Owlstone SEND-CF Project WP4 v1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An observational, laboratory-based analysis study conducted at Owlstone Medical Ltd, working with human biological samples (Breath and Sputum) and data only from the SEND-CF Trial.
IRAS ID
363916
Contact name
Kate Charnley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Owlstone Medical Ltd
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 24 days
Research summary
This study will analyse breath and sputum (mucus) samples from people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) to look for substances that might help identify lung infections more easily. The research will take place at Owlstone Medical Ltd in the United Kingdom and will use samples already collected as part of the SEND-CF Trial, which is being carried out at clinical sites in the United States. No new participants will be recruited for this study.
CF is a genetic condition that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, making people prone to long-term infections, including those caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Detecting these infections early can help doctors choose the best treatments and prevent worsening lung damage.
In this project, researchers will measure tiny chemical compounds in breath and sputum called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds can provide clues about what is happening inside the lungs. The samples will be analysed using a technique called gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), which can detect and measure hundreds of VOCs.
By comparing VOC patterns in people with and without Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, the study aims to find chemical “signatures” that could act as markers of infection. This could help develop future breath-based tests to monitor CF lung health more easily and without the need for invasive procedures.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
25/NS/0145
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion