Revolutionising treatment of lung disease
Media event date: 30 June 2026 Date published: 30 June 2026 Media type: Media release General public The Australian Government is providing more than $15 million to Monash University and Atisama Therapeutics to revolutionise the treatment of chronic lung disease with the clinical development of a novel inhaled RNA medicine. The inhaled therapy has the potential to transform the management of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which affects at least 1 in 20 adults and 1 in 10 Indigenous Australians over 40 years old.
Current treatment, focuses on managing symptoms, whereas this new innovative medicine will be developed to slow functional decline, prevent disease exacerbations and improve long-term outcomes. To combat chronic lung disease, the RNA therapy is breathed into the lungs using a nebuliser device, where it acts to suppress the inflammation and scarring that drives disease progression.
The therapy belongs to a novel transformative class of medicines, pioneered in Australia, that enables precision treatment for lung diseases. Led by Professor Merlin Thomas, the team will evaluate the inhaled therapy’s safety, tolerability, and effectiveness in humans for the first time, starting with clinical trials. The grant is one of 81 recently awarded through the Medical Research Future Fund totalling almost $270 million for a wide range of research projects including First Nations health, Alzheimer’s disease detection and treatment, adolescent mental health, stem cell treatments and more.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler: “This research has the potential to transform how lung disease is treated not only in Australia, but worldwide. “The Albanese Government is proud to support researchers to pursue big ideas that puts Australian medical research at the forefront. “This therapy could offer more relief and hope for the more than 9 million people in Australia living with lung disease.” Quotes attributable to Professor Thomas: “My team is both excited and confident about this new therapy.
“One in three Australians have a chronic lung disease and face lasting problems with their health. “Currently available treatments can reduce some symptoms, but don't prevent the progressive loss of lung function that makes people with lung disease increasingly short of breath. “With the support of the MRFF Frontier program, Monash University together with Atisama Therapeutics is developing a new inhaled treatment for chronic lung disease that could alleviate this burden.” The Hon Mark Butler MP Health data and medical research Accessibility We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community.
We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present. © Commonwealth of Australia