Optimising experimental research in respiratory diseases: an ERS statement

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Translational Research
• Biomedical Ethics

Background:

• Experimental models are crucial for understanding lung diseases and developing drugs, but their clinical relevance and ethical implications (animal use) are often debated.
• Current models lack clear translational capacity, necessitating standardized approaches and ethical considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To issue a statement with research recommendations for lung disease models.
• To enhance the ethical standards and translational capacity of experimental research.
• To guide efficient resource utilization and reduce animal use in lung disease research.

Main Methods:

• Facilitated in-depth discussions among respiratory scientists.
• Conducted a literature overview of available lung disease models, focusing on benefits and limitations.
• Addressed general experimental research issues including ethics, species, sex, age, ex vivo/in vitro models, and gene editing.

Main Results:

• Developed research recommendations for modeling asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, lung infections, acute lung injury, and pulmonary hypertension.
• Highlighted the importance of using multiple models to strengthen result validity.
• Emphasized the need for increased availability of human tissues and standardized data quality.

Conclusions:

• Standardized, ethically considered experimental models are essential for advancing lung disease research and drug development.
• Adopting multiple models, human tissues, and robust data quality enhances research validity and translational capacity.
• This initiative aims to improve resource efficiency and ethical practices in lung disease research.