Message from the Chair

Welcome to the inaugural issue of imPACT, the official newsletter of the Pulmonary fibrosis Australasian Clinical Trials (PACT) network! Never before has there been such an exciting time in the field of pulmonary fibrosis research. The new antifibrotic treatments are well established on the therapeutic map and there is real momentum driving the development of new, potentially even more effective, breakthrough treatments. The PACT Steering Committee is delighted that Australasia is at the forefront of these advances, with many Australian and New Zealand patients already participating in the latest clinical trials, and our researchers and clinicians driving innovation and discovery.

PACT’s mission is simple – we connect individuals to create a vibrant community of patients, families, loved ones, clinicians and researchers who all share the common goal of defeating pulmonary fibrosis by sharing reliable and up-to-date information about pulmonary fibrosis research. PACT is the result of a powerful collaboration between the Centre for Research Excellence in Pulmonary Fibrosis, funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, and Lung Foundation Australia. On behalf of the PACT Steering Committee I would like to thank Mark Brooke, LFA’s CEO, for the tremendous support that he and his team have provided to ensure that PACT achieves its mission.

Over coming months we very much look forward to sharing with you the latest in pulmonary fibrosis clinical trials, giving you the low down on what makes some of our lead researchers tick, and introducing you to new PACT/CRE-PF initiatives such as our consumer advisory group. I very much hope you enjoy this first issue of imPACT!

Prof Dan Chambers
PACT Chair