Cyclopharm Launches Study with Macquarie University to Expand Treatment Options for Severe COPD

Cyclopharm Limited (ASX: CYC) has initiated a new clinical research collaboration with Macquarie University and Macquarie University Hospital. The partnership will evaluate a novel treatment approach for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using Technegas and artificial intelligence driven lung imaging analysis.

The study, called the Endoscopic Segmental Sealant Ablation (ESSA) Study, is led by Professor Alvin Ing, a specialist in respiratory medicine. The minimally invasive bronchoscopic procedure targets damaged parts of the lung on a segment-by-segment basis, inducing lung volume reduction using a polymer foam. This method aims to improve breathing efficiency, reduce lung overinflation, and enhance exercise tolerance and quality of life.

COPD is among the top five global causes of death, responsible for an estimated 3 to 4 million deaths annually. Currently, only about 30 percent of patients with severe COPD are eligible for endoscopic valve therapies due to anatomical limitations. The ESSA Study seeks to expand the treatable patient population by offering an alternative solution.

A central feature of the study is the integration of Technegas functional lung imaging and AI-based analytics from Dutch firm Thirona. These technologies will allow researchers to identify underperforming lung segments, guide treatment application, and assess functional improvements post-procedure. The study will use VQ SPECT-CT scans for precise lung segment evaluation.

The single centre, parallel group controlled study will take place at Macquarie University Hospital and will include 34 patients. Ethics approval has been granted, and treatment is expected to commence within weeks, with recruitment running over the next 12 months.

Cyclopharm Managing Director and CEO James McBrayer highlighted the importance of the study as part of the company’s ‘Beyond PE’ strategy to expand Technegas’ applications across major respiratory diseases. The project also strengthens Cyclopharm’s position in precision medicine and next generation interventional lung procedures.