Cedric Rutland, MD: Exploring Immunology's Role in Molecule Development

In immunology, the molecules matter, Cedric "Jamie" Rutland, MD, of West Coast Lung, Rutland Medical Group, said in an interview with HCPLive during the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2023 International Conference in Washington, DC.

Rutland presented breaking data from multiple studies on the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, type 2 inflammation in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the immunological aspects of interstitial lung disease (ILD).

"I think we have to switch our outlook on how we study disease and I don't think that we're there yet, but I think that that's 100% true," he said.

The pipeline molecules that are anticipated have an impact on the immune system, but they have the potential to provide more efficient treatment options and better patient outcomes, which Rutland said, is the main objective.

"The individuals who are not only studying disease but the individuals who receive this data and make decisions on products, have to start thinking about the immune system's response to whatever is causing this disease, right?" he said.

"When you start thinking about the immune system's response–if you can understand how the inflammation is taking place, how the process is taking place–then I think what can happen is, wherever you see this process taking place, despite what the disease is, you're allowed to use this molecule."