Event highlights the role of personal, lived experiences in advancing research, treatment, and regulatory decisions

Miami (October 14, 2026) – The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association today announced plans for an Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development (EL-PFDD) meeting for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). This meeting is modeled after the Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) PFDD public meetings. Drug developers, FDA, and other stakeholders will be in attendance.

NCFB is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and chronic infection in which the airways become abnormally widened, thickened, and/or scarred. Once considered rare, NCFB is now recognized more widely as awareness, research, and advances in imaging have improved understanding of the disease. Although the first FDA-approved treatment for NCFB became available in 2025, significant challenges remain. Many people still face delays in diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and difficulties managing the disease’s daily impact.

The NCFB EL-PFDD meeting will:

• Enhance understanding of how living with NCFB impacts daily life experiences;
• Capture diverse perspectives of the NCFB community to help foster timely and effective therapy development; and
• Inform regulatory decision-making with insights on current care and treatment benefit needs.

“The first FDA-approved treatment for NCFB marked an important milestone, but significant unmet needs remain, and the daily burden of the disease continues to affect many people living with NCFB,” said Elisha Malanga, Executive Director of the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association. “This initiative is an important opportunity to ensure the voices of people living with NCFB are heard by the FDA, researchers, and treatment developers. By sharing their experiences, challenges, and priorities, community members can help shape a deeper understanding of the disease and inform the development of future treatments that address what matters most to them.”

The NCFB EL-PFDD meeting is proposed for late 2027 and will include a virtual element to ensure accessibility for all attendees. The Association will engage a wide array of NCFB community stakeholders in support of this initiative.

Additional information about the NCFB EL-PFDD meeting will be released at a later date.

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About the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association

The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of people with bronchiectasis, nontuberculous mycobacterial lung (NTM) disease, or both conditions. The Association accomplishes this by providing education, supporting advocacy, furthering research, and advancing high-quality, specialized care. For more information, visit www.bronchandntm.org.

Media Contact

Brittany Irish

brittany@bronchandntm.org