Celerion has expanded its respiratory therapeutic capabilities with the addition of a dedicated bronchoscopy suite at its Belfast, Northern Ireland facility. The Bronchoscopy Suite allows bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to be performed in the clinic using study participants from Celerion’s extensive database.
 
The Bronchoscopy Suite enhances the company’s ability to explore the expression and quantification of protein biomarkers within the fluid lining of the lower respiratory tract. BAL samples can be analyzed for a panel of customized biomarkers and helps to provide a more comprehensive picture of the performance of potential airway drug candidates.
 
“Celerion has successfully conducted a number of studies that include mild to moderate and severe asthmatics, COPD and cystic fibrosis patients. Due to an increasing demand from clients for analysis of BAL samples, the dedicated Bronchoscopy Suite offers on-site access to this procedure,” said Phil Bach, vice president of Clinical Research at Celerion. “This investment continues to demonstrate Celerion’s response to the market’s increasing demand for conducting Phase I studies in patients with access to more specialized techniques.”