We’re Recruiting for a Clinical Trial of Interferon-Gamma (IFNγ)

We’re looking for people with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) to take part in an exciting clinical trial testing a new treatment approach using interferon-gamma (IFNγ) — a substance that could help the immune system fight the Aspergillus infection more effectively.

What is CPA?

CPA is a long-term lung infection caused by the fungus Aspergillus. It usually affects people with chronic lung diseases like COPD or those who’ve had tuberculosis (TB) in the past. Over time, CPA can cause:

  • Enlarging cavities in the lungs

  • Recurrent chest infections

  • Persistent coughing and fatigue

  • Worsening breathlessness and reduced quality of life

It’s a progressive condition and can be hard to diagnose early. Around 3,600 people are living with CPA in the UK. Without effective treatment, CPA can be life-limiting — up to 4 in 10 people may die within five years of diagnosis.

Current Treatment Challenges

Treatment typically involves long-term antifungal medication, but:

  • Only about 60% of patients improve

  • Treatment can be lifelong, with relapses common

  • There is only one class of oral antifungals available

  • Side effects and high costs are frequent problems

This is why we urgently need better treatment options.

Why Interferon-Gamma?

Our research suggests that many CPA patients may have a weakened immune response, particularly a lower production of interferon-gamma (IFNγ) — a natural substance that helps the body fight fungal infections like Aspergillus.

In small studies, giving IFNγ to patients who didn’t respond to antifungals showed fewer lung flares, fewer hospital stays, and better quality of life. It’s already used safely in other NHS treatments — now we want to explore its role in CPA.

What This Trial Involves

We’re running a randomised clinical trial to test IFNγ in CPA. Here’s what to expect:

  • You must be starting antifungal treatment for CPA

  • You’ll be randomly placed in one of two groups:

    • One group receives IFNγ + antifungals for 12 weeks

    • The other group receives antifungals only

  • We’ll monitor:

    • Changes in lung CT scans

    • Quality-of-life scores

    • Any side effects or problems with tolerability

The trial will include 50 participants in total (25 in each group) and is expected to run until August 2026.

Why Your Participation Matters

By joining this study, you’ll help us find out whether IFNγ could:

  • Improve treatment outcomes

  • Shorten the duration of therapy

  • Prevent relapses

  • Potentially benefit others with chronic lung diseases

If successful, this could lead to a larger trial and possibly a new standard treatment for CPA.

Interested in Taking Part?

You may be eligible if you:

  • Have been diagnosed with CPA

  • Are about to start antifungal treatment

  • Are willing to attend follow-up appointments for 12 weeks

👉 Click here for full details and how to take part

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