Advancing Respiratory Research: APF Grant Winners Present at Leading International Conference

The talented UK-based researchers are bringing their fresh insights into pulmonary fibrosis (PF) to the global stage, thanks to the support of an APF Conference Award. Their participation at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference, one of the world’s leading events for respiratory science and medicine, showcases the UK’s growing impact in lung research.

The APF award enables promising early-career researchers to present their findings, engage with international experts and bring back knowledge that can accelerate progress in understanding PF and the development of potential future treatment options.

Meet the Researchers

Dr. Jonathon Shaw – Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Presentation: Early Experience of a Dedicated Clinical Pathway for Interstitial Lung Abnormalities (ILAs)

Research Focus: Dr. Shaw’s work tested a virtual follow-up system for people with Interstitial Lung Abnormalities (ILAs), which are early lung changes that can sometimes develop into interstitial lung disease (ILD).

The researchers monitored 79 patients in the first year by virtually checking symptoms and using remote lung function tests and CT scans. Most of the patients were older adults with other health conditions and engagement with the virtual system was impressive.

Early results show the approach is both practical and well-received, offering a new way to track lung changes and better understand the risk of ILD.

Dr. James May – National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London

Presentation: Defining Antifibrotic Mechanisms of Treprostinil

Research Focus: A treatment for pulmonary hypertension (PH), Treprostinil, is currently being considered as an NHS approved treatment in interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients.  Despite studies showing it has anti-fibrotic properties; little is known about how this works.  Dr. May's research showed that Treprostinil slows the growth of scar-forming cells, reduces their ability to work and lowers levels of a molecule that is key in causing scarring. These insights confirm the anti-fibrotic properties of Treprostinil and could lead to more targeted treatments, bringing scientists closer to reversing lung damage in patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

Supporting the Next Generation of Lung Scientists

The APF Conference Award enables early-career researchers to participate in leading international conferences. In addition to funding, awardees commit to sharing their research experiences with the PF research community and also those affected by the disease.

Bradley Price, Director of Policy, Research and Involvement at APF, shared:

We are proud to support such talent in the pulmonary fibrosis research field and give them the opportunity to present their work to other global experts at one of the biggest respiratory science events of the year. Their work is essential to finding new treatments and improving lives for people affected by the disease.

Only made possible with your support

The APF conference awards enables the UK’s early career researchers and emerging experts in the field to showcase their work on a global scale. Such opportunities are only made possible by your generous donations.

You can help make a difference today:

Donate: Every gift, no matter the size, helps continue our vital work. Your donations fuel progress in research, care, and support for people living with PF. Thank you.

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