Respiratory Today—May 8, 2026

LucidQuest

18 hours ago

This week’s Respiratory Research update highlights regulatory filings, advancing mid-stage respiratory trials, ATS 2026 data disclosures, and expanding detection and treatment strategies across pulmonary and infectious diseases.

In Today’s Newsletter

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💨 Mochida files MD-712 in Japan [1] [Japan • 30 Apr 2026]

https://www.mochida.co.jp/english/upload/docs/260430.pdf
Context: MD-712 is treprostinil dry powder for oral inhalation via a dedicated inhaler.
Key point: Mochida submitted MD-712 to Japan’s MHLW for PAH and PH-ILD.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🧫 Evotec wins Gates Foundation TB grants [2] [Germany • 30 Apr 2026]

https://www.evotec.com/news/evotec-receives-grants-to-advance-tuberculosis-treatment
Context: Two Gates Foundation grants total $4.9 million over 25 months and $5 million over 24 months.
Key point: Evotec will use AI-enabled discovery and translational platforms to advance TB candidates and regimens.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

🦠 Altesa brings vapendavir COPD data to ATS [3] [US • 30 Apr 2026]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/altesa-biosciences-selected-for-oral-presentation-at-the-american-thoracic-society-2026-international-congress-302758236.html
Context: The Phase 2a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial used a rhinovirus challenge in COPD.
Key point: Altesa will present vapendavir data on symptoms, quality of life, lung function, and viral load at ATS 2026.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🫁 Enanta to present RSV and STAT6 programs [4] [US • 04 May 2026]

https://www.stocktitan.net/news/ENTA/enanta-pharmaceuticals-to-present-data-for-its-respiratory-syncytial-4j70daqzdnxe.html
Context: Presentations cover zelicapavir for RSV and EPS-3903, an oral STAT6 inhibitor, for asthma biology.
Key point: Enanta will present Phase 2 zelicapavir and preclinical EPS-3903 data at ATS 2026.
Implication: Signals pipeline investment and modality expansion.

💊 Insmed lines up ARIKAYCE, BRINSUPRI, TPIP data [5] [US • 04 May 2026]

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insmed-to-present-data-across-its-respiratory-portfolio-including-late-breaking-arikayce-results-from-phase-3b-encore-study-at-the-american-thoracic-society-international-conference-2026-302760845.html&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1778136240501970&usg=AOvVaw2q_IoSaci_KbvAjUTh8K_o
Context: Insmed will present six abstracts across MAC lung disease, NCFB, PH-ILD, and TPIP.
Key point: Late-breaking ENCORE data will evaluate ARIKAYCE with multidrug therapy in newly diagnosed MAC lung infection.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🦠 Altesa starts Phase 2b CARDINAL [6] [US, UK • 05 May 2026]

https://forbion.com/news-insights/news/altesa-biosciences-enrolls-first-patient-in-phase-2b-cardinal-clinical-trial-evaluating-vapendavir-as-transformational-treatment-for-patients-with-copd-impacted-by-rhinovirus-the-leading-cause-of-exacerbations/
Context: CARDINAL is a randomized placebo-controlled trial in 900 COPD patients with rhinovirus infections.
Key point: Altesa enrolled the first patient and will evaluate vapendavir on symptoms, illness duration, quality of life, healthcare use, and lung function.
Implication: May influence prescriber choice and payer reviews pending full data.

🧬 Sanofi backs AlphaDetect for Alpha-1 detection [7] [US • 06 May 2026]

https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/sanofi-supports-alphadetect-to-accelerate-detection-of-alpha-1
Context: AlphaDetect is a nonprofit powered and funded by the Alpha-1 Foundation.
Key point: Sanofi became an inaugural sponsor to support broader Alpha-1 detection strategies and provider education.
Implication: May expand screening, initiation, and follow-up at scale.

Why it matters

ATS 2026 is a major disclosure point for respiratory antivirals, bronchiectasis, MAC lung disease, asthma biology, and PH-ILD.
Vapendavir is moving from COPD rhinovirus challenge data into a larger Phase 2b natural-infection trial.
Treprostinil inhaled options remain active in PAH and PH-ILD, with Mochida filing MD-712 in Japan and Insmed advancing TPIP evidence.
AlphaDetect and Sanofi highlight the push to close Alpha-1 testing gaps in COPD, asthma, and unexplained liver disease.

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FAQ

What is MD-712 from Mochida Pharmaceutical?

MD-712 is treprostinil inhalation powder submitted in Japan for PAH and PH-ILD. It uses single-dose cartridges and a dedicated inhaler. [1]

What will Evotec do with the Gates Foundation grants?

Evotec will support TB small-molecule discovery and nonclinical characterization of next-generation TB drug combinations. [2]

What is Altesa’s CARDINAL trial testing?

CARDINAL is testing vapendavir in COPD patients with rhinovirus infections, with symptoms as the primary objective and other endpoints including quality of life and lung function. [6]

What is Enanta presenting at ATS 2026?

Enanta will present zelicapavir Phase 2 RSV data and EPS-3903 oral STAT6 inhibitor data in asthma models and distribution studies. [4]

What is Insmed’s ENCORE study?

ENCORE is a Phase 3b study of ARIKAYCE with multidrug therapy in newly diagnosed MAC lung disease. [5]

What is AlphaDetect?

AlphaDetect is a nonprofit organization focused on accelerating detection of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Sanofi is an inaugural sponsor. [7]

Entities / Keywords

Mochida Pharmaceutical, MD-712, treprostinil, TYVASO DPI, TREPROST, PAH, PH-ILD, MHLW
Evotec, Gates Foundation, tuberculosis, TB, AI-enabled drug discovery, long-acting injectables
Altesa BioSciences, vapendavir, CARDINAL, COPD, rhinovirus, ATS 2026
Enanta Pharmaceuticals, zelicapavir, RSV, EPS-3903, STAT6 inhibitor, asthma
Insmed, ARIKAYCE, amikacin liposome inhalation suspension, ENCORE, BRINSUPRI, brensocatib, ASPEN, TPIP, MAC lung disease, NCFB
Sanofi, AlphaDetect, Alpha-1 Foundation, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, COPD, treatment-resistant asthma, liver disease