Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare lung disease which affects women of child bearing age of all ethnic groups. Women with LAM develop enlarged air spaces in the lungs (cysts), caused by an excess of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), protein-digesting enzymes.
LAM causes recurrent lung collapse, breathlessness and death or need for lung transplant and is also associated with kidney tumours, called angiomyolipomas. There is no proven treatment for LAM.
Doxycycline, a commonly used antibiotic, can block MMP production and a small number of patients have shown some benefit from doxycycline. We will perform a study to test if doxycycline can slow the fall in lung function in patients with LAM.
Such a study will take 3 years. We need to raise £50,000 as grants we are applying for will not meet the full cost of the trial.
If we raise more than we need, the excess money will go to other medical research into LAM, patient support and other general purposes.
If we raise less than £50,000 we will ring-fence the money and keep working until we have enough for the clinical trial.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: LAM Action will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
So please sponsor us now!
Many thanks for your support.
Everyone at LAM Action