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Testing Ensifentrine for Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

A Phase II, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled Study of Ensifentrine in Subjects With Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

Phase 2 Interventional Verona Pharma, Inc., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. (Rahway, New Jersey USA · NCT06559150

This study tests if a new inhaled medication called ensifentrine can help people with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis feel better and have fewer lung problems compared to standard treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment284 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorVerona Pharma, Inc., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. (Rahway, New Jersey USA Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionsadalimumab, dupilumab, methotrexate
Locations51 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 50 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06559150 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of ensifentrine inhalation suspension in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. It is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where participants will receive either the active medication or a placebo via nebulizer twice daily for at least 24 weeks. The primary goal is to assess the impact on pulmonary exacerbations, symptoms, and quality of life compared to standard care. Participants will be monitored until a specified number of pulmonary exacerbations occur.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with a clinical history of bronchiectasis confirmed by chest CT and who meet specific inclusion criteria regarding reproductive health.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a confirmed diagnosis of bronchiectasis or those with other underlying respiratory conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce pulmonary exacerbations and improve the quality of life for patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar inhalation therapies, suggesting potential for success with this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males are eligible to participate if they agree to use contraception as described in the contraceptive guidance from Screening and throughout the study and for at least 30 days after the last dose of blinded study medication
* Females are eligible to participate if they are not pregnant, not breastfeeding, and 1 of the following conditions apply:

  1. Not a woman of childbearing potential (WOCBP) OR
  2. A WOCBP who agrees to follow the contraceptive guidance from Screening throughout the study and for at least 30 days after the last dose of blinded study medication
* Clinical history consistent with bronchiectasis (cough, chronic sputum production, and/or recurrent respiratory infections) confirmed by chest CT demonstrating bronchiectasis affecting 1 or more lobes. Confirmation may be based on prior chest CT within the prior 5 years; subjects whose past CT image records are not available will require chest CT scan during screening Notes: If a subject has no clinical history consistent with bronchiectasis, they may not be re-screened
* Current sputum producer with a history of chronic expectoration and able to provide sputum sample spontaneously at the clinic during screening
* ≥ 1 documented pulmonary exacerbation defined by an antimicrobial prescription (i.e., antibiotic or antiviral) by a physician for the signs and symptoms of respiratory infections in the past 12 months before screening
* Capable of using the study nebulizer correctly
* Ability to perform acceptable spirometry in accordance with American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society guidelines as assessed by the Investigator

Exclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of COPD or a primary diagnosis of asthma, as judged by the investigator
* Bronchiectasis due to cystic fibrosis, primary hypogammaglobulinemia common variable immunodeficiency, severe immunodeficiency, or requirement for treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin
* Current smoker defined as by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
* Meets both of the following

  1. Former cigarette smokers with a history of cigarette smoking ≥ 10 pack years at Screening \[number of pack years = (number of cigarettes per day / 20) × number of years smoked (e.g., 20 cigarettes per day for 10 years, or 10 cigarettes per day for 20 years)\]. Pipe and/or cigar use cannot be used to calculate pack-year history. Former smokers are defined as those who have stopped smoking for at least 6 months prior to Screening AND
  2. Evidence within 1 year prior to randomization of obstructed lung function as shown by forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio of \< 0.70
* A diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is not exclusionary. Subjects with a diagnosis of PCD are permitted to be enrolled, but the proportion of subjects with PCD enrolled in the study may be limited
* Current treatment for nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infection, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, or tuberculosis
* Presence of acute exacerbation or acute infection that required acute treatment within 28 days of randomization
* Use of the following prohibited medications within the designated time periods:

  1. Chronic, systemic immunomodulatory agents for any chronic indication (including but not limited to the following: methotrexate, systemic corticosteroids, see adalimumab, azathioprine, dupilumab, cyclosporine, hydroxychloroquine, etc.) within 90 days prior to signing the ICF
  2. CFTR modulators (e.g., ivacaftor, lumacaftor, tezacaftor) within 1 week prior to signing the ICF
  3. Theophylline and oral PDE4 inhibitors (e.g., roflumilast, apremilast, crisaborole) within 48 hours prior to signing the ICF
  4. Ohtuvayre at any time prior to signing the ICF
* Initiated or altered therapy within 90 days prior to randomization with:

  1. oral or inhaled antibiotics as chronic treatment (including macrolides)
  2. Cyclic antibiotics: defined as prescribed regular cycles of on antibiotic treatment and off antibiotic treatment (for example, but not limited to, 28 days on an antibiotic and 28 days off an antibiotic). Note: Subjects on cyclic antibiotics must be actively taking antibiotics for at least 7 days prior to randomization through the day of randomization
  3. Dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP1) or cathepsin C (CatC) inhibitor (e.g., brensocatib)
* Initiated or altered therapy with ICS within 4 weeks prior to randomization
* Unable to withhold short-acting beta-agonists or short-acting muscarinic antagonists for ≥ 4 hours prior to spirometry
* Significant hemoptysis (≥ 300 mL or requiring blood transfusion) within 6 weeks prior to randomization
* Currently participating in or scheduled to participate in an intensive pulmonary rehabilitation program (a maintenance rehabilitation program is allowed if their schedule and procedure will be consistent for the duration of the study)
* Current or chronic history of unstable liver disease defined by the presence of ascites, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, hypoalbuminemia, esophageal or gastric varices or persistent jaundice, cirrhosis, or known hepatic or biliary abnormalities except for Gilbert syndrome or asymptomatic gallstones Note: Chronic stable hepatitis B and C is not exclusionary if the subject otherwise meets study entry criteria
* History of or current malignancy of any organ system, treated or untreated within the past 5 years, except for localized basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
* Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \< 30 mL/min
* Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥ 2 × upper limit of normal (ULN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≥ 2 × ULN, alkaline phosphatase and/or bilirubin \> 1.5 × ULN (isolated bilirubin \> 1.5 × ULN is acceptable only in subjects with a diagnosis of Gilbert's syndrome)
* Participation in any other interventional, clinical studies (drugs or devices) within 30 days, or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer, prior to signing the ICF
* Intolerance of or hypersensitivity to ensifentrine or any of its excipients/components
* Current or history of drug or alcohol abuse within the past 5 years
* Significantly abnormal ECG finding

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 50 other locations

+1 more sites — see ClinicalTrials.gov for the full list.

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Non-cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.