Australian universities join forces to tackle inflammatory lung disease

Professor Merlin Thomas, lead scientist

 in the RAGE Biotech consortium.

A new spin-out company, RAGE Biotech, will develop novel therapies designed to help patients with chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as severe asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), supported by investment from IP Group, Monash University (Monash) and The University of Western Australia (UWA).

Globally, COPD is the fourth leading cause of mortality and morbidity, with chronic inflammation being a key feature and driver of disease progression in COPD, cystic fibrosis and severe asthma.

RAGE Biotech is developing new approaches to modulate the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), an important target in chronic inflammation with links to COPD and cystic fibrosis.