The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association will continued the organization’s growth as a leader in advancing care, research, and awareness of bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways
- Rebranding Announcement: Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 will rebrand as the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association to reflect its expanding role in care, research, and awareness.
- About the Diseases: Bronchiectasis affects over a million people worldwide, while NTM lung disease is growing by 8% annually in the US, both causing chronic lung issues and infections.
- Organizational Growth: The Association has expanded its leadership team, revamped its branding, and remains committed to advancing education, advocacy, and specialized care.
Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 has rebranded as the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association, according to a news release from the COPD Foundation. The rebranding reflects the organization’s continued growth as a leader in advancing care, research, and awareness of bronchiectasis and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease.
Bronchiectasis is a lesser-known chronic lung disease characterized by enlarged airways that are thickened and/or scarred. These permanently widened airways lead to a buildup of mucus and impaired clearance of bacteria from the lungs. Symptoms include frequent coughing with mucus, breathlessness, fatigue and unexplained fever and chills. It is estimated that more than 1 million people are diagnosed with bronchiectasis worldwide, and of those, 340,000 to 522,000 are adults in the United States.
NTM lung disease is characterized by recurring lung infections, causing significant damage to a person’s airways. Symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss. It is estimated that more than 200,000 people in the United States have NTM lung disease, with the number of new cases increasing 8% annually.
“We are thrilled to announce the rebranding of Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 to the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association,” said Elisha Malanga, Executive Director of the Association. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with partner organizations, reinforcing our dedication to the bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease communities by advancing high-quality, specialized care, support, research, and education to help people live longer, healthier lives.”
As part of the rebranding, the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association will unveil a new logo with updated colors. The website, educational resources, and other materials will be updated with the new brand over the next several months. The Bronchiectasis and NTM Association is functioning as a unit of the COPD Foundation.
In addition, the Bronchiectasis and NTM Association has expanded its clinical and scientific leadership team and formalize roles for several key leaders:
- Doreen Addrizzo-Harris, M.D., oversees the care delivery programs.
- Charles (Chuck) Daley, M.D., oversees the research programs.
- Timothy R. Aksamit, M.D., continues to oversee the awareness and education programs.
