Blog

What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

This blog post was authored by Lucinda Shore and reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Content Review and Evaluation Committee.As bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease become more common in the U.S., getting a quick, accurate diagnosis and expert care is very important. To help meet this need, the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association created the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network (CCN).The CCN connects people to medical centers throughout the U.S. that provide expert care and treatment, high-quality education, advice, and support for those living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. The CCN gives sites one of two designations:Care Center: These centers offer a clinical research program, treat hundreds of people with bronchiectasis and NTM, and provide direct access to specialists (like dietitians or psychologists) for immediate care.Clinical Associate Center (CAC): CACs provide high-quality, expert care, but may see fewer people with both conditions, may be less involved in research, and may not have access to specialists within the center.

Press Release

Bronchiectasis and NTM Association announces Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development meeting for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association today announced plans for an Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development (EL-PFDD) meeting for non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). This meeting is modeled after the Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) PFDD public meetings. Drug developers, FDA, and other stakeholders will be in attendance.NCFB is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation and chronic infection in which the airways become abnormally widened, thickened, and/or scarred. Once considered rare, NCFB is now recognized more widely as awareness, research, and advances in imaging have improved understanding of the disease. Although the first FDA-approved treatment for NCFB became available in 2025, significant challenges remain. Many people still face delays in diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and difficulties managing the disease’s daily impact.The NCFB EL-PFDD meeting will:Enhance understanding of how living with NCFB impacts daily life experiences;Capture diverse perspectives of the NCFB community to help foster timely and effective therapy development; andInform regulatory decision-making with insights on current care and treatment benefit needs.

Discussion

Flu Shot Reminder

Hello! Have you received your annual flu shot?It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only two weeks,2 days away. Flu vaccines take an average of two weeks to kick in and be fully effective. Protecting your lungs is especially important for BNTM patients. This preventative measure can go a long way- this can save you time, money, pharmacy visits, doctors appointments, labs, etc. Below is a a  🫁💉 2026–27 FLU VACCINE GUIDE FOR THE BRONCHIECTASIS & NTM COMMUNITYDid you know there are different types of flu vaccines?The information below is general education, not medical advice. Verify current 2026–27 details with the CDC⁠ or a healthcare professional.💉 WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?🔹 Standard-dose flu vaccineTraditional injectable flu vaccine. Available for many age groups. 🔹 Cell-based flu vaccineMade using animal cell culture rather than eggs. 🔹 Recombinant flu vaccine — FlublokMade using recombinant technology rather than growing influenza virus in eggs. 🔹 High-dose flu vaccine — Fluzone High-DoseDesigned for adults 65 and older. It contains more antigen than the standard-dose vaccine to produce a stronger immune response.🔹 Adjuvanted flu vaccine — FluadAlso designed for adults 65+. It contains an adjuvant, an ingredient intended to strengthen the body’s immune response to vaccination. 🔹 Nasal spray — FluMistA live-attenuated influenza vaccine for certain healthy people in specified age groups. It is not the routine choice for everyone and has important restrictions. If a preferred or enhanced vaccine is not available, ask a healthcare professional whether you should receive another age-appropriate flu vaccine rather than delay vaccination.🥚 WHAT IF I HAVE AN EGG ALLERGY?People with egg allergies can generally receive any flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age.🫁 WHAT SHOULD SOMEONE WITH BRONCHIECTASIS/NTM ASK?When you make your flu-shot appointment, ask:“Which 2026–27 flu vaccines are currently available, and which one is most appropriate for me given my age, health history, and lung disease?”Remember:➡️ Flu vaccination is generally recommended every year.➡️ Flu can be particularly serious for people with chronic lung disease.➡️ Flu vaccines cannot cause influenza.➡️ The goal isn’t just preventing the flu — it’s helping protect vulnerable lungs from potentially serious complications.➡️ Vaccine products, approvals, recommendations, and availability can change, so verify current information with the CDC or a healthcare professional.Protect your lungs. Protect your community. Always discuss your individual vaccine choice with your healthcare professional.It is not too late to get the flu shot! Please consider making an appointment today if you have not already done so. Stay safe and let’s try to make the best of the months ahead. 😍