problems, or underlying diseases like cystic fibrosis or COPD.

Managing this condition requires a combination of approaches. Historically, treatments included:

• Daily chest physiotherapy
• Long-term antibiotics to prevent infection
• Bronchodilators and corticosteroids for associated symptoms
• Vaccinations to prevent further lung damage

These treatments remain essential, but recent developments provide more personalised and effective options — particularly as researchers better understand the different causes and patterns of the disease.

New Treatment for Bronchiectasis: What’s Emerging

Recent progress in drug development, airway clearance technology, and microbiome research is beginning to change the treatment landscape. Below are some of the most promising new bronchiectasis treatment options being explored or introduced:

1. Inhaled Antibiotics with Broader Efficacy

Previously, nebulised antibiotics like colistin or tobramycin were used mainly for cystic fibrosis. Newer inhaled antibiotics are now being trialled in non-CF bronchiectasis patients, targeting common pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

New options include:

• Liposomal ciprofloxacin: Designed to stay in the lungs longer and release medication slowly.
• Inhaled levofloxacin: A broad-spectrum antibiotic with promising results in clinical trials for reducing exacerbations.

These inhaled drugs allow higher local concentrations, fewer side effects, and better control of recurrent infections.

2. Biologic Therapies and Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Research into inflammation in bronchiectasis has led to the development of medications that reduce airway inflammation more precisely than corticosteroids.

Some biologics under investigation include:

• Benralizumab and mepolizumab: These target eosinophilic inflammation in patients with overlapping asthma.
• Brensocatib: A drug that blocks neutrophil elastase, a key contributor to lung damage. Early trials suggest it may reduce flare-ups significantly.

These targeted treatments offer a new treatment for bronchiectasis especially for those with high eosinophil counts or frequent exacerbations.

3. Macrolides for Immunomodulation

Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, is being used not just to treat infections but to reduce inflammation and flare-ups. Long-term low-dose use has shown benefits for selected patients — particularly those with frequent infections and no nontuberculous mycobacteria.

Its dual action as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory makes it a cornerstone in some of the bronchiectasis new treatment regimens.

4. Airway Clearance Devices and Smart Physiotherapy

Airway clearance remains a key part of management. However, new bronchiectasis treatment methods involve smart devices that assist in clearing mucus more effectively:

• Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) devices like the Aerobika or Acapella
• High-frequency chest wall oscillation vests, originally developed for cystic fibrosis
• Digital physiotherapy platforms that guide patients remotely and track adherence

These tools improve daily care and reduce the burden on respiratory physiotherapy services, especially in rural or underserved areas.

5. Advances in Managing Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)

For patients with recurrent NTM infections, newer antibiotics and treatment protocols are making a difference.

Options under research or use include:

• Amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS)
• Clofazimine-based combination regimens
• Shorter treatment durations with rifabutin combinations

These emerging treatments support a more effective and tolerable approach to managing one of the most difficult complications of bronchiectasis.

What’s Happening in the UK: New Treatments for Bronchiectasis UK

In the UK, clinical trials and NHS-led innovation are driving improvements in bronchiectasis care. Patients can now access newer therapies through specialist centres, particularly for severe or recurrent disease.

Some UK-specific updates include:

• Access to biologic therapy for patients with asthma–bronchiectasis overlap
• Ongoing trials of Brensocatib and inhaled ciprofloxacin at major NHS hospitals
• Digital health apps integrated into NHS services to support physiotherapy at home

Patients are encouraged to ask their respiratory consultant whether any of the new treatments for bronchiectasis UK are appropriate or available to them.

Lifestyle and Self-Management Still Matter

Even as pharmaceutical and device-based treatments evolve, daily habits still play a major role in keeping symptoms under control.

You can support your treatment by:

• Using airway clearance devices daily
• Staying active with pulmonary rehab or walking
• Avoiding exposure to air pollution or smoke
• Keeping up with vaccinations
• Reporting new symptoms promptly

These strategies continue to be part of comprehensive care, regardless of whether you’re receiving a new treatment for bronchiectasis or conventional therapy.

Clinical Trials: Should You Get Involved?

Many of the treatments described are still under clinical trial. If you’re interested in being part of this research, speak with your consultant or visit the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) website to find local studies.

Participation may give you early access to promising new treatments — and you’ll be contributing to better care for others with the same condition.

Challenges and Future Directions

While progress is being made, bronchiectasis remains a complex condition. The variation between patients — in terms of underlying cause, infection patterns, and lung function — means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

However, the outlook is improving. The shift from generic antibiotics to targeted therapies, the introduction of biologics, and smarter devices are all signs of meaningful progress.

There’s growing consensus in the respiratory community that bronchiectasis new treatment approaches must be driven by a deeper understanding of the condition’s subtypes. Personalised medicine is no longer a distant goal.

Final Thoughts: Take an Active Role in Your Care

If you’re living with bronchiectasis, staying informed helps you make better decisions. Ask your specialist about new treatments for bronchiectasis that may be available or suitable for you. Many therapies now go beyond infection control — they aim to reduce inflammation, slow lung damage, and improve long-term outcomes.

The question, “Are there any new treatments for bronchiectasis?” can now be answered with optimism. The research is active, the tools are improving, and patient care is evolving. While not all options are suitable for every case, a growing number of people are benefiting from these developments — especially with the right support from specialist centres.