Six projects, one shared goal
Thanks to funding from Health~Holland (a top sector initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affiars), UMC Utrecht is joining forces with Amsterdam UMC, the Dutch Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the PCD patient organization, and the Long Alliance Netherlands to develop and bring innovative treatments to patients with hereditary lung diseases like Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD).
PRO-LONG brings together six closely connected projects that are working to improve the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with CF and PCD. Each project focuses on a different challenge: from developing new gene therapies and improving diagnostics to creating safer prenatal testing and strengthening PCD care. By sharing knowledge, expertise and research methods, the projects reinforce each other and work together towards a common goal: bringing innovative solutions closer to the patients. All projects started on April 1, 2026.
BEAT CF | Exploring how existing medicines can improve the effectiveness of gene therapy for CF
CILIANALYSIS | Developing advanced microscopy techniques to better understand cilia and improve the diagnosis and treatment of PCD
DIAGNOSE-PCD | Using advanced DNA, RNA and functional testing to help solve genetically unexplained causes of PCD
HEAL-PCD | Developing and testing new gene therapies for PCD using patient-specific airway cell models
NIPD-CF | Developing a non-invasive prenatal blood test for CF and PCD, offering a safer alternative to current invasive testing
PCD-ZON | Improving PCD care in the Netherlands through a national patient registry, standardized care pathways and greater awareness
Together, these six projects form one connected program. Through close collaboration and regular knowledge-sharing, PRO-LONG combines expertise across disciplines to accelerate innovation and improve the lives of people with hereditary lung diseases.
