Xplore’s mission is to find cures for lung diseases and to improve the quality of life for patients with lung diseases.
At Xplore, we focus on “important” questions. To us “important” means that there is a high likelihood for a given research project to result in clinical applications within 5-10 years.
Chronic lung disease of prematurity (or Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, BPD) is the main complications in babies born too early. BPD is a side effect of the treatments we use to help these early born babies to breathe until their lungs mature. Artificial ventilation (breathing machines) and supplemental oxygen help these babies survive, but at the same time damage their still growing lungs. This impedes the normal formation of the alveoli (the air sacs in the lung that allows the uptake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide) and the tiny blood vessels that run along these air sacs. Current follow-up studies suggest that BPD results in long-term breathing problems such as asthma and may be emphysema or pulmonary hypertension later in life.
By 2030, chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema are anticipated to become the third most common cause of death by 2030 (The global burden of disease: World Health Organization, Geneva, 2004 update).
Currently, there is no treatment for these diseases.
At Xplore, we investigate the mechanisms contributing to normal lung development. We use experimental models mimicking human lung diseases to explore how these mechanisms are perturbed during disease processes. From there, we derive new treatment strategies that we then test in experimental models in a pre-clinical fashion using lung function and structure as relevant endpoints to assess the efficacy and safety of these new treatments.
Our ultimate goal is to translate lab discoveries into improved patient care.
Since 2002, Xplore has investigated the role of angiogenic growth factors, stem cells and other growth factors to prevent/repair lung injury. Phase II clinical trials are anticipated by 2012 based on knowledge accumulated in our and other labs in collaboration with experts around the world.