New Diagnostic Approaches in the Management of Inflammatory Lung Diseases

Summary

Inflammatory lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Their development and progression are influenced by environmental exposures, such as cigarette smoking and air pollution, as well as genetic susceptibility. Despite advances in disease management, early diagnosis, accurate differential diagnosis, personalized treatment, and continuous monitoring remain significant clinical challenges.

This project aims to improve the management of inflammatory lung diseases through the development and validation of innovative diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic approaches. The study will identify and validate multi-omics biomarkers for the differential diagnosis and prognosis of COPD, IPF, and related respiratory diseases, using machine learning techniques to develop diagnostic and prognostic biochips. Environmental determinants, including indoor and outdoor exposome factors, will be assessed to better understand their contribution to pulmonary inflammation and disease progression. The project will also develop nanotechnology-based therapeutic formulations combined with precision inhalation devices and integrate a telemedicine platform for real-time monitoring of clinical and environmental data, enabling the early detection of exacerbations and supporting personalized disease management.

The expected outcomes include improved diagnostic accuracy, enhanced risk stratification, personalized therapeutic strategies, reduced disease exacerbations, and improved quality of life for patients with inflammatory lung diseases.

Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Interventions

OTHER

Integrated Precision Medicine Platform

Participants will undergo an integrated precision medicine intervention for inflammatory lung diseases, including multi-omics biomarker assessment, clinical and environmental monitoring, and telemedicine-supported follow-up. The intervention includes the collection of biological samples for biomarker profiling, assessment of indoor and outdoor environmental exposures, and continuous monitoring of clinical and environmental parameters. Where applicable, participants will receive a precision inhalation medical device designed to optimize drug delivery. Data from biomarker analyses, monitoring devices, and the telemedicine platform will be integrated to support personalized disease management and the early identification of disease exacerbations.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Programma Regionale FESR - Regione Lombardia

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ETS

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Luca Bianchi · Fondazione Don Gnocchi ETS

Study Design

Allocation

NA

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-09-01

Primary Completion

2027-09-30

Completion

2027-11-13