Researchers in Northern Ireland are leading a major Europe-wide project to develop new drug treatments for people with the diseases, cystic fibrosis (CF) and bronchiectasis.

They will work to develop new ‘inhaled antibiotics', which will help to manage chronic lung infections - the main cause of disease and death in people with these two diseases.

CF is a hereditary disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. It is caused by a defective gene, which along with its protein product, causes the body to produce unusually thick and sticky mucous.

This mucous clogs the lungs, leading to potentially life-threatening lung infections. Ireland has the highest prevalence of the disease in the developed world.

With bronchiectasis, the bronchial tubes inside the lungs become wider than usual and the wall of the tubes become damaged. Those affected often cough up large amounts of phlegm, which is often green, sticky and foul smelling. Other symptoms include recurrent chest infections, shortness of breath, sinus infections and tiredness.

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast are leading the iABC (inhaled Antibiotics in Bronchiectasis and CF) consortium - a €50 million project which will see new antibiotics being trialled over a five-year period. It is hoped that these new medications will improve lung function, reduce lung infections and improve patients' quality of life.

According to lead researcher, Prof Stuart Elborn of Queen's University, currently, there are ‘limited' antibiotics available to treat lung infections in people with CF and bronchiectasis.

"The bacteria causing them are becoming increasingly resistant to current antibiotics. To ensure the development of new drug types we are bringing together world leading researchers with proven expertise in antibiotic development, clinical trials, and high-quality research. This work has the potential to deliver inhaled antibiotics that will improve the quality of life and survival of CF and bronchiectasis patients," he said.

The consortium is being funded by the European Commission and will include researchers from 20 organisations in eight European countries, including Germany, Spain, France and the Netherlands.