Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune Partners with Boston University and Johns Hopkins University for Collaborative Research on Post TB Lung Disease

Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, a leading institution in medical education and research is proud to announce a collaboration with the prestigious Boston University, USA and Johns Hopkins University (JHU), USA to launch a one of a kind research study titled “Phenotype, Progression, and Immune Correlates of Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease (Post TB Lung Disease – PTLD)”. The study, which is funded by National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA aims to address key knowledge gaps in understanding of PTLD by characterizing its phenotype, progression, and immune correlates.

Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre has immensely contributed to various key research on tuberculosis, diabetes and antimicrobial resistance over the past decade in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, USA and is now extending this research collaboration legacy with Boston University, USA with this research study. Tuberculosis (TB) is among the leading infectious killers worldwide with over 10 million new cases and 1.5 million deaths in 2020. India accounts for over a quarter of the global TB burden with an estimated 2.7 million incident cases and over 400,000 deaths each year. Despite successful TB treatment 50 to 75% TB cases have spirometry defined lung function defects and are at 3-fold higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) independent of smoking.

Post-TB lung disease (PTLD) may phenotypically differ from COPD. Longitudinal studies are needed to characterize the natural history of PTLD and identify inflammatory markers of persistent lung injury.The key objective of this research study is to identify and analyze long term pulmonary effects and guide advanced diagnostic methodologies as well as treatment that can prevent post-TB Lung diseases at an early stage. The collaboration is set to work on innovative treatment protocols and rehabilitation strategies tailored to improve the lives of post TB patients.

Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee and Treasure of Dr.  D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth ( Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “This partnership with Boston University reiterates our commitment to advancing global health through cutting-edge research. We believe this study will pave the way for new approaches in treating and managing Post TB Lung diseases, benefiting patients in India and around the world. Collaborating with Johns Hopkins University presents an exciting opportunity for groundbreaking advancements in the medical field since both institutions boast of a rich history of academic excellence and research prowess.We look forward to further strengthening our partnership through future research initiatives that benefit people worldwide.”

Dr. M.S Barthwal, Professor and HOD, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, said, “Tuberculosis, a major global health challenge, continues to impact millions of lives worldwide. These post TB lung diseases have been under researched, leaving a significant gap in our knowledge of the condition. Our institution’s collaboration with Boston University  seeks to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive study that explores the clinical, pathological, and socio-economic dimensions of post TB lung conditions.”

During this occasion, Dr. Rajabhau Yeole, representative from State TB Office, said, “Addressing the long term-health impact of tuberculosis is a critical step in our fight against this disease. The collaboration between Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune and Boston University and Johns Hopkins University to launch a research study on this is a significant milestone. This partnership will not only improve public health but also pave way to some ground-breaking discoveries that will definitely help TB patients globally all over India. We are sure that this research study will provide valuable insights and contribute to enhancing the quality of life of patients affected by TB.”

Dr. Akshay Gupte, Principal Investigator from Boston University, stated, “We are very happy about the alliance with one of the leading research institutes in India. This research study on Post-TB lung diseases is not just about gaining scientific knowledge but more importantly it is about improving the lives of the individuals who suffer the lasting effects of this disease. The findings from this research will help us change their lives for the better.”

Dr. Vidya Mave (Director Johns Hopkins India), Dr. Nishi Suryavanshi (Deputy Director Johns Hopkins India) and Dean Dr. Bhawalkar, Dr. Kakrani (Director Academic Collaboration), Dr. Barthwal MS (Prof. and HOD Pulmonary Medicine), Dr. Parag Ratnakar (Director CCL), Dr. Khaladkar (Prof. and HOD Radiology) and Dr. Mirza (Associate Professor, Mircobiolgoy) from Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College attended this meeting. The research study will be conducted at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College’s state of the art research facility. This alliance with Boston University and John Hopkins University is set to produce groundbreaking results in two years.

About Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune: 

Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Center, Pimpri, Pune follows

international benchmarks that are performance-driven as well as patient-centric, strongly backed by evidence-based medical expertise. We are NABH and NABL accredited and have been certified as a Green Hospital by the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI). Additionally, we hold the 15th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The university has been awarded A++ status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and is an ISO 2015 certified organization (ISO 9001: 2015).