COPD Foundation and NTM Info & Research Launch BronchandNTM360social.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 10, 2016 – The COPD Foundation in partnership with NTM Info & Research, today announced the launch of BronchandNTM360social.org, an online, global social networking platform for individuals affected by bronchiectasis and/or nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease – two of the most common forms of which are Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) and Mycobacterium Abscessus. Bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease are respiratory conditions that often co-exist with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Collectively, bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease affect hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide.
Following the success of the COPD360social.org online platform, bronchiectasis and NTM communities expressed the critical need for a dedicated social networking website designed specifically for their patients. "We are pleased to partner with the COPD Foundation to offer yet another valuable resource to patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease," said Philip Leitman, President and co-founder of NTM Info & Research.
The site will serve as a hub for educational information, ongoing research information, and other details of interest to the community. The COPD Foundation is leveraging its own experience in the development, management and infrastructure of COPD360social.org to create a comprehensive tool to meet the growing needs of the bronchiectasis and NTM community worldwide.
“We are excited to support bringing this social networking tool to patients living with bronchiectasis and NTM lung disease. Insmed is dedicated to raising awareness of NTM and we appreciate the importance of connecting patients with one another, with educational resources, and with experts in this field," said George Georges, MD, FCCP; VP, Medical Affairs, Insmed.
The forum component of BronchandNTM360social.org will provide patients with an environment to offer support and share experiences with one another. Patients and interested parties will also have a unique opportunity to connect with subject matter experts, including medical professionals, researchers, and thought-leaders in the field. The primary objective of BronchandNTM360social.org is to provide a comfortable environment for ongoing interaction between a network of patients and researchers.
“The COPD Foundation is proud to partake in the development of BronchandNTM360social.org, as we believe the site will serve an underrepresented sub-group within the COPD community. The COPD Foundation has invested significant resources to build its technical infrastructure, and we believe it is important to use our experience as a model for BronchandNTM360social to improve access to care and education. The COPD Foundation is grateful to Insmed, Inc. for their support of the creation of BronchandNTM360social,” said Craig Kephart, Executive Director of the COPD Foundation.
Visit www.BronchandNTM360social.org to join the community.