Kashmiri scientist leads global effort on lung fibrosis cure

Srinagar, Dec 25: A Kashmiri doctor has spearheaded the discovery of a groundbreaking potential cure for lung fibrosis, paving the way for aspiring scientists not only in Kashmir but across the world.

In an exclusive conversation with Greater Kashmir, Dr Muzamil Majid Khan shared his inspiring journey and insights from the small village in Baramulla to the renowned research hubs of Heidelberg into the drug that could transform the lives of millions worldwide.

A widely available cough suppressant, dextromethorphan, may hold the key to treating lung fibrosis, a serious condition that currently has no cure.

The discovery, part of a study published in the December 2024 issue of Science Translational Medicine, represents a major step forward in combating the disease, which affects over 7.61 lakh people in Europe alone, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Dr Khan, a Kashmiri scientist currently based at EMBL Heidelberg in Germany is the first author of the paper.

Lung fibrosis is caused by excessive scarring in the lungs due to an accumulation of collagen, leading to tissue stiffness, breathing difficulties, and, in severe cases, organ failure.

The risk factors include environmental irritants like asbestos, chemotherapy side effects, or autoimmune conditions.

Dr Khan and his colleagues aimed to identify effective treatments for the condition by repurposing existing drugs.

“We wanted to discover novel drugs for lung fibrosis, knowing the challenges of developing new ones. Dextromethorphan stood out during our screening of FDA-approved drugs,” Dr Khan said.

The research team employed cutting-edge techniques, including a “scar-in-a-jar” assay – an in vitro model that mimics the fibrotic scarring process.

This high-throughput screening method allowed them to identify dextromethorphan as a drug that inhibits collagen trafficking in cells.

Further studies using advanced technologies like proteomics, transcriptomics, and microscopy uncovered how the drug blocks the accumulation of collagen, reducing scarring in human lung fibroblasts, 3D-cultured lung tissues, and mouse models of lung fibrosis.

Collaborating with the Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg and Thoraxclinic, the team is now preparing for phase II clinical trials to evaluate dextromethorphan’s effects on human patients.

Dr Khan’s path to this groundbreaking discovery is as remarkable as the study itself.

Hailing from Hanjiwera Bala, a small village in Kashmir’s Baramulla district, his academic journey began in local schools before continuing in Srinagar.

He attended Public High School, Gogji Bagh, and Jawahar Nagar Higher Secondary School before earning his Bachelors in Science at SP College, Srinagar.

A turning point came when he secured a junior research position in the lab of the late Prof Obaid Siddiqi at NCBS, Bangalore.

This opportunity set the foundation for his scientific career.

Dr Khan pursued his PhD at the University of Heidelberg and now works as a staff scientist at EMBL Heidelberg, specialising in respiratory diseases and drug discovery.

His achievement underscores the importance of hard work, determination, and community support.

“It doesn’t matter which school or university you attend; what matters is your passion and persistence,” he advises young researchers from Kashmir. “Hard work never goes in vain, and the growing network of Kashmiri scientists around the world is here to guide and mentor those seeking support.”